The Autobiography of Samurai Katsu Kokichi Musui Dokugen: Living by the Law and Living by the Rules

The Tokugawa period (1603–1867) is commonly associated with the strict order established by the shogunate, and the ruling samurai class is depicted as the embodiment of courage, duty, fealty, and nobility. While such notions are not without foundation, a thorough analysis of the realities of the Tokugawa era seriously challenges this rosy picture. Musui Dokugen, the autobiography of the samurai Katsu Kokichi (1802–1850), provides compelling evidence of this, demon­strating that Japan was not home to only law-abiding, virtuous, and highly moral people. It vividly demonstrates that the severity of Tokugawa laws and moral codes could be offset by their violation and non-compliance. Kokichi himself is hardly an ideal person, and among his circle we encounter numerous “antiheroes”: self-serving individuals, swindlers, thieves, cheats, brawlers, and playboys. While the “Autobiography” doesn’t destroy the familiar picture of Tokugawa society, it does add many less than savory details. Living not by the law, but by the “rules” proved to be a crucial component of everyday behavior for a significant segment of Japanese society.