In a recent interview with JAPAN Forward, editor Michael Maxwell discusses the significance of the new translation of 'Hagakure' and its relevance to the modern world 1. 'Hagakure' is an 18th-century guide on the honorable way of the warrior, compiled by Yamamoto Tsunetomo. It emphasizes loyalty, self-discipline, and the acceptance of death as integral parts of the samurai ethos. The influence of 'Hagakure' grew in the early 20th century after the Russo-Japanese War and gained popularity during the 1930s and 40s. Maxwell believes that modern readers, particularly in the West, can learn from the values of honor, duty, and martial tradition presented in 'Hagakure'. He sees it as a reflection of a bygone era but also relevant to the West's struggle with a spiritual crisis and the rise of illiberal right-wing ideologies. Maxwell argues that 'Hagakure' challenges modern values of individualism and autonomy by emphasizing extreme self-discipline and loyalty to authority. He believes that the commitment to authority in 'Hagakure' poses a core challenge that the modern world needs. The translation of 'Hagakure' by Imperium Press does not directly engage with modern liberal ideologies but provides an antipode to liberalism through its emphasis on authority, obedience, and subordination to the lord and master. Maxwell hopes that this new translation will have an impact on readers outside of Japan, particularly those with conservative sentiments, by reviving and cultivating the ancestral worldview of Bushido 1.
