noun
three-comma emblem; mitsudomoe symbol
A traditional Japanese emblem consisting of three comma-shaped figures (tomoe) arranged in a circle. Often associated with Shinto shrines, samurai crests, and taiko drums.
神社の太鼓には三つ巴の紋が描かれている。
The shrine's taiko drum has a mitsudomoe crest painted on it.
三つ巴は、琉
The mitsudomoe was also used as the crest of the Ryukyu royal family.
noun
three-way fight; three-cornered struggle
Metaphorical extension from the emblem: a contest or conflict involving three evenly matched parties. Common in politics, sports, and business.
選挙は与党と二大野党による三つ巴の戦いになった。
The election turned into a three-way battle between the ruling party and the two major opposition parties.
優勝争いは三つ巴の様相を呈している。
The race for the championship is shaping up to be a three-way struggle.