During the Tokugawa Period in 16th Century Japan, there was constant warfare between rival clans led by generals known as Shoguns. Legend has it that one of these Shoguns, Takagawa Ieyagu, was resting at home one day, sitting on his tatami mat, with a cat asleep on the wide sleeve of his priceless embroidered silk robe. An aide came in and said that the warlord of another clan had invaded his realm, and he had to marshal his army to meet the threat.
The cat was still asleep, and rather than disturb it, Takagawa drew his wakizashi, or short sword, and cut off his sleeve.
Of course he won the battle, and eventually united Japan under his rule.
However, it’s evident that his cat ruled him.
