7 Comments
User's avatar
JCastle.info's avatar

wow that's wicked. More stories like this please :). Throws that whole "bushido" thing out the window !

Expand full comment
João Carlos's avatar

Thats not exactly right, i think. One thing does not exclude the other. The real world has a loooot of spectrums, not just “this” or “that”

Expand full comment
Anne McLean's avatar

Disappointed to read that he may have killed these allies. You describe it as a rumour but believe there’s enough to substantiate it, yes? I’ve read conflicting accounts of the father’s death, contending those who kidnapped him, killed him, not the Date troops.

Expand full comment
Samurai History & Culture's avatar

Yes, there are old remaining reports, but these too are ambiguous as to whether the Date forces shot from behind, or while their allies were at rest. Either way it appears Masamune did indeed shoot his allies.

Expand full comment
Anne McLean's avatar

“Like” isn’t really my reaction to this, but thanks for responding! I guess I won’t enjoy burning his incense from Zuigan-ji as much now. It has a peacock on the box….

Expand full comment
Samurai History & Culture's avatar

It is understandable, particularly from modern day sensibilities that his actions are seen as very foreign to our own. In the world he grew up in, it was kill or be killed. That's not to say I agree with his actions,...like yourself I saw this as a great stain on his reputation. Despite his shocking actions his redeeming features, being very forward thinking, considering foreign trade, etc, I believe, far outweigh this incident. Please continue to enjoy burning incense, perhaps not just for Masamune, but also in memory of his allied victims, the men of the Jinbo unit.

Expand full comment
Anne McLean's avatar

I do take into account “different times, different conceptions, different practices” and that war can lead people places they wouldn’t normally go, although they must’ve all been very used to conflict in those days. And I still think he had virtues and admirable achievements as you say.

I have a lot of different Japanese incense but the Masamune one has been a favourite. It smells great as well as bringing him to mind, and my travels in and around Sendai. It’s a good idea to remember the victims at the same time 🙂

Expand full comment