Hagakure

Hagakure, also known as Hagakure Kikigaki (The Book of the Samurai), is a practical and spiritual guide to samurai ethics attributed to Yamamoto Tsunetomo, a retainer of the Nabeshima clan who became a monk after leaving service in the early eighteenth century. The work is a compilation of his conversations and reflections, recorded by a disciple after Tsunetomo’s death. It does not present a narrative but rather a collection of short passages and aphorisms intended to instruct and inspire.

The central themes are loyalty and obedience, self-discipline, frugality, and the readiness to face death in service to one's lord. The text emphasizes composure in danger, decisive action, and the belief that death can be a virtue when undertaken in the line of duty. Its tone blends practical guidance with spiritual and moral reflections, drawing on Zen and Confucian ideas.

Historically, Hagakure emerged in the context of Edo-period Japan and has been interpreted as a formal statement of bushido, the samurai's code. Its exact origins are debated, and scholars note that it reflects the values and circumstances of its time rather than a universal code for all warriors. Since its publication and multiple translations, Hagakure has influenced both popular culture and scholarly discussions of samurai ethics, often cited as a foundational text of Bushido, while also facing criticism for romanticizing suicide and lethal obedience.