Keiji Maeda

*"You've got guts. I like a girl with guts!"*

**Keiji Maeda** (前田 慶次, *Maeda Keiji*) is available for romance in the Japanese and English versions of Ikémen Sengoku in 'Act 2'. He is a vassal of Nobunaga, and a friend of Kanetsugu Naoe. He is voiced by Chiharu Sawashiro.

## Appearance

Keiji is described by MC as having large, strong hands, and a broad, strong torso. She has also described his golden eyes as cat-like. He has red hair that is seldom worn down. His ensemble includes an orange kimono (sans one red sleeve), a yellow and red rope-like sash draped over his shoulders, a black and red waistband, sandals, and of course, his long red spear; a look when put together is described by MC as 'flamboyant'.

## Personality

When it comes to Keiji Maeda, there is more than meets the eye, at least on first impression. While initially, by some, this may be described as deceptive or 'two-faded'. In MC's route with Keiji though, there reveals be to be a much more personal and complex reason for his behavior.

Initially, Keiji will present a bright, energetic, kind, and attentive version of himself to MC and others. Later on in gameplay though, MC accidentally comes across a moment of Keiji acting as his 'true' self. This version is foul-mouthed, mean, cynical, and snarky; the opposite of who she'd known him to be. After his secret is revealed, Keiji ensures to give MC a taste of his other prickly persona when others aren't present. This brings about MC to from then on refer to him as either posi-Keiji, when he is acting uplifting around others, and nega-Keiji, when he is saying unkind words in order to tease MC. Later on though, as the two grow closer, Keiji begins learning to accept both versions of himself as being apart of who he truly is.

Another aspect of Keiji is his desire to see through with his 'dream' of having a successful life, that he has upheld since being given so by his beloved father; while also grappling with emerging dreams of his own as well. This also helps influence him in falling in love with MC during his route, as he is inspired by and empathizes with her ambition to fulfill her dreams of as seamstress.

## Gameplay

In gameplay, Keiji will receive adversaries, including from his own people of the Maeda clan, and from the Uesugi/Takeda alliance, (though both of these conflicts are later revealed to have arisen due to deceptive tactics by Motonari Mouri and Kichou).

In day-to-day life, MC trains under Keiji as an apprentice staff-wielder, and Keiji looks out for MC to ensure she doesn't overwork herself in both her training and her job as a seamstress. He also later reveals to MC as having a passion for theatre, and is a trained thespian, even going so far as to have MC take part in his performances.

## Historical

Maeda Toshimasu (前田 利益, c. 1543 – 1612), better known as Maeda Keiji (前田慶次) or Keijirō (慶次郎), was a Japanese samurai of the Sengoku period through early Edo period. He was famously the nephew of Maeda Toshiie and Maeda Matsu. In legends and fictions, he is one of the most celebrated *kabukimono* (wild men) of the time period who is known for his monstrous height and his peerless strength. Toshimasu's horse and companion, Matsukaze, was one of the most famous warhorses in Japan. Toshimasu was born in the village of Arako (present-day Nakagawa-ku, Nagoya), Toshimasu was born to the Takigawa Clan, originally the son of Takigawa Kazumasu. He was adopted by Maeda Toshihisa, the older brother of Maeda Toshiie. Toshimasu served under Oda Nobunaga along with his uncle. Toshimasu was originally intended to inherit Maeda family headship; however, after Oda Nobunaga replaced Toshihisa with Toshiie as Maeda family head, he lost this position. Perhaps because of this loss of inheritance, Toshimasu is well known for quarreling with his uncle.

Wikipedia Contributors: **1:** "前田慶次" (in Japanese). 米沢観光ナビ. Retrieved 23 August 2019. **2:** "Keiji + Bastiodon - Pokemon Conquest characters". Retrieved 2012-06-17. **3:** Historiographical Institute of the University of Tokyo early modern chronology database "Kaga historical materials" P930-943 **4:** Domori Zenkoji

## Gallery

Keiji in Full ArmorKeiji with IeyasuKeiji during his altercation with the RoninKeiji and MCKeiji laying in MC's lapKeiji looking in a mirror

## Etymology

* The name **Keiji** means "congratulate, celebrate" (慶) (**kei**) and "next" (次) (**ji**).
* Keiji's surname **Maeda** means "previous/previously, before, earlier, front/in front, former, above, one-time, fore part, privy parts/privates, miss, presence, portion, for, since, forward" (前) (**mae**) and "field, rice paddy" (田) (**ta**/**da**).

## Trivia

* Keiji is the love rival in Nobunaga Oda's sequel.
* Ieyasu Tokugawa is the love rival in Keiji's route.
* He has a pet piglet, Jisei, who has a knack for getting into trouble, yet remains adored by Keiji
* His best friend is Kanetsugu Naoe
* He has a secret love for theatre.