Akao Kiyotsuna (赤尾 清綱, 1514 – September 1, 1573) or Akao Mimisaka no Kami Kiyotsuna[1] was a Japanese samurai of the late Sengoku period, a senior retainer of the Azai clan of Ōmi Province.
Together with Kaihō Tsunachika and Amenomori Kiyosada, Kiyotsuna was known as one of the "Three Generals of the Azai" (浅井三将, Azai-sanshō).
[2] Kiyotsuna served three generations of the Azai lords: Sukemasa, Hisamasa, and Nagamasa.
[3] As a mark of the Azai family's deep trust of Akao, he was allowed to maintain a residence within Odani Castle.
However, Nobunaga spared the life of Kiyotsuna's son, Akao Kiyofuyu.