Usagi Yojimbo DojoBoard

This is a question I have contemplated for awhile and can't find an answer. If a Samurai's master is killed in battle, as Usagi's was, is the Samurai honour bound to commit Seppuku?

If yes, why did Usagi not do so? Other than Usagi would have been just a one-shot instead of the amazing series it is.

Just curious.

Thanks,

MikeM

No, a samurai is not honor-bound to commit seppuku. Following one's master into death is called "oibara", by the way. In fact, it was discouraged, because it would weaken the clan.

There were many reasons for seppuku, some of which are:

Sokotsu-shi: because of guilt

Kanshi: as a protest against unfair treatment or a master's bad decision

Munen-bara: if a samurai is unable to right a wrong

A lord could be required to commit seppuku as terms of a peace treaty

A samurai could be ordered to commit seppuku because he embarrassed his master

As a form of execution, but this does not count as an honorable death

Stan, thank you so much for the quick response.
Thanks for the info.