Q&A: Usagi Yojimbo

Miyamoto Usagi is a samurai in 17th century feudal Japan. Having learned from the hermit sensei, Katsuichi, he served under Lord Mifune. Following Mifune’s death at the Battle of Adachigahara, Usagi became a ronin, wandering the country while adhering to bushido, the way of the warrior, although he has been connected with the Geishu clan on several occasions. He has a son, Jotaro, although both are unaware that the other knows their true biological connection.

What is your perfect idea of happiness?
Flying a kite with my friends on a beautiful hill on a sunny day.

Which living person do you most admire?
My sensei, Katsuichi, who embodies the samurai spirit.

What is your greatest regret?
The death of my master, Lord Mifune, a great man.

What is your most treasured possession?
My daisho: my katana, Yagi No Eda (willow branch), and my wakizashi, Aoyagi (young willow).

Where would you like to live?
A wandering ronin is happy to call anywhere in this beautiful country home, but I will always hold a special place in my heart for the village where I was born.

What makes you depressed?
Evil in all its forms.

Who would play you in a movie of your life?
I think Thumper has the range, but not Bugs or Roger – the life of a samurai requires more gravitas.

What is your favourite book?
Go Rin No Sho (Book of Five Rings)

What is your guiltiest pleasure?
Rice balls. And bathing.

What do you owe your parents?
My stubbornness and sense of duty.

Which living person do you most despise?
Lord Hikiji, the man who killed my father and my honourable Lord, and gave me the scar above my eye.

When and where were you happiest?
Training to be a student in the mountains with my sensei.

What single thing would improve the quality of your life?
Full-time employment for all samurai.

What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
Life is hard, but if you follow bushido with honour, you will have lived well.

(With apologies, and the greatest respect, to Stan Sakai and his brilliant creation, Usagi Yojimbo, one of the best comics being published today.)

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.