Right now, there’s a buzz about the sweeping Emmy success of SHOGUN, starring and produced by Sanada Hiroyuki (真田広之). The story features numerous Sengoku-era samurai, all inspired by real-life warriors. It’s exciting to think that the spirit of these figures, who lived through a turbulent era, has transcended borders to reach audiences around the world.
The insightful words of Sengoku-era samurai
The samurai warriors, who lived each day on the edge of life and death, left behind numerous memorable sayings. Their words could offer valuable insights for those of us navigating the challenges of today’s survival-driven society.
The resolve of one who dares to admonish their lord is far more honourable than that of one who merely leads the charge in battle.
Now, here’s a quiz! Who do you think said this? Choose from the options below.
1 Ishida Mitsunari (石田三成)
2 Toyotomi Hideyoshi (豊臣秀吉)
3 Tokugawa Ieyasu (徳川家康)
And the answer is…
Tokugawa Ieyasu！
A principle that remained unchanged from a young age
Ieyasu’s words mean that those who offered difficult but honest counsel to their lord were of far greater merit than those who simply distinguished themselves by being the first to charge into battle.
The reason Ieyasu held this view is because, while those who are the first to charge into battle do not necessarily perish—and even if they fall, they leave a name for themselves in history—those who offer criticism or counsel risk far more. Such advice could result in punishment, and might even endanger their family. Therefore, Ieyasu emphasised the importance of people willing to speak up, despite the personal risks involved.
It seems Ieyasu maintained this perspective consistently from a young age. During his time in Hamamatsu, before he unified the nation, an incident occurred while Honda Masanobu (本多正信) was present. One of Ieyasu’s retainers took out a document from his sleeve and began reading a letter of admonishment in Ieyasu’s presence. Ieyasu listened with delight and told the retainer, “Continue to speak freely in the future,” before letting him withdraw.
Masanobu then remarked to Ieyasu, “The counsel just given isn’t necessarily something to be acted upon.” Ieyasu replied, “Whether it is useful or not doesn’t matter. What pleases me is his loyal heart.” Deeply moved by this, Masanobu later shared the story with his son, Masazumi (正純).
It’s rare to find people who can say such things. It would be wonderful if we could adopt even a bit of Ieyasu’s humble outlook.
References: Sengoku busho meigen roku (戦国武将名言録) PHP kenkyusyo, Jozan Kidan (常山紀談) Shogakukan, Sekai daihyakka zenshu (世界大百科全集) Heibonsha (平凡社), Asahi nihon rekishi jimbutsu jiten (朝日日本歴史人物事典) Asahi Shimbun Publications
Header image: Katanugi nimai dogusoku (肩脱二枚胴具足, two-piece shoulder-dressed body gusoku) ColBase
This article is translated from https://intojapanwaraku.com/rock/culture-rock/255601/
