Maeda Toshimasu , better known as Maeda Keiji or Keijirō (慶次郎), was a Japanese samurai lord of the Sengoku period through early Edo period. He was the nephew of Maeda Toshiie and Maeda Matsu. In legends and fictions, he is one of the most celebrated kabukimono of the time period who is known for his monstrous height and his peerless strength. Toshimasu's horse and companion, Matsukaze, was one of the most famous warhorses in Japan.
An ukiyo-e print of Maeda Keijirō, by Utagawa Yoshiiku, 19th Century.
Toshimasu Maeda's armor
Maeda Toshiie was one of the leading generals of Oda Nobunaga following the Sengoku period of the 16th century extending to the Azuchi–Momoyama period. His preferred weapon was a yari and he was known as "Yari no Mataza" (槍の又左), Matazaemon (又左衛門) being his common name. He was a member of the so-called Echizen Sanninshu along with Sassa Narimasa and Fuwa Mitsuharu. The highest rank from the court that he received is the Great Counselor Dainagon.
Maeda Toshiie
Maeda Toshiie's birthplace monument(Nakagawa-ku, Nagoya)
Statue of Maeda Toshiie
Grave of Maeda clan at Mount Kōya