was a Japanese samurai of the Sengoku period

Sengoku period

The or Warring States period in Japanese history was a time of social upheaval, political intrigue, and nearly constant military conflict that lasted roughly from the middle of the 15th century to the beginning of the 17th century. The name "Sengoku" was adopted by Japanese historians in reference...

. A high-ranking retainer of the Uesugi clan

Uesugi clan

The was a Japanese samurai clan, descended from the Fujiwara clan and particularly notable for their power in the Muromachi and Sengoku periods ....

 Katsunaga was one of the Kita-Echigo no Kokuninshu (北越後の国人衆; 'Countrymen of Northern Echigo'), and was considered as one of the most respected men under Uesugi Kenshin

Uesugi Kenshin

was a daimyo who ruled Echigo province in the Sengoku period of Japan.He was one of the most powerful lords of the Sengoku period. While chiefly remembered for his prowess on the battlefield, Kenshin is also regarded as an extremely skillful administrator who fostered the growth of local industries...

. He saw action at the 4th Battle of Kawanakajima of 1561 and the Battle of Sano in the region of Kozuke in 1563 among others. For his distinction in battle at Kawanakajima he was granted Hirabayashi Castle.

Katsunaga died when attempting to confront the uprising of Honjo Shigenaga

Honjo Shigenaga

was a Japanese samurai of the Azuchi-Momoyama Period through Edo Period, who served the Uesugi clan. He held the court title Echizen no kami.Shigenaga fought at the Battle of Kawanakajima....

 in 1569.

His sons included Irobe Akinaga and Irobe Nagazane.

External links

• History of Hirabayashi Castle (in Japanese)
• Irobe family information (in Japanese)