Masanobu Kōsaka

Masanobu Kōsaka is one of the Three Best Masters of the Takeda and Shingen's male lover. He is also the alleged author of the Kōyō Gunkan, a record surrounding the Takeda's rise to prominence.

Role in Games
As a generic officer in the Samurai Warriors series, Masanobu participates in many of Shingen's battles. In Samurai Warriors 2, he is among those willing to fight to the death in the "Fall of the Takeda" stage.

Historical Information
Upon entering the service of the Takeda, the young Masanobu started out as one of Shingen's pages. They entered a shudo relationship in 1543 which had been confirmed by a letter from Shingen pledging his love and devotion to the youth.

He was eventually tasked with guarding the northern paths of their territory from the hostile Uesugi. His success in this duty earned him a solid reputation as well as a fief worth 75,000 koku. As one of the Three Danjō of the Takeda, Masanobu was known for his prudent style of command and efficient withdrawals.

He proved to be instrumental in the fourth skirmish at Kawanakajima by warning Shingen of the Uesugi's movements via signal fires and attacking their enemy's positions on Mt. Saijô. Upon learning of Kenshin's immediate departure, he swiftly fought his way through to aid Shingen. During the Nagashino Campaign, he led troops to protect Takeda Katsuyori's rearguard when the latter had been forced to retreat by the Oda.

In contrast to his intimate bond with Shingen, Masanobu was rather critical of Katsuyori's capabilities and he in turn was often neglected. After being forced to retire in 1578, he succumbed to illness and his sons survived the downfall of the Takeda.