Asakura Clan House Code - Law #7 | Part 7 of 17 Article Series
ORIGINAL TEXT:
Do not send messengers to Date and Shirakawa (areas in present-day Fukushima famed for breeding excellent horses) to procure fine horses and falcons on the pretext that is part of the duties of the Samurai. Naturally special considerations may be given to horses and falcons arriving from other areas. However, after three years, they must be passed on on to some other family. To hold on to them for a long time will inevitably bring forth regret.
MODERN INTERPRETATION:
Prioritize actual value over brand power. Respect relations with others, but prioritize developing yourself and your group above empowering those who do not sincerely care for your well-being. Don’t become attached or sentimental with tools of your trade - they are tools, no more, no less.
Be foremost concerned with YOUR TRUE WAY
Samurai are not to spend lavishly, or excessively, on matters that are not of importance to the Way of the Samurai.
Asakura Toshikage had previously established in the first 6 House Codes of the Asakura, that a Samurai should NOT be attached to “fancy” things. He stated outright that ability and loyalty were key, and that the Clan must prioritize investing in its own strength.
So it doesn’t come as a surprise that Toshikage sets out that the Clan should NOT spend on getting more expensive, “BEST” items from other clans, and think that this is a good thing. Instead “GOOD ENOUGH” items could be developed from within, and thus develop the capabilities of the Clan.
Holding on to any “fine” yet “perishable” tool of a Warrior for a great length of time is a mistake. A warrior needs functional tools, useful tools, not tools which he feels a great emotional connection with, yet have lost their function and utility over time.
Samurai Brand Power vs Actual Samurai Value
In modern times, we often spend lavishly on the BRAND of an item. You can stop for only a few seconds and think of all the companies in the world with very famous brands, that sell average quality items manufactured in places with slave labour, but turn a MASSIVE profit on those items because of the LOGO that goes on. Whether a clothing manufacturer, goods, products, or services, companies often mark up their costs simply because they have a powerful brand.
Asakura Toshikage was likely cognizant of this, and recognized the value of a horse or falcon raised from within the Clan was more valuable than spending on “brand” value.
Trade to Strengthen Relationships, but Invest in Yourself to Build Power
He likely valued the concept of trading with other clans simply to maintain relationships, and build incentivized peace, however, he stipulated that these animals MUST be considered TOOLS of the Warrior, and passed on to other Clans after some time. Enough time to get use out of them, and to forge a trading relationship, but probably trade them to another clan in exchange for resources to procure more items of TRUE value for the Asakura.
And again, “GOOD ENOUGH AND LOCAL” was better than “BEST BUT OUTSIDE.”
Question for Readers: Why Three Years?
This Asakura Clan House Code sets a 3 year limit on such items. Why three years? This is an interesting question. Did Asakura Toshikage decide on 3 years for a well thought out reason?
Was he concerned with lucky numbers and auspicious dates? No, he was pragmatic.
Was there a matter regarding the age of the animal and its value in barter or trade?
Was there a financial reason, a stab-in-the-dark on the length of time it takes to become emotionally attached to an animal?
It’s interesting to ponder this, and should anyone have any insight or information on this question, please leave it in the comments.
NEXT ARTICLE IN THE SERIES: A PREVIEW
The next article, Law #8, is regarding how to establish a culture of proud loyalty to the Clan above a culture of self-promotion, which would likely lead to the Clan’s demise.