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  • Essay / The Life of a Samurai in the History of Musui by Katsu Kokichi

    As one of the few surviving autobiographical writings from early Japan, in the History of Musui, Katsu Kokichi recounts his life as a samurai from the end of the Tokugawa period. During the Tokugawa period, also known as the Edo period, major wars and conflicts slowly declined in number and scale. The Edo period meant that samurai were no longer really needed. Yet the era also saw the publication of Hagakure: The Book of the Samurai, written by Yamamoto Tsunetomo. Tsunetomo, influenced by his time as a Buddhist priest, Confucian scholar and strongly by his master, Mitsushige, relayed his private feelings and discussions that formed bushido or "the Way of the Samurai." Katsu embodies some of the traditional samurai ideals written in Hagakure, such as exceptional combat skills and courage. However, Japan's new reality forced Katsu to adapt, as other actions such as obtaining rights for personal gain and seeking different options for making money became unorthodox. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Katsu's bravery represents an orthodox samurai ideal. Samurai were trained from a young age to approach risky situations with level-headed courage, while anticipating and resolving future problems to ensure a positive outcome. Bravery and intelligence transferred into Katsu's life because he remained calm and quick when faced with precarious situations. Katsu states that he had to place a copper coin on a doll in the middle of a field when he was eight years old. “By the time my turn came, it was after midnight and it was dark… but I did it and everyone congratulated me.” Hagakure supports this behavior by stating: "from early childhood, one should encourage courage and avoid frightening or teasing the child in trivial ways." As a result, bravery is an orthodox value that Katsu embodies. Katsu's combat skills reveal one of the ideals of an orthodox samurai. While playing fencing in Otani's training room, Katsu "took down all the good-for-nothings in my own neighborhood...everyone obeyed me." I feared absolutely no one.” Combat was a major part of a samurai's identity. Many were trained from a young age to perfect the know-how. His actions reflect a high level of skill and represent the duty and honor of what he believes to be right and necessary in combat. Katsu's combat skills also improve his reputation by adapting to the fact that there are no major battles or wars in which to test them. Katsu's decision not to become a master's servant is unorthodox. Hagakure states that "a man is a good servant to the extent that he sincerely values ​​his master." Instead, Katsu does not become a servant and his loyalty is only to himself. “I felt at home...I did what I wanted...I taught classes every day. It seemed pointless to stay any longer.” Thus, Katsu embodies the ways of the 47 rōnin, or masterless samurai, as both are not anchored by masters who would have guided and taught them throughout their lifelong dedication. Rather, they have made their own decisions and live their lives as they see fit. Therefore, Katsu acts in an unorthodox way against the real life of samurai. Katsu takes an unorthodox view of law and respect for a samurai by using the ideal to his advantage. Hagakure highlights the value'.