How to Read “勝てば官軍、負ければ賊軍”
Kateba kangun, makereba zokugun
Meaning of “勝てば官軍、負ければ賊軍”
This proverb expresses the reality that “the side that wins in battle becomes justice, while the losing side is branded as evil,” representing how victory and defeat determine justice.
In its original meaning, this is simply an observation of fact. Rather than a moral judgment of good and evil, it shows a calm recognition of reality that “this is how the world works.” History is written by the victors, and the values and claims of the winning side are passed down to future generations as “correct,” while the arguments of the losing side are treated as “wrong.”
The situations where this proverb is used are when objectively viewing the results of power struggles or competition. It has been used as wisdom to step back and calmly face reality in situations that tend to become emotional. It provides the perspective that “the losing side is now treated as the villain, but if the results had been different, the evaluation might have been reversed.” Even in modern times, this fundamental mechanism of human society remains unchanged.
Origin and Etymology
This proverb was born from the Meiji Restoration, the greatest political turning point in Japanese history. At the end of the Edo period, forces supporting the Tokugawa shogunate and forces supporting the new government centered on the Emperor were in fierce conflict.
What’s interesting is that during the Boshin War, both camps claimed to be the “government army.” The shogunate side fought as the “government army defeating the enemies of the court,” while the new government side fought as the “government army raising the imperial banner.” However, when the Meiji new government ultimately won, history was rewritten from the victor’s perspective.
“Government army” originally meant the Emperor’s army, a word symbolizing legitimacy and authority. Meanwhile, “rebel army” meant an army rebelling against the imperial court. After the battle results were decided, the winning side declared “we were the righteous government army all along” and inscribed the losing side in history as the “rebel army.”
This proverb spread precisely because of this historical experience. People witnessed firsthand the reality that justice and legitimacy could sometimes be determined after the fact by victory and defeat. This must have been a shocking experience that shook people’s values at the time.
Interesting Facts
The Aizu domain, which was branded as a “rebel army” in the Boshin War, was actually a domain that maintained loyalty to the Tokugawa shogun until the very end. However, it was branded as an enemy of the court by the Meiji government, and its honor was not restored for a long time. Ironically, the spirit of Aizu bushido is highly valued in modern times.
The term “government army” actually existed since the Nara period. However, it became established as a common proverb after the Meiji period, having previously been used mainly as specialized military and political terminology.
Usage Examples
- That company’s acquisition drama ultimately came down to “If win then government army, if lose then rebel army,” with the successful side’s strategy being deemed correct
- The political world is all about “If win then government army, if lose then rebel army,” so the policies of the party that wins elections become justice
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, the meaning of this proverb has become more complex. With the spread of social media and the internet, information sources have diversified, creating changes in the structure where “winners write history.”
In cases of corporate scandals or political corruption, situations where authorities’ explanations would have previously been accepted now increasingly see truth revealed through citizens’ voices and whistleblowing. However, at the same time, fake news and information manipulation have become more sophisticated, making it difficult to discern what is true.
In the business world, the strategies and management methods of successful companies tend to be spoken of as the “correct answer.” However, many companies fail even using the same methods, and the fact that luck and historical context greatly influence success is often overlooked.
In politics too, the policies of parties that win elections are legitimized as “the people’s will,” while even narrow victories are sometimes treated as if they received complete support.
In modern times, this proverb teaches us the importance of critical thinking beyond mere recognition of reality. The attitude of calmly analyzing not just superficial victories and defeats, but their background and processes, has become more important. We need to have multifaceted perspectives and view things not only from the victor’s logic but also from the loser’s viewpoint.
When AI Hears This
The structure of social media backlash and praise reveals a fascinating modern version of “might makes right.” The same statement or action can receive completely different evaluations depending on follower count, timing of spread, and the attributes of supporters.
Consider a post exposing corporate misconduct. If the poster is an influential figure and public opinion is flowing toward corporate criticism, they’ll be praised as a “courageous whistleblower.” However, the same content from an unknown poster during a period when public sentiment favors the company could spark backlash as “baseless defamation.”
The core of this phenomenon is “the logic of numbers.” Whoever has more retweets, likes, and comments becomes the “righteous army,” while those with fewer become the “rebels.” What’s particularly noteworthy is that these positions of “righteous” and “rebel” can flip within 24 hours. New information or the entry of more influential players can transform yesterday’s “justice” into today’s “evil.”
While traditional power structures had fixed “winners,” the social media era creates fluid coalitions of support that instantly form power structures and then dissolve. This appears democratic but is actually the most unstable and unpredictable “righteous army certification system” imaginable.
Lessons for Today
What this proverb teaches us today is the importance of viewing things from multiple angles. What is considered “correct” now might simply be told from the victor’s perspective.
What’s important is cultivating the ability to see through to the essence without being misled by superficial victories and defeats. Let’s maintain an attitude of learning not only from successful people’s stories but also from failed people’s experiences. By trying to think from the standpoint of historical “villains,” we might make new discoveries.
Also, especially when you’re in the “winner’s” position, remember this proverb. It’s important not to forget that current success is not permanent and to maintain compassion for the defeated.
In modern society, information overflows, but much of it is transmitted by “winners.” Let’s develop the habit of maintaining critical thinking and actively seeking information from different perspectives. Truth always has multiple facets.
This proverb should serve as a starting point for accepting the reality of human society while aiming for a more fair and diverse society.
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