Proverb / Kotowaza
いざ鎌倉
A critical moment or emergency that demands immediate action.
Now, to Kamakura!
Quick Answer
A critical moment or emergency that demands immediate action.
- Literal Image
- Now, to Kamakura!
- How to Use It
- Used to describe a critical situation or an emergency when someone must step up and act decisively.
Meaning
This phrase refers to an emergency situation where one must rush to help immediately. It also describes a crucial, now-or-never moment where decisive action is required.
Literal Image
Now, to Kamakura!
How to Use It
Used to describe a critical situation or an emergency when someone must step up and act decisively.
Tone
Carries a dramatic and resolved tone, indicating readiness to act in a crisis.
Examples
普段はのんびりしている彼だが、いざ鎌倉というときには誰よりも頼りになる。
He is laid-back, but in a crisis, he is more reliable than anyone else.
Learning Notes
Key Vocabulary
The vocabulary is simple, but the idiomatic meaning relies entirely on understanding its figurative use for emergencies.
いざ
いざ / iza
now; well then (used to prompt action)
鎌倉
かまくら / kamakura
Kamakura (city and historical period)
Usage Profile
Usage note: Can be used as a modifier in the phrase 'iza kamakura to iu toki' (when a crisis strikes).
Misread Risk
Do not interpret this literally as a statement about traveling to the city of Kamakura; it is a metaphor for a critical moment.
Search As
Related Proverbs
Origin
Originates from the Kamakura period, when retainers across the country would quickly rush to the scene declaring "To Kamakura!" if a major crisis struck the shogunate.
Index
Topics, Situations, and Tags
Topics
Situations
Tags
Source Note
Where did this entry get its data from? The reference links are listed below. To understand how to read this section, see Data Sources.