Hagakure

Hagakure (hidden in the leaves) is a manual for samurai classes, consisting of a series of short anecdotes and reflections that at the same time provide insight and knowledge about the philosophy and code of behavior that promotes the true spirit of Bushido "The warrior's path". It is not a philosophy book, but a collection of thoughts and statements compiled over a period of seven years, and covering a wide variety of subjects in no pre-established order. The work has an intuitive rather than rational charm in its assertion that Bushido is a way of dying, and that a vassal samurai is always ready and willing to die at any moment, to be totally faithful to his master. Hagakure was a text that was kept secret for many years and was only addressed to the vassal warrior of the Hizen fiefdom, to which the author belonged. Later, this treatise became a classic of samurai philosophy and thought, influencing later generations, including Yukio Mishima.