"Sanpou Ichiryouzon" is a famous judgment from Japan's Edo period, illustrating the idea that fairness can be achieved by having three parties each take a small loss. This episode is attributed to the renowned Edo-era magistrate Ōoka Tadasuke, known as Ōoka Echizen.
The story goes as follows:
A merchant found one ryō (an old Japanese currency) and tried to locate its owner. Another merchant claimed he had lost the ryō and demanded it back. However, the merchant who found it refused to return it, arguing that the one he found was worth more than one ryō. Meanwhile, a third person also claimed the money was his, leading to a three-way dispute.
Ōoka Echizen resolved the issue with the following judgment:
1. The merchant who lost the ryō was to pay half a ryō.
2. The merchant who found the ryō was to receive half a ryō.
3. The third claimant was also to receive half a ryō.
Through this decision, each party took a partial loss, resulting in an overall fair resolution. This is the origin of the phrase "Sanpou Ichiryouzon." Today, the concept of "Sanpou Ichiryouzon" is sometimes invoked in negotiations or problem-solving situations to achieve a balanced and equitable outcome.