Miyamoto Musashi, also known as Shinmen Takezō, Miyamoto Bennosuke, or, by his Buddhist name, Niten Dōraku, was a Japanese swordsman, philosopher, strategist, writer, and rōnin.
Encounter
I first encounter Miyamoto via the Japanese Manga: Vagabond (バガボンド), the work of Takehiko Inoue (井上 雄彦).
Vagabond is well-drawn and interesting. It sparks my interest to learn about Miyamoto, the most famous samurai.
I came across the trilogy film about Miyamoto recently:
- 1954 Samurai I Musashi Miyamoto
- 1955 Samurai II Duel At Ichijoji Temple
- 1956 Samurai III Duel At Ganryu Island
I am hesitant to watch them at first as they are too old. I think that old films are not as good as modern ones because:
- Actor / Actress lack of training in both physical fitness and acting skills
- Poor Computer-Generated Imagery (CGI)
- Outdated film techniques
I am intrigued by how well Samurai I Musashi Miyamoto is filmed. Therefore, I finished the trilogy on the same day.
The Way of a Samurai
When I think about Samurai, the scene that I picture is a warrior committing Hara-Kiri.
My concept of honor as a citizen of the 21st century is different from that of a Samurai.
I believe in 留得青山在，不怕没柴烧 (Where there is life, there is hope).
I can accept failure. I will learn from it, train harder and smarter, and succeed in the next encounter.
The Book of Five Rings
I might find time to read this book written by Miyamoto. I am interested to understand how he thinks.