Nagano Narimasa

Nagano Narimasa (長野成政, 1491–1561) was a Japanese samurai retainer of the Uesugi clan during the Sengoku period and lord of Gunma. He was known for building Minowa Castle in 1526, and his skill at castle defense He also employed the famous spearman Kamiizumi Nobutsuna who founded the Shinkage-ryū swordsmanship school. He served prominently during the attack of Yamanaka Castle, held by Hōjō Ujiyasu, and when he defended Minowa Castle against Takeda Shingen for no less than seven years. Only after his death did the castle fall to Shingen. According to Shōden Shinkage-ryū, there were 16 retainers under him which were called the "Sixteen Spears of Nagano House". Among them, Kamiizumi Nobutsuna was listed as one of the best.

He gave shelter to Yukitaka Sanada after Yukitaka defeated by Murakami Yoshikiyo, a Daimyo of Shinano in 1541

The records of Chōnen-ji, the temple where Nagano was buried, dates his death to 1566.