Archive for June, 2025
Words of the Samurai – Second Episode
Today, we turn to western Japan to meet a fascinating and fearsome figure: Mōri Motonari. A powerful warlord of the Chūgoku region during the Sengoku period, Motonari was more than a military commander—he was a master of political manipulation, disinformation, and cold-blooded strategy in an age ruled by betrayal. His ruthless clarity gave rise to words that still provoke thought today.Read More
Kogitsunemaru: The Legendary Tachi Forged with a Fox Spirit
Among Japan’s legendary swords, Kogitsunemaru stands out for its mystical origin. Said to be forged with the aid of a fox spirit, this sacred tachi embodies the deep spiritual bond between swordsmith and kami.Read More
Tokugawa Ieyasu: “I never forgot.”
Begin a journey through the words of legendary samurai. One quote, one story, one lesson each week. Episode one: Tokugawa Ieyasu.Read More
The Butterfly in Feudal Japan: Symbol of the Soul, Eternity, and...
Elegant, ephemeral, and filled with symbolic meaning — the butterfly (kōchō, 蝴蝶) holds a special place in the cultural and spiritual tapestry of feudal Japan. More than just a beautiful insect, it was revered by the samurai, enshrined in clan crests, and associated with the journey of the soul beyond life.Read More
