The Challenge of Rising Costs
In 2025, Americans face rising grocery bills, rent, and daily expenses. Inflation makes it harder to save and plan for the future. Many feel trapped between higher prices and stagnant income.
But history offers a surprising guide: Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate in Japan (1603–1868). He built one of the most stable eras in Japanese history, and his success was rooted not only in strategy, but in frugality.
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Shogun Ieyasu’s Frugal Habits
Even after he won the decisive Battle of Sekigahara in 1600 and became Shogun, Ieyasu continued to live simply.
• Plain meals: Records say he ate barley mixed with rice instead of white rice, to remind himself of hardship and to avoid waste.
• Simple clothing: He avoided luxury silks, preferring modest garments.
• Resource management: He carefully monitored supplies and advised his vassals to avoid unnecessary spending.
👉 Imagine: the most powerful man in Japan, ruling the entire nation, still chose to live modestly!
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Why This Matters for Us
Ieyasu’s mindset shows that discipline beats luxury. In times of inflation, the lesson is clear:
• Cut wasteful spending
• Value simple meals and routines
• Focus resources on what truly builds stability
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Modern Samurai Lesson
Inflation tests our discipline. Like Ieyasu, we can endure hardship today to secure tomorrow. Frugality is not about deprivation—it is about freedom.
History proves it: even a Shogun stayed frugal after gaining the whole nation.
If he could do it, so can we.
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