Kuroda Kanbei’s Josui: The Timeless Wisdom of Water
In the pantheon of Japan’s samurai history, few figures command as much intellectual respect as Kuroda Kanbei (1546–1604). Known principally as the brilliant strategist behind Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s unification of Japan, Kanbei was more than a man of war. He was a man of profound philosophical depth. Late in his life, he adopted the name “Josui” (如水), a moniker that encapsulates a way of life that continues to resonate in Japanese culture today. For travelers visiting Japan, understanding the spirit of Josui offers a unique lens through which to view the temples, castles, and resilient spirit of the Fukuoka region.
The Origins of the Strategist
Born Kuroda Yoshitaka in the Himeji region, Kanbei rose to prominence during the Sengoku Jidai, or the Warring States period. This was a chaotic era of shifting alliances and constant bloodshed. Kanbei was a gifted tactician, famously serving as the chief advisor (Gunshi) to the unifier Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
However, his life was not without immense suffering. During a diplomatic mission, he was captured and imprisoned in a dungeon for nearly a year. The confinement left him with a permanent limp and disfigured skin, yet his mind remained sharper than a katana. It was perhaps this resilience—the ability to survive darkness and emerge with purpose—that laid the groundwork for his later philosophy.
When he eventually retired from active military service to pave the way for his son, Nagamasa, he took the tonsure and the name Josui. The characters (如水) literally translate to “like water.” This was not merely a poetic choice; it was a declaration of his ultimate understanding of power and existence.
The Legend: The Five Precepts of Water
The core of the Josui spirit is often summarized in the Mizu no Gokun (The Five Precepts of Water), a set of teachings attributed to Kanbei. These precepts explain why a leader or a warrior should emulate water:
- Self-Activity: Water moves of its own accord and moves others. It represents initiative and leadership.
- Adaptability: Water constantly changes its form—square in a square vessel, round in a round one—yet never loses its essential nature. This represents flexibility in the face of changing circumstances.
- Persistence: Water seeks the lowest ground, displaying humility, yet it possesses the power to crush rock and carve canyons over time.
- Purity: Water cleanses all things, washing away the dirt of the world. It represents clarity and the ability to resolve conflict.
- Transformation: Water can become steam, ice, or rain, yet it remains water. This signifies the endurance of the spirit regardless of the environment.
Legend holds that Kanbei utilized this philosophy to navigate the treacherous politics of the late Sengoku period, surviving the suspicions of Hideyoshi and the rise of the Tokugawa Shogunate by remaining fluid and unobtrusive when necessary.
Modern Culture and the Josui Legacy
Today, the spirit of Josui is deeply embedded in the cultural identity of Fukuoka, the domain the Kuroda clan eventually ruled. The philosophy is frequently cited in modern Japanese business management books, teaching executives that rigidity leads to failure, while fluidity leads to survival.
Culturally, Kanbei saw a massive resurgence in popularity following the NHK Taiga Drama Gunshi Kanbei (2014). This cemented his image not just as a cold calculator, but as a wise sage who understood the human condition. You will find “Josui” used in the names of confectionery brands, sake breweries, and local festivals in Fukuoka, symbolizing a local pride in adaptability and resilience.
Traveler’s Tips: Tracing Kanbei in Fukuoka
If you wish to walk the path of the strategist, Fukuoka City is your destination. The Kuroda clan built the foundation of what is now a bustling modern metropolis.
Fukuoka Castle (Maizuru Park)
While much of the original structure is gone, the massive stone walls and turrets of Fukuoka Castle remain. Built by Kanbei’s son with Kanbei’s guidance, the castle was designed to use the surrounding geography (water and marsh) as natural defenses—a testament to his tactical genius.
Sofuku-ji Temple
This is the family temple of the Kuroda clan and the final resting place of Kuroda Kanbei. Located in Hakata, the temple grounds are serene and atmospheric. Visiting his grave allows for a moment of quiet contemplation on the philosophy of living “like water.”
Terumo Shrine
Located within Maizuru Park, this shrine is dedicated to the Kuroda family ancestors. It is a perfect spot to observe how the locals continue to honor the legacy of the clan that built their city.
Sources & Further Reading
To deepen your understanding of the spiritual foundations of Japanese warriors, one must look at the texts that influenced their education. While Kanbei’s specific precepts are from the Edo period transition, the reverence for nature’s elements can be traced back to Japan’s earliest chronicles.
- The Kuroda Family Records (Kuroda Kafu): Primary source material detailing the history and precepts of the clan.
- Nihon Shoki (The Chronicles of Japan): For context on the Shinto reverence for nature and water deities (Suijin) which underpins the “Josui” philosophy.
- Eiji Yoshikawa’s Historical Fiction: Various novels cover the Sengoku period and provide a dramatized, yet culturally rich, view of figures like Kanbei.
By adopting the mindset of Josui, a traveler can navigate the bustling streets of Japan with ease—flowing around obstacles, adapting to new customs, and absorbing the beauty of the journey.