Among the Sengoku warlords in Japan, my favorite is Oda Nobunaga, but this time, I'd like to focus on the famous general, Takeda Shingen. Shingen is well-known as a tactician, and his teachings of "風林火山 (Fūrinkazan – 風=wind, 林=forest, 火=fire, 山=mountain)" continue to influence many people even today.
Takeda Shingen was born in 1521 in Kai Province (present-day Yamanashi Prefecture). As the 16th head of the Takeda clan, he organized his retainers and devoted himself to expanding and governing his territory. His domain extended not only to Kai Province but also to Sagami, Shinano, and Suruga provinces. His achievements demonstrate that the Takeda army was one of the most powerful forces throughout the Sengoku period. Shingen died of illness in 1573 at the age of 53, but he remained a highly influential warlord even after his death in the tumultuous era.
Shingen was very particular about military strategy. He studied Chinese classics such as Sun Tzu's Art of War, the Six Secret Teachings, and the Three Strategies, and established his unique tactics. Shingen's outstanding tactical leadership gave confidence to his warriors, becoming the driving force for them to carry out their missions. Above all, Shingen's charisma made them believe that it was worth risking their lives to fight under his command, which boosted the morale of his retainers. Shingen also encouraged his retainers to study military strategy, aiming to enhance the organization's strength and cooperation.
Under Shingen's tactical guidance, the Takeda army achieved numerous victories. The most famous battle was the Battle of Kawanakajima, where Shingen fought five intense battles with Uesugi Kenshin over northern Shinano. The strength of the Takeda army led by Shingen was due to a deep understanding of military strategy, cooperation among retainers, and flexible tactical changes.
The teachings of "Fūrinkazan" are so emblematic of Takeda Shingen that they are said to have been inscribed on the Takeda army's flag. The original source of the phrase "Fūrinkazan" is a passage from Sun Tzu's Art of War, Military Operations chapter.
Fast as the wind, Silent as a forest, Fierce as fire, Immovable as a mountain.
This famous phrase represents Shingen's deep thoughts and beliefs about military strategy and tactics, and also demonstrates the necessary elements for the Takeda army to win battles. Furthermore, these teachings are not limited to the tactics of the Sengoku period but are also applicable to modern business and management. It is wonderful that the wisdom of ancient warlords and samurai, such as Miyamoto Musashi, is still useful today.
Finally, when it comes to Shingen, I cannot help but mention a famous movie called “Kagemusha” (1980) by Kurosawa Akira featuring Takeda Shingen. It is a fantastic work that combines entertainment value with high artistic quality. The "Fūrinkazan" flag is also used symbolically in this film.
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