Description

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Hello. I am Haruo Ishii, a Zainichi author from the bookstore “MeeNii”.

In the late 16th to early 17th century, during the turbulent period marking the end of Japan’s Sengoku era and the beginning of the Edo period, the life of a swordsman unfolds. Miyamoto Musashi—a master of swordsmanship, painter, philosopher, and author of “The Book of Five Rings – Gorinnosho ” He was not merely a swordsman but a seeker who pursued his path on the boundary between life and death.

This book strives to depict the inner journey of Musashi and the landscape of the era he faced, based on historical facts. Through Musashi’s life, who remained undefeated in over 60 duels and left profound insights not only in swordsmanship but also in art and philosophy, we come to realize that the path of martial arts is not merely the pursuit of victory but a journey toward self-completion. As Musashi was not a fictional character but a real historical figure, I referred to various historical texts and explored his actual footsteps through travels while writing this book.

I sincerely hope this book can provide similar inspiration to its readers, as Musashi’s story is not merely a historical record but an invitation encouraging each of us to find our own ‘Way of the Sword.’ I will continue to provide valuable information about Japanese figures in the future. Your support would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

“Life is like a sword. We must learn how to handle it.”

— Miyamoto Musashi

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CONTENTS

Header                                     7

Ⅰ. Wild boy (1584-1600)                  10

• Mimasaka’s child

• The first trial of boy Musashi

• Seed of the Sword

• Shadow of Sekigahara

• The aftermath of the Battle of Sekigahara

Ⅱ. The path of wandering (1600-1612)          31

• Kyoto entry

• Match against Yoshioka Dojo

• 60 duels

• Meditation on a rock

• Legend of the Deer Antlers

Ⅲ. Kanjo and Hojo (1612-1614)             61

• Island of Kanjo

• Two swords

• Duel on the beach

• Meet the Hojo family

Ⅳ. The path of art and philosophy (1614-1645) 92

• Brush and the Sword

• Battle of Osaka

• The vortex of war

• Encounter with Zen

• Realization in the cave

• The beginning of the Gorinnosho

• Completion of the Gorinnosho

Ⅴ. The Last Swordsman (1645-1646)          140

• Cave in Kumamoto

• The Last Sword

• Eternal Legend

Ⅵ. Immortal Legacy                       161

• A Young Man’s Visit

• The Last Disciple

• Sword and pen

Appendix                                    177 

• The principles of Niten Ichi-ryu (Two  Heavens as One) swordsmanship

• Fact and legend

• Glossary of terms

• Musashi’s swordsmanship techniques

• Musashi’s philosophy of art

• References and recommended books

[Author’s Travelogue]                        196

[Expression of Gratitude]                     200

[Copyright Information]                      202