The Uesugi clan (上杉氏, Uesugi-shi) is an ancient daimyo family of Japan known for its influence during the Muromachi period and the Sengoku period.
This family is descended from Fujiwara.
Fujiwara no Shigefusa, descendant of Fujiwara no Yoshikado (9th century) received the domain of Uesugi (Tango province) in the 13th century and took the name of the place. He was the great-great-grandfather of the shogun Ashikaga Takauji.
The family is divided into three branches: Ōgigayatsu, Inukake and Yamanouchi Uesugi.
The clan is mainly known because of Kenshin Uesugi, one of the most powerful daimyos of his time.