Mōri Motonari and the Lesson of the Three Arrows

Back in episode two of this series, we met the legendary Mōri Motonari — a brilliant strategist of the Sengoku era. At the time, we hinted we’d return to one of the most iconic stories tied to his legacy: the lesson of the three arrows. Now, in episode eight, we dive into this powerful tale where Motonari shared with his sons a deceptively simple, yet timeless truth: united we stand. Behind this symbolic gesture lies a message that echoes across generations — unity is the force that carries us through, whether on the battlefield or in everyday life.

United We Stand: A Lesson from Feudal Japan

The Mōri clan began as modest lords in Aki Province, in what is now western Hiroshima Prefecture.
Motonari rose by aligning with the powerful Ōuchi clan and defeating their rivals, the Amago, at the Battle of Koriyama — a victory that marked the start of his rise to power across ten provinces of the Chūgoku region.
Among his most famous quotes is:

“A single arrow can be snapped with ease. But tie several together, and they become unbreakable. Let this be your lesson — stand united, with one heart.”

This teaching is at the heart of the famed anecdote The Three Arrows, where Motonari gave each of his three sons — Takamoto, Motoharu, and Takakage — a single arrow, and then three bundled together, to illustrate the power of unity.

Though likely a tale shaped during the Edo period, its roots may lie in an actual document known as the 「三子教訓状」(Sanko Kyōkunjō), or “Instruction to the Three Sons”, in which Motonari encouraged collaboration to strengthen the Mōri legacy.

Simple in form, profound in meaning — the story of the three arrows reminds us that unity always triumphs over division.
In family, in leadership, in nations — Motonari’s message still rings true today: we are stronger together.