The Sanada clan claimed descent from the Seiwa Genji.[1] Historically, the clan's banner was established by Unno Yukiyoshi in the early 16th century. He emblazoned the Rokumonsen on his banner. The Sanada were key vassals in the Takeda army, with three famous generals being Sanada Yukitaka and his sons Sanada Nobutsuna, Sanada Masateru, and Sanada Masayuki.
Sanada Yukitaka, son of Unno Munetsuna, established the clan and its name at the beginning of the 16th century.[1]
In 1600, at the Battle of Sekigahara, Yukimura sided with the Western army. He fought against Tokugawa Hidetada at Ueda Castle, successfully delaying him from reaching Sekigahara with 38,000 reinforcements. He opposed the Tokugawa again at the Battle of Osaka where he died.[2]
Sanada clan forces took part in the attack on Aizu in 1868, on the side of the imperial army, but refused to take charge of Aizu prisoners of war.[citation needed]
Modern era
In 1871, the former daimyō was made a count in the kazoku peerage system. The head of a cadet branch of the clan was given the title of baron.[1]