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36 War Strategies of Ancient China
Strategy 9
Observe the Fire on the Opposite Shore
Delay entering the field of battle until all the
other players have become exhausted fighting amongst themselves. Then go in full
strength and pick up the pieces.
Hojo Regency Japan
In 1583 the great general Toyotomi Hideyoshi was
positioning his forces against Akechi Mitsuhide in what would be the battle of
Yamazaki. Shortly after the battle had engaged, Tsetsui Junkeian, an ally of
Mitsuhide arrived on the scene. Impressed by the superior forces of Hideyoshi,
he refused to attack but instead ordered his men to line up in battle formation
on a hill above the Hora-ga-toge pass where he could watch the battle before
deciding which general to side with. Seeing Hideyoshi gaining the advantage he
betrayed his ally and sent his troops over to Hideyoshi's side. This incident
was never forgotten and henceforth the Japanese equivalent of `Watching the
fire...' is known as `To wait at Hora-ga-toge.'
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