Ashikaga Yoshiteru wrote this document, called a gonaisho, to Uesugi Kenshin, an important ally, who in 1559 encamped at Sakamoto, to the east of Kyoto. Yoshiteru inquires about Kenshin’s health, and then states that a messenger, Ōdachi Saemon no suke (Teruuji) would provide Kenshin with information. This letter was sealed by what is called a kirifu. The right side of the paper was cut and used to tie the document. It was then covered in a second sheet of paper, called a kasanegami, which was folded and sealed with a line of ink. Finally another envelope, called a fushi, was used to enclose the document. This letter from Yoshiteru could only be opened by Kenshin, and the double seals ensured that no one else could see the contents of this record. The Uesugi documents are preserved in their original format, and it is rare to see such records in their original form.

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