"Yasuoka Masahiro , an individual of great character and strong moral fiber, lived through this key transitional period in Japanese society. He was both a scholar and disciple of Neo-Confucian philosophy and Bushido, the way of the warrior; credos have pervaded Japanese thought and behavior for several centuries and contribute materially to both the formation of personal character and  the roots of the Japanese way of thinking. His recent biography is appropriately titled “The Mentor of Prime Ministers,” and reflects how he influenced major political figures throughout his life.

Yasuoka’s work currently under translation, "Nihon Seishin no Kenkyu", is both a strong statement and indication of his own principles; which he followed - unwaveringly-  throughout the turbulence and the revivals of his own lifetime. He serves as an outstanding example of one who acts according to principles and has served as a model for his countrymen to follow."         ---Dr. David Ashworth, Director of Center for Interpretation and Translation Studies, University of Hawaii at Manoa

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Chapter Fourteen

Kendo and Mental Principles: On Miyamoto Musashi 

I

The Foundation of Kendo

A point of pride among characteristics of the Japanese Volk not found in other countries, one among many in various fields of endeavor, is Japanese kendo in particular, the great accomplishment of samurai, an impressive and unparalleled art, a way. As explained in previous chapters, kendo definitely is not the art or technique of swordplay. Neither is it a means to protect one’s self or control one’s enemy. Truly, to temper and perfect a person’s mind and body with an adamantine sword is to reach a unified state of mind free of distraction.

“Chichi no kai” is a reading club for the Japanese monthly magazine “Chichi”. Five to ten members gather at 1:00pm on the forth Saturday (usually) of every month and talk about the contents of the magazine, what piqued their interest, or their own experiences relevant to the content. Regrettably, the magazine is written entirely in Japanese and all discussions are in Japanese. All Japanese speakers are welcome to join the group.

If you are interested in the reading group, please e-mail: