Naoe clan

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The Naoe clan (直江氏, Naoe shi^?) was a family of well-established repute that rose to prominence during the early Sengoku Period of the 16th century, and followed with furthered reputation within the 17th century of Japan. Being of direct descent to the Nakahara--a loyal retainer family that served under the mutual support of Minamoto no Yoritomo, creator of the Kamakura Shogunate following the Heian Period's end--the Naoe thrived in the province of Echigo, at which they would then become vassals to the prominent and powerful clan of Nagao throughout the 16th century's beginning. As Uesugi Kenshin, the leading figure over the Nagao, assumed 'Uesugi' as the new title name for his clan in 1561, the Naoe diversified themselves before the eyes of Kenshin primarily due to the actions of Naoe Kanetsugu, a commander among others that dramatically assisted the former's aspirations against the allies who intended to support the Tokugawa and its growing hold over Japan. Expanding his mutual assistance to Uesugi Kagekatsu following Kenshin's passing, they would eventually submit to Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1601, at which the Naoe clan was granted a small fief of 60,000 - Kagekatsu's being 300,000 - within the district city of Yonezawa. By such means, the Naoe remained at such a steady level of influence and would support Kagekatsu's selectable few feats under the Tokugawa Shogunate upon the beginning of the Edo period, obtaining variable minor benefits as a result.

[edit] References

1. Naoe clan - SamuraiWiki. (Samurai Archives) FWSeal & CEWest, 2005