The symbolic of the Tiger Test in HOKUTO NO KEN

The Pen and Sword Journal - Vol 32

Today, I'd like to share a moment from one of the most iconic Japanese anime of the 80s. This was the initial series that sparked my lifelong dedication towards martial arts, and I still watch it again from time to time. Looking back, I realize that I intuitively appreciated its symbolic messages. This leads us to the scene I recommend you watch before moving forward. While the scene may be exaggerated, the symbolism it carries is a testament to the depth of character development within the series. Additionally, I like to see them as archetypes that represent a part of the human psyche that we must integrate in order to grow, as Carl Jung said.

Here’s the video 👇

“Supreme excellence consists of breaking the enemy’s resistance without fighting. “

-Sun Tzu

I understand that this scene may be exaggerated, especially the size of the tiger 😅. Nevertheless, its symbolism is something I've always valued.

Symbolism of the Tiger:

The tiger, as a symbol, represents the primal, instinctual nature within each character. Its size and presence exaggerate the magnitude of these instincts, highlighting their significant impact in these characters. As they say, “The brighter the fire burns, the stronger the shadow becomes.” In other words, the tiger becomes a representation of the instinctual side within each character, reflecting how they choose to confront and tame their inner beasts.

Kenshiro's Approach:

As you can see at the beginning of each encounter, the tiger sensed death from both Kenshiro and Raoh. However, when facing Kenshiro, it made peace with its fate. Kenshiro chose to tame the tiger instead of harming it. The tiger sensed this and reacted accordingly.

The death Kenshiro choose to inflict to the tiger was metaphorical, contrarily to Raoh.

Kenshiro's decision to tame the tiger instead of harming it reflects a choice for inner peace and harmony. This choice could symbolize a controlled and balanced approach to one's instincts. It shows a willingness to understand and integrate the instinctual side, rather than suppressing or succumbing to it.

Raoh's Approach:

On the other hand, facing Raoh, it didn’t accept what it perceived as a dreadful fate. This is because Raoh chose to resolve the tiger problem by immediately killing it (physically).

Raoh's immediate decision to kill the tiger symbolizes a more aggressive and dominating approach towards one's instincts. This reflects a choice for control through force and suppression. It underlines the idea that some individuals may choose to confront and overpower their instincts rather than finding a harmonious coexistence.

Mirroring Inner Transformation:

This scene also mirrors the way they tamed the beast inside. We all have a "Kenshiro" and a "Raoh" within us, and every day we choose how to handle our instincts, respectively.

I would also say without doubt that this scene also represent the process of Shadow Integration. Keshiro realizes this, and chooses to understand the root cause of the tiger’s aggressiveness. By doing this, he confronts his own aggressiveness, and aspects of himself that he might have suppressed.

In essence, this scene beautifully captures the complexity of human nature and the ongoing internal struggle between choosing to integrate our shadow’s, as Jung explained, or choosing to “fight fire with fire”.

This last approach might seem empowering, but still, it reminds me of something Nietzsche wrote in his book titled “Beyond Good and Evil”.

"And if you gaze for long into an abyss, the abyss gazes also into you."

Hope this concentrated article is thought-provoking for you. 🙏 Let me know your thoughts in the comments below, I’d love to hear them. 😊