Taira no Masakado

Taira no Masakado was a prominent 10th-century Japanese warrior and noble who led a rebellion against the central imperial government during the Heian period. He was originally a provincial governor but became a leader of samurai insurgents seeking regional autonomy. His uprising challenged the authority of the emperor and aristocracy, making him a controversial and legendary figure in Japanese history. Ultimately, Masakado was killed in 940, but his revolt signified rising samurai power and laid groundwork for future military shifts in Japan.