ORIGINALLY WRITTEN: February 2023
DISCLAIMER: None (Subject to Change)
CONTENT WARNINGS: Death, Implied Discussion of Suicide
Thinking about how at some point later in the plotline, Takemura sends V the following quote from Miyamoto Musashi:
Even should you abandon your body, never abandon your honor. Never stray from the Way.
This quote comes from the book Musashi’s Dokkōdō (also known as “The Path of Aloneness”, “The Way to Go Forth Alone”, or “The Way of Walking Alone”). A bit more about the book, author, and potential interpretations below the cut.
Miyamoto Musashi went by several names (Shinmen Takezō, Miyamoto Bennosuke, or Niten Dōraku; the latter being his Buddhist name), though is most known for having been an expert swordsman, rōnin, and philosopher. Not much is known about his life outside his travels and duels, but his teachings and philosophy are actually fascinating. He created the kenjutsu technique of niten'ichi (also known as nitōichi), or using a large sword alongside a “companion sword”. Many attribute his development of the practice to the two-handed movements of Buddhist temple drummers, given he was raised as such by his father and uncle.
Additionally, he’s known for developing quite the artistic approach to things later on in his life. He’s created several ink paintings and caligraphy pieces, found on Medium. The Art of Miyamoto Musashi by Brayn Campbell
Returning the focus back to Dokkōdō, the book itself is actually a series of 21 principles written during the preparations Miyamoto Musashi took prior to his death. The book, too, was allegedly dedicated to his favorite disciple, Terao Magonojō.
This in of itself is actually quite symbolic within its presentation within Cyberpunk, as V’s relationship with Takemura is very rooted in the pair constantly learning from one another and their experiences together. Over time, should V work with Takemura and show favorability toward the Arasaka route, Takemura actually grows to appreciate V and enjoy their companionship.
But aside from that, the principles from Dokkōdō itself are just as meaningful:
Accept everything just the way it is. Do not seek pleasure for its own sake. Do not, under any circumstances, depend on a partial feeling. Think lightly of yourself and deeply of the world. Be detached from desire your whole life long. Do not regret what you have done. Never be jealous. Never let yourself be saddened by a separation. Resentment and complaint are appropriate neither for oneself nor others. Do not let yourself be guided by the feeling of lust or love. In all things have no preferences. Be indifferent to where you live. Do not pursue the taste of good food. Do not hold on to possessions you no longer need. Do not act following customary beliefs. Do not collect weapons or practice with weapons beyond what is useful. Do not fear death. Do not seek to possess either goods or fiefs for your old age. Respect Buddha and the gods without counting on their help. You may abandon your own body, but you must preserve your honour. Never stray from the way.
Accept everything just the way it is.
Do not seek pleasure for its own sake.
Do not, under any circumstances, depend on a partial feeling.
Think lightly of yourself and deeply of the world.
Be detached from desire your whole life long.
Do not regret what you have done.
Never be jealous.
Never let yourself be saddened by a separation.
Resentment and complaint are appropriate neither for oneself nor others.
Do not let yourself be guided by the feeling of lust or love.
In all things have no preferences.
Be indifferent to where you live.
Do not pursue the taste of good food.
Do not hold on to possessions you no longer need.
Do not act following customary beliefs.
Do not collect weapons or practice with weapons beyond what is useful.
Do not fear death.
Do not seek to possess either goods or fiefs for your old age.
Respect Buddha and the gods without counting on their help.
You may abandon your own body, but you must preserve your honour.
Never stray from the way.
This version was translated, yet an archived version of the original handwriting can be found here for those who are interested.
Just examining Takemura’s character, we can see how he aligns himself with this ascetic mentality.
In his upbringing, Takemura never had much and was really taught to be appreciative of what his family did have. Then, being brought into Arasaka, he was taught to show that same sentiment. Arasaka could provide wonders for him, sure, but it was not because they could. It was because he, and other soldiers under their ranks, deserved it. Earned it. Everything he possessed was a result of his work and his loyalty.
Not to mention, Takemura does show admiration for the honor that ancient samurai (and by extension, rōnin such as Miyamoto Musashi) abided by. Such is evidenced in the endings where V does not side with Hanako. His last voicemail to V discusses the jisei, or death poems most prominently written within East Asian cultures, and furthermore how he believed himself to not be “of [the samurai’s] number” (hence why he simply closed his voicemail with a wish for V to burn in Hell).
Note: Further researching the way Japanese culture creates these death poems, it’s found that they have their origins in Zen Buddhism, so it also ties into the greater thematic elements present in Miyamoto Musashi’s works.
All in all, I think this is a really neat reference, and it serves its purpose of highlighting the type of relationship that V and Takemura have, as well as illustrating Takemura’s frame of mind throughout the main plot events.