Definitions for "Amakusa clan"
Amakusa clan a minor clan during the Sengoku period (16th century) of Japan. This branch of the Amakusa clan had originated in the province of Echigo. Due to this fact, the Amakusa had little choice other than to become retainers under the powerful Nagao clan ( a clan that would later evolve into the Uesugi clan) of Echigo.