Rusu Masakage

Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Rusu Masakage

Role / Field:

A samurai retainer of the Date clan during Japan's tumultuous Sengoku and Azuchi-Momoyama periods.

Born:

1549

Died:

1607-02-28

Century / Era:

1549s Historical Era

Database Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Origins & Early Life

Rusu Masakage (留守 政景; 1549 – February 28, 1607) was a Japanese samurai of the Sengoku period through Azuchi-Momoyama period. Served as a retainer of the Date clan Masakage was the uncle of the famous Date Masamune. Masakage, or as he was first known, Rokurō, was the son of Date Harumune. He was later adopted by Rusu Akimune, head of the Rusu clan which governed Miyagi district.

Career & Major Achievements

In 1568, he married the daughter of Kurokawa "Sama-no-Kami" Haruuji, lord of the Kurokawa district (later known as Aizu). Masakage contributed very highly to the Date clan by defending it from many oppositions. He was participate at the Siege of Hasedō in 1600, also involved in the succession dispute.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Masakage was extremely close to Masamune, as one of his top subordinates, bringing him to many victories. The greatest victory he brought to Masamune was in the "Kasai-Osaki Uprising" or Ōshū campaign along with Yashiro Kageyori. In NHK's 1987 Taiga drama Dokuganryū Masamune, Masakage was played by Kyōzō Nagatsuka.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1549: Birth of Rusu Masakage — A samurai retainer of the Date clan during Japan's tumultuous Sengoku and Azuchi-Momoyama periods.
2. 1568: 1568 Milestone — In 1568, he married the daughter of Kurokawa "Sama-no-Kami" Haruuji, lord of the Kurokawa district (later known as Aizu).
3. 1600: 1600 Milestone — He was participate at the Siege of Hasedō in 1600, also involved in the succession dispute.
4. 1607 (1607-02-28): Passing & Historical Legacy — Rusu Masakage passed away on 1607-02-28, leaving an enduring historical legacy.
5. 1987: 1987 Milestone — In NHK's 1987 Taiga drama Dokuganryū Masamune, Masakage was played by Kyōzō Nagatsuka.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Rusu Masakage

True or False: “Rusu Masakage was primarily known for his military achievements in the Edo period.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): Masakage's primary activities occurred during the Sengoku and Azuchi-Momoyama periods, preceding the establishment of the stable Edo period.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Rusu Masakage