昨日の敵は今日の友。
2026-08-25
昨日の敵は今日の友。...

Yesterday’s Enemy Is Today’s Friend — Chess vs. Shogi
 
There is a Japanese saying:
 
「昨日の敵は今日の友」
Yesterday’s enemy is today’s friend.
 
One interesting way to understand this idea is by comparing chess and Japanese shogi.
 
In chess, when you capture an opponent’s piece, that piece is removed from the game. It is gone.
 
Shogi is different.
 
When you capture an opponent’s piece, it becomes yours. Later, you can place that captured piece back on the board and use it as part of your own forces.
 
Your former enemy can literally become your ally.
 
Of course, shogi was not created to teach this proverb. But I find the comparison fascinating because it reflects something we often see in Japanese history, business, and society.
 
Competition does not always have to end with destruction. Today’s competitor may become tomorrow’s partner. Someone who once opposed you may eventually become one of your strongest supporters.
 
Perhaps this is one reason shogi feels so different from chess.
 
Never assume that today’s enemy must remain your enemy forever.
 
 
 
Disclaimer: I use AI as a tool to help create images and proofread my writing. However, the ideas, opinions, experiences, and messages in my posts are my own. AI does not generate my posts for me. It simply helps me present my own words and ideas more clearly.






Kenichi Uchikura
Founder & CEO

Pacific Software Publishing, Inc. (PSPINC)
Uchikura & Co., LLC.

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ABOUT THIS BLOG

I was born and raised in Japan and have spent most of my adult life in the United States. Through this blog, I share Japanese culture, language, expressions, and wisdom. My goal is not to say one culture is better, but to explore different perspectives and what we can learn from them.

Your comments are always welcome.

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