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
Seppuku
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Stan Sakai
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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
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