Famed for “Wind, Forest, Fire, and Mountain”! The Sengoku warlord Takeda Shingen, feared as the Tiger of Kai, and his famous quotes
Takeda Shingen, the famed warlord feared as the “Tiger of Kai,” is also known for leading the Takeda army, reputed to be the strongest of the Sengoku period.
While he projects the image of a ferocious general, he also devoted himself to domestic governance, earning the respect and affection of his retainers and subjects.
What’s more, did you know that the name “Shingen” is his Buddhist name taken after taking the tonsure, and that his real name was Takeda Harunobu?
This time, we introduce some of the famous sayings left by Takeda Shingen.
They are stern yet imbued with kindness—definitely worth a look!
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Famous for “Wind, Forest, Fire, Mountain”! The sayings (1–10) of Takeda Shingen, the Sengoku warlord feared as the Tiger of Kai.
Old people possess the treasure of experience.Takeda Shingen
From the saying, “Old people possess the treasure of experience,” you can sense the humanity and mindset of Lord Takeda Shingen.
It’s true that young people have physical vigor, and if they polish their knowledge it will grow—but there’s a limit to how much experience one can accumulate.
Precisely because he valued the very footprints of a life lived, he was able to build a strong domain in the Warring States period.
It’s a quote that conveys a deep respect for people, standing in stark contrast to today’s society, which tends to idolize only the young.
It is by trusting people that they will devote themselves to you.Takeda Shingen
A famous quote that teaches us not to command or suppress others, but to open our own hearts first: “Only when you trust people will they give you their best.” When we want someone to do something for us, our own demands tend to take precedence.
This is especially true for those in positions of authority, such as in parent-child relationships or in the workplace.
This quote, which still resonates in modern society, teaches that trusting the other person first is what creates healthy human relationships.
I do not employ the person, but the work they do.Takeda Shingen
A famous saying that reveals the idea of borrowing a person’s skills rather than the person themselves: “I do not employ the person; I employ their craft.” Though he was a Warring States warlord who left his mark on history, these words show a glimpse of his humility.
Rather than the presumptuous notion that people use other people, it’s the perspective of viewing subordinates as equals that today’s leaders need.
It’s a saying that encapsulates the human qualities of Lord Takeda Shingen in a single phrase—one that people living in modern society should know.
Famed for “Wind, Forest, Fire, Mountain”! Quotes 11–20 from the Sengoku warlord Takeda Shingen, feared as the Tiger of Kai
It’s best to win by six or seven parts out of ten. An eight-tenths victory is already dangerous, and wins of nine or ten-tenths lay the groundwork for a crushing defeat.Takeda Shingen
This saying expresses not just the importance of winning, but the hidden dangers behind it: “It’s best to win by sixty or seventy percent.
An eighty-percent victory is already dangerous, and victories of ninety or a hundred percent lay the groundwork for a crushing defeat.” Indeed, history offers many examples of dramatic turnarounds despite seemingly clear outcomes, such as the Battles of Okehazama and Ichi-no-Tani.
The idea that the very moment you are certain of success is precisely when you must not become overconfident likely gave rise to this saying.
It’s a timeless quote that teaches a lesson we must not forget even today.
After my death, rely on Uesugi Kenshin. Also, keep the mourning secret for three years.Takeda Shingen
The words said to have been left by Lord Takeda Shingen as a testament to his son are: “After my death, rely on Uesugi Kenshin.
Also, conceal my death for three years.” While Takeda Shingen was known as the Tiger of Kai, Uesugi Kenshin, called the Dragon of Echigo, is remembered as his great rival; even after five Battles of Kawanakajima, no decisive victor emerged.
The instruction to rely on Uesugi Kenshin suggests that Shingen acknowledged him to that extent, even as a rival.
As for the command to hide his death for three years, it is thought to have been to prevent enemy warlords from attacking upon learning of it.
It is a quintessential maxim of Takeda Shingen, who fought relentlessly for the sake of his domain.
Use astringent persimmons as astringent persimmons. Grafting them to make them sweet is just a petty trick.Takeda Shingen
A famous saying that criticizes the folly of twisting individuality goes, “Use an astringent persimmon as an astringent persimmon; grafting it to make it sweet is mere trickery.” It means that while astringent persimmons have their merits and sweet persimmons have theirs, turning everything into sweet persimmons is a mistake.
It reminds us of the importance of making the most of each one’s strengths.
Precisely because we live in an era that values individuality, this is a quote many people should know, so we don’t force minorities into the majority.
If you try, it will be done; if you do not, it will not—what can be accomplished is fleetingly abandoned by those who say it cannot be.Takeda Shingen
The famous saying that expresses the weakness of people who give up from the start, even though nothing can be achieved without acting with strong will—“If you try, you can succeed; if you do not, you cannot—such is the nature of things.
How fleeting are those who discard the effort, saying it cannot be done.” It’s a broad-minded phrase that, while wishing someone to do their best, also acknowledges the weak heart that lapses into complacency.
On the premise that not everyone can remain strong-hearted, it evokes the image of an ideal leader who chooses to watch over others with understanding.