by
MichaelB
Hello Leon-
Thank you for your PM the other day. I am sorry that I am now replying, however, you asked about the meaning behind the slogan, "7 Lives in Dedication to the Nation/Emperor". That particular Japanese slogan has a couple of different English translations, but basically they mean the same thing and are attributed to the same person/place. During the Genko Wars, the famous samurai Masashige had a brother, also a samurai. These men were devoutly dedicated to their Emperor, Go-Daigo, and eventually gave their lives in service to him. While Masashige's brother lay dying on the battlefield, he was said to have uttered, "Would that I have 7 Lives to Give to My Emperor". The meaning and the attachment to the samurai days carried over throughout the years, and was used for the same reasons/purposes by the Japanese World War Two era citizens and soldiers alike.
MichaelB
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