Shutsujin-shiki: A Ritual of Loyalty Among Samurai Before Battle

In Feudal Japan, the ritual of Shutsujin-shiki played a significant role in the lives of samurai. This solemn ceremony, conducted before heading into the battlefield, represented a crucial moment where loyalty and unity among warriors were confirmed and strengthened.

The term ‘samurai‘ derives from the verb ‘saburau,’ an archaic Japanese word no longer in use today. This word carried the meaning of ‘to serve‘ or ‘to be by one’s side.‘ The philosophy of the samurai was imbued with the idea of being dedicated servants to their lord, their family, and the ideals they represented. Fidelity was one of the fundamental principles that permeated their existence.”

In the renowned Hagakure (pdf version), a priceless work in Japanese tradition composed of concise aphorisms, valuable instructions on the principles guiding the lives of warriors can be found.
One of these aphorisms reminds us that “It is said that loyalty is important in the pact between the daimyo and the one who serves him, and although it may seem unattainable, it is right before our eyes. If we devote ourselves to pursuing it just once, in that very instant, we will become perfect servants.”

Loyalty was considered a supremely important virtue for the samurai. They pledged to be loyal and devoted to their lord, following his commands without hesitation. This sense of loyalty extended to their families, traditions, and the values they represented.

The Shutsujin-shiki ritual primarily served to confirm alliances between feudal lords (Daimyo) and represented a crucial moment in which loyalty bonds were reaffirmed and unity among different clans was demonstrated.

During this ritual, the lords of different families gathered to pay homage to the most powerful clan’s lord, who assumed the role of the commander. They voluntarily submitted themselves and their men to his command. One by one, feudal lords approached the commander, kneeling in respect, and announced their name, title, and the number of soldiers they provided for the common cause.

After verbally expressing their commitment and loyalty, the same information was transcribed. The documents were then presented to the commander, who carefully examined them. By placing his signature on the documents, the commander confirmed the loyalty of the feudal lords. This act officially sealed the commitment made by the feudal lords, solidifying their status as reliable and faithful allies.

At the conclusion of this initial ceremonial phase, offerings of shellfish, chestnuts, and dried seaweed were presented to the commander, accompanied by three cups of sake. This symbolic gesture represented an offering of gratitude and respect towards the commander, emphasizing the importance of his leadership and acknowledging his central role within the group of samurai.

The commander, after delivering words of encouragement and motivation, would rise to his feet, lifting his sword towards the sky, initiating a chorus of powerful shouts. The collective chant resonated in the air, creating an atmosphere of fervor and determination, emotionally uplifting the samurai as they prepared for the impending battle.

Shutsujin-shiki ceremony was conducted with solemnity and rigor. It was an opportunity for the samurai to demonstrate their self-control and composure, despite the uncertainty and real possibility of not returning from the battle. It was also a final chance to showcase solidarity and mutual respect among the men who were about to share the danger and honor of war.

Within the samurai culture, the Shutsujin-shiki stood as a momentous occasion, accentuating the utmost importance placed upon loyalty, unity, and discipline.

This ceremony, with its ritualistic nature and symbolic significance, has left a lasting imprint in the history of feudal Japan, bearing witness to the ethics and core values that characterized the samurai warriors.

Text and historical research by Eugenio Larosa.