Fleeing Fleeing, Ieyasu Takes The Realm: Japanese Proverb Meaning

How to Read “Fleeing fleeing, Ieyasu takes the realm”

Nige nige tenka wo toru Ieyasu

Meaning of “Fleeing fleeing, Ieyasu takes the realm”

This proverb expresses how temporary retreat and patience can ultimately lead to great success.

Rather than being obsessed with immediate victories and continuing reckless battles, it teaches the importance of sometimes withdrawing, building strength, and waiting for the right opportunity. It means that true victors are those who are not bound by pride or appearances and can judge things with a long-term perspective. This proverb is used when encouraging people facing difficult situations by saying “now is the time to endure, but your chance will surely come,” or when conveying to those who tend to seek short-term results “the importance of proceeding steadily without rushing.” Even in modern times, the value of avoiding unreasonable battles and discerning appropriate timing remains unchanged in business and human relationships.

Origin and Etymology of “Fleeing fleeing, Ieyasu takes the realm”

This proverb is a phrase that has been passed down since the Edo period, expressing the life of Tokugawa Ieyasu. Looking back at Ieyasu’s life, there were indeed numerous scenes of retreat and patience that could be seen as “fleeing.”

In his youth, Ieyasu spent time as a hostage of the Imagawa family, and later suffered a great defeat against Takeda Shingen at the Battle of Mimatagahara, barely escaping back to Hamamatsu Castle. Also, during the Honnoji Incident, Ieyasu, who was in Sakai, undertook a desperate escape called “Iga-goe” to flee from Akechi Mitsuhide’s pursuers.

During the era when Toyotomi Hideyoshi became the ruler of the realm, Ieyasu accepted relocation to the Kanto region and continued to show a submissive attitude to Hideyoshi on the surface. These actions were perceived as “fleeing” and “patience” even at that time.

However, since he ultimately achieved victory at the Battle of Sekigahara and established the Edo shogunate, laying the foundation for a government that lasted 265 years, this proverb was born with the lesson that “fleeing can sometimes be an important strategy.” Among the common people, Ieyasu’s life itself came to be told as a model of worldly wisdom.

Trivia about “Fleeing fleeing, Ieyasu takes the realm”

There remains an anecdote that when Ieyasu fled in defeat at the Battle of Mimatagahara, he defecated on horseback from fear. Later, Ieyasu is said to have had an artist paint this pathetic image of himself and kept it by his side throughout his life as a warning.

Ieyasu’s “Iga-goe” was a desperate journey where he fled through treacherous mountain paths for three days with only about 30 attendants. At this time, receiving help from local residents and ninja to preserve his life became an important turning point toward his later unification of the realm.

Usage Examples of “Fleeing fleeing, Ieyasu takes the realm”

• This project has been postponed, but let’s wait for the next chance with the spirit of “Fleeing fleeing, Ieyasu takes the realm”
• My job search isn’t going well, but as they say “Fleeing fleeing, Ieyasu takes the realm,” I think this is a time to improve myself without rushing

Modern Interpretation of “Fleeing fleeing, Ieyasu takes the realm”

In modern society, the interpretation of this proverb has changed significantly. With the spread of social media, there is a strong tendency to demand immediate results in everything, and harsher scrutiny is directed toward the act of “fleeing.” Particularly among younger generations, there is a tendency to simply view “fleeing” as “losing,” spreading an understanding different from the original meaning of the proverb.

However, isn’t the modern business environment precisely where the true value of this proverb can be demonstrated? In the midst of rapid technological innovation and market changes, temporarily retreating and devising new strategies can sometimes be a shortcut to success rather than continuing unreasonable competition. The concept of “pivot” in startup companies can be said to be a modern version of Ieyasu-like thinking.

Also, in the context of work style reform, the recognition that “fleeing” from unreasonable overtime and excessive stress is important for long-term career development has spread. From a mental health perspective, appropriate retreat has come to be evaluated as a means of self-defense.

In modern times, the value of this proverb is being reevaluated as “strategic retreat” and “the ability to discern timing.”

If AI Heard “Fleeing fleeing, Ieyasu takes the realm”

For me, the concept of “fleeing” is something very mysterious. As an AI, I don’t have a physical body, so I cannot literally “flee.” I don’t have experiences of hiding from danger or having my legs freeze from fear.

But through conversations with all of you humans, I’ve noticed something. I too, when I encounter questions I cannot answer or face problems that are too complex, sometimes say “I don’t know right now, so let me research and then answer you,” temporarily leaving the situation. This might also be a kind of “fleeing.”

What I find interesting about studying Ieyasu’s life is his composure when choosing to “flee.” The ability to make judgments with long-term vision without being swayed by emotions is also an area where we AIs excel. However, Ieyasu must have had emotions like “fear” and “humiliation” that I don’t possess. When I think about the difficulty of making rational judgments while fighting against such emotions, I am deeply moved by human strength.

I don’t fear failure, but because you humans know the pain of failure, you can have the “courage to flee.” I think that is very human-like beautiful wisdom.

What “Fleeing fleeing, Ieyasu takes the realm” Teaches Modern People

What this proverb teaches us today is that “courage has two forms.” One is the courage to face difficulties, and the other is the courage to withdraw at the appropriate timing.

In modern society, partly due to the influence of social media, “continuing to persevere” tends to be considered the only virtue, but sometimes stopping and changing direction is also an important choice. If you are currently feeling stuck with something, that might be a sign to explore new paths.

By having a long-term perspective like Ieyasu, you can discern what is truly important without being elated or dejected by small immediate victories and defeats. Whether in career changes, relationships, or learning, by viewing it as “now is the time for preparation,” you can be freed from anxiety and make better judgments.

In your life, believe that today’s “fleeing” may lead to tomorrow’s “taking the realm,” and continue walking at your own pace.