Shutsujin-shiki

The Samurai Battle Departure Ceremony

Samurai armies were often made up of higher-ranked daimyo with clan members, lesser-ranked lords, or retainers joining their ranks, the shutsujin-shiki ceremony was held to reinforce loyalty, to implement and develop unity and cohesion before going into battle, and ensure the combatants’ good fortune. The Shutsujin-shiki Departure Ceremony involved all the generals gathering to pay their respects to the leading lord, and submitting themselves and their men to the disposal of that lord.