Geki Magohachi (mid 15th-early 16th centuries) was a minor figure in the military history of Japan who enjoyed popularity during the Meiji period (1868-1912). Yoshitoshi depicts him here dodging blazing bullets, which were not common in Geki's time. By placing Geki in a modern context with updated costume and rifle fire, Yoshitoshi accentuates the historical connection between samurai like Geki and modern soldiers. Geki contributed to the Kôyô Gunkan (completed 1616), a history of the Takeda clan that detailed military tactics, which later became an important document for historians. After the downfall of the Takeda, Geki served Uesugi Kagekatsu (1556-1625), a descendant of Uesugi Kenshin (1530-1578), the arch-nemesis of Geki's previous master, Takeda Shingen (1521-1578). Geki's change of allegiancesets him apart from most of Yoshitoshi's other warrior subjects, who remained loyal to their masters until their own death.
