TV-Series
Description
Matsu Maeda is a prominent supporting character in the Sengoku Basara series, first introduced as the wife of Toshiie Maeda and the adopted mother of Keiji Maeda. She is a highly intelligent woman who is equally skilled in martial arts, often demonstrating a sharp mind and capable combat abilities on the battlefield. Matsu is notably more responsible than her husband, Toshiie, yet she loves him wholeheartedly and stands firmly beside him. Her relationship with her nephew Keiji is more severe; she is harsher toward him than Toshiie because she believes he has far greater potential than he currently displays, and she expects more from him.

In terms of personality, Matsu is resolute and possesses a strong sense of duty. She embodies the disciplined principles of the Maeda clan, which emphasize protecting the clan, perfecting one’s skills, and above all, safeguarding the clan’s leader. She carries herself with a leadership demeanor, even scolding others for showing weakness on the battlefield, as seen when she confronts Oichi. Despite her strict exterior, Matsu is deeply caring and protective of her family.

Her motivations revolve around the preservation and strength of the Maeda clan. She works tirelessly to support her husband and to guide Keiji toward a path worthy of his abilities. In the story, she plays a key role in several events. During the events of Sengoku Basara 3, she is kidnapped by Yoshiaki Mogami, an act that forces Toshiie to ally himself with the Eastern Army in order to rescue her. This kidnapping becomes a pivotal moment that affects the political alliances and personal stakes of the characters around her.

Matsu’s notable abilities include mastery over animals, particularly hawks, which she can call to the battlefield to charge ahead of her and attack enemies. She also wields a fighting style that shares similarities with that of Kenshin Uesugi, incorporating some of the same graceful yet powerful techniques. Her intelligence and resourcefulness make her an effective strategist and a capable fighter in her own right.

Throughout the series, Matsu exhibits some development as she balances her roles as wife, mother figure, and warrior. She remains a steady, loyal presence within the Maeda clan, and her strict yet loving nature helps shape the characters around her. Her background as a historically inspired figure from the 16th century adds depth to her portrayal, but in the anime she is consistently depicted as a devoted family member and a formidable woman who does not hesitate to act when her loved ones or her clan are threatened.
Cast