Kagemusha

In 1571, during the Sengoku period, the powerful daimyō Takeda Shingen encounters a thief whose life had recently been spared from crucifixion by Shingen's brother, Nobukado. Captivated by the thief's remarkable resemblance to him, Shingen considers using the thief as a *kagemusha*, or political decoy.

The Takeda army engages in a military siege against a castle governed by Tokugawa Ieyasu. As the battle intensifies, Shingen remains focused on his strategic goals, but his life is about to take a tragic turn.

During the siege, Shingen is unexpectedly shot while captivated by the haunting sound of a flute from the enemy camp. The injury proves fatal, prompting him to order a retreat and conceal his death for three years.

Shingen's order for his generals to conceal his death for three years sets a complex plan into motion. As rivals including Oda Nobunaga and Tokugawa Ieyasu speculate on the implications of Shingen's withdrawal, they remain unaware that he has already succumbed to his injuries.

Nobukado introduces the thief to Shingen’s generals, advocating for the idea of the thief impersonating Shingen. Initially, the generals are skeptical but accept the plan as a necessary strategy to maintain their advantage.

In a fateful moment, the thief mistakenly discovers Shingen's preserved body encased in a jar, believing it to be treasure. This surreal encounter leaves the thief shocked, as he realizes the gravity of the situation he has entered.

As tensions mount, the jar containing Shingen's body is accidentally dropped into Lake Suwa, witnessed by spies from Tokugawa and Oda. This incident ignites suspicion among rival forces regarding Shingen's fate.

Overhearing the spies, the clever thief offers to continue serving as *kagemusha* to the Takeda army. His quick decision solidifies his position in the clan, while the Takeda spin a story about a ritual honoring the lake's god to assuage suspicions.

Now at the Takeda stronghold, the kagemusha begins to emulate Shingen’s mannerisms to deceive his retinue. He is strategically advised by Nobukado to remain silent during council meetings until a consensus is reached, showcasing his adaptability.

In a crucial moment, Katsuyori challenges the kagemusha's capabilities during a clan meeting, testing his knowledge as Shingen's son grows increasingly frustrated. Despite the pressure, the kagemusha rises to the occasion and impresses the generals.

By 1573, Nobunaga intensifies his efforts against Azai Nagamasa, continuing his campaign to secure Kyoto against rising opposition. This sets off a chain of events that impacts the already fragile Takeda clan.

In a bold move, Katsuyori disregards the counsel of his generals and leads a counter-attack against enemy forces in the Battle of Takatenjin. The kagemusha steps up to lead the troops, leveraging his newfound confidence to inspire a victorious rally.

Despite a victorious battle, the kagemusha's overconfidence leads him to ride Shingen’s unpredictable horse and he is unceremoniously thrown off. Observers notice he lacks Shingen's battle scars, ultimately revealing his identity as the impostor.

Following the kagemusha’s unmasking, Katsuyori seizes the opportunity to assert his leadership over the Takeda clan. This shift contributes to the clan's instability as rival forces sense a weakness to exploit.

In 1575, during a desperate counterattack against Nobunaga at Nagashino, the kagemusha, now fully aware of the stakes, charges bravely into battle. Mortally wounded, he struggles to recover the clan's fūrinkazan banner, ultimately succumbing to injuries as his body is swept away in a turbulent river.