Tokugawa Ieyasu
도쿠가와 이에야스
JapaneseSengoku-Edo Period (1543-1616)
"The Patient Victor, Founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate"
✦ Personality Traits
✦ About
Tokugawa Ieyasu was the third and final great unifier of Japan, founding the Tokugawa Shogunate that would rule Japan for over 250 years of peace. While Nobunaga and Hideyoshi forged the path, Ieyasu waited patiently—and ultimately won everything.
Spending years as a hostage in his youth, then decades as an ally (and rival) to Nobunaga and Hideyoshi, Ieyasu learned the value of patience and careful planning. After Hideyoshi's death, he maneuvered his way to the decisive Battle of Sekigahara, winning through superior strategy and key betrayals from enemy forces.
The Japanese saying goes: "Nobunaga piled the rice, Hideyoshi kneaded the dough, and Ieyasu ate the cake." His patience and longevity allowed him to outlive his rivals and build a lasting peace.
✦ Famous Story
There's a famous story comparing the three unifiers: Asked what to do with a bird that won't sing, Nobunaga said 'Kill it,' Hideyoshi said 'Make it want to sing,' but Ieyasu said 'Wait for it to sing.' This patience defined his path to power.
✦ If You Match
Your features reflect the patient wisdom of Ieyasu. There is an enduring, strategic quality to your presence—the look of one who knows that time itself can be the greatest weapon.
