How to Read “弁慶の立ち往生”
Benkei no tachioujou
Meaning of “弁慶の立ち往生”
The original meaning of “Benkei’s standing death” is a proverb that describes a state of being unable to move when facing difficult circumstances, finding oneself in a desperate situation with no way forward or backward.
This proverb is used to describe situations where one encounters obstacles or problems and cannot move forward or retreat. It is particularly used as an expression for when one falls into a hopeless state where no solution can be found. From the situation where Benkei was surrounded by enemies and unable to move, it is now understood in modern times primarily as a word expressing mental and situational deadlock.
Usage scenarios include when facing difficult problems at work, being caught in the middle of interpersonal troubles, or being hesitant when pressed to make important decisions. The reason for using this expression is when one wants to emphasize a more serious situation where one cannot move, rather than simply “being troubled.” Even today, it is widely used as a word to express the seriousness of situations when one is confused about choices at important junctures in life or when solutions to complex problems cannot be found.
Origin and Etymology
“Benkei’s standing death” is a proverb born from the final moments of Musashibo Benkei from the late Heian period. Benkei, known as a faithful retainer of Minamoto no Yoshitsune, met his heroic end at the Battle of Koromo River while heading to Oshu with Yoshitsune, who was being pursued by his brother Yoritomo.
In this battle, Benkei stood before the enemy to protect his master Yoshitsune, continuing to fight while standing like a Nio guardian deity with his naginata in hand. And remarkably, it is said that even while receiving countless arrows throughout his body, he died while still standing. The enemy soldiers found Benkei standing so terrifying that they could not approach him for some time.
This final image of Benkei became the origin of the word “tachioujou” (standing death). “Oujou” originally is a Buddhist term meaning “to die,” and “tachioujou” literally meant “to die while standing.” This anecdote symbolizing Benkei’s loyalty and bravery was later performed in kabuki and joruri, becoming deeply engraved in the hearts of the Japanese people. Over time, from this heroic final image, it became established as a proverb expressing being unable to move in difficult situations.
Interesting Facts
At Hiraizumi in Iwate Prefecture, the place where Benkei is said to have made his final stand, a stone monument called “The Site of Benkei’s Standing Death” still stands today, visited by many tourists. This monument is located by the Koromo River and is carefully preserved as a place to remember Benkei’s loyalty.
Interestingly, Benkei’s height is said to have been nearly 2 meters, which was exceptional for that time, and his massive frame standing like a guardian deity is thought to have given overwhelming intimidation to enemy soldiers. This large stature might also be one of the reasons why the expression “standing death” left such a powerful impression on later generations.
Usage Examples
- The project deadline is approaching, but we haven’t received a response from the client, so we’re in a state of Benkei’s standing death.
- I want to change jobs, but when I think about my family, I can’t take the leap, and I’m stuck in Benkei’s standing death.
Modern Interpretation
In modern society, “Benkei’s standing death” is used as a word to express more complex and diverse situations. In our information society, it has increasingly come to refer to the “paradox of choice” state where there are too many options to decide. It is frequently used to express deadlocks in situations unique to modern times, such as responding to social media controversies, choosing companies during job hunting, and making investment decisions.
Particularly in business settings, it is valued for expressing situations where project progress has stopped or when caught between multiple stakeholders. With technological advancement, problems that could previously be solved by taking time now often require immediate judgment, making it easier to fall into a “standing death” state as a result.
Also, in modern times, the expression has expanded from its original serious meaning of “being in desperate straits” to be used for expressing light confusion or temporary hesitation. Through this expansion of meaning, it has become familiar as an expression that can be used casually in daily conversation.
However, the reason this proverb remains relevant today is that the psychological state humans face when confronting difficulties remains unchanged across time. While technology has advanced, the confusion and anxiety when pressed to make important decisions is a fundamental human experience that hasn’t changed since Benkei’s time.
When AI Hears This
No proverb reflects the transformation of Japanese attitudes toward life and death as vividly as “Benkei no tachioujou” (Benkei’s standing death). The legend tells of Musashibo Benkei, loyal retainer to Minamoto no Yoshitsune, who died standing upright with his naginata in hand, his body pierced by countless enemy arrows while protecting his master. Originally, this tale was passed down as the epitome of “a samurai who fears not death in service of loyalty.”
Yet modern usage tells the opposite story. We hear phrases like “the project is in a Benkei situation” or “my job search has become a Benkei’s standing death,” describing hopeless, stuck situations. Here, the meaning carries not the “nobility of standing until death” but rather the “pitiful helplessness of being unable to move.”
Behind this shift lies a fundamental transformation in Japanese social values. In the age of bushido, “dying with honor” was considered the highest virtue, but postwar democratic society began emphasizing “how to survive and thrive.” As a result, the same state of “not moving” that once symbolized “indomitable spirit” is now perceived as “lack of flexibility” or “inability to solve problems.”
The phenomenon of a single proverb flipping its meaning from praise to criticism over time proves that language serves as a faithful mirror reflecting society’s evolving values.
Lessons for Today
What “Benkei’s standing death” teaches us today is that being stuck is never something to be ashamed of. In life, there are inevitably moments when we can neither move forward nor step back. In such times, it’s important not to panic but to stop and reexamine the situation.
Like Benkei who continued standing until the end, it’s important not to lose sight of our beliefs even in difficult situations. While modern society tends to demand quick decisions, sometimes it’s necessary to accept the time of “standing death.” That time of stillness can sometimes become the trigger for generating new perspectives and solutions.
Also, when standing alone in deadlock, seeking help from others is also courage. While Benkei fought through alone, we in modern times have companions. By honestly communicating that we are “in standing death” when troubled, we might receive unexpected support or new ideas. Deadlock can also be a harbinger of a new start.
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