Paper short abstract:

This paper is a reevaluation of the early 18th-century text Hagakure, within the context of the development of bushido thought, from its first appearance until today. A particular focus will be how the concepts of honor and loyalty came to be read within the context of modern nationalism.

Paper long abstract:

This paper examines the historical reevaluation of the early eighteenth-century text Hagakure, compiled by Yamamoto Tsunemoto (1659-1719), within the context of the development of bushido thought, from its first appearance until today. Hagakure is one of the seminal texts in bushido thought or ideology, and is particularly famous for its first line: “The Way of the warrior can be found in death.” However, Hagakure was compiled not as an ideological tract directed towards samurai in general, but rather more as a lifestyle or etiquette guide for retainers in service to their lord.

When studies of Hagakure first began, during the late Tokugawa period, they usually adopted an historical approach. But, from the Meiji period onward, when studies such as Hagakure rongo (The Analects of Hagakure) were published, Hagakure became a symbol of loyalty and nationalistic spirit, and later became identified with the notion of “kamikaze spirit” or 9-11-style terrorism.

In this paper I will, from my perspective as an historian of early modern Japan, examine how the honor and loyalty to one’s lord that samurai held during this time, came to be read within the context of modern nationalism as symbols of patriotism.