Kenshin is also referred to as "The Dragon of Echigo" because of his Kakarimidareryuu (懸かり亂れ龍) ensign displayed on the battlefield. His rival Takeda Shingen was called "The Tiger of Kai". They fought several times at Battles of Kawanakajima. In some versions of Chinese mythology (Shingen and Kenshin had always been interested in Chinese culture, especially the works of Sun Tzu), the Dragon and Tiger have always been bitter rivals who try to defeat one another, but neither is ever able to gain the upper hand.