Musui's Story

“Reflections of My Life” is a brief, two-page conclusion to the memoir written in 1843. Katsu, aged 42, believes that he was born “under a lucky star” (156). The author mentions his misdeeds: “When I think of my past, my hair stands on end” (156). Many of his associates met an untimely death. In contrast, the author remains in good health and of sound mind, having lived a full life while wearing expensive kimonos made of foreign silk, eating good food, and buying “as many prostitutes as [he] liked” (156). He also emphasizes that he has been blessed with a devoted, supportive family in addition to being healthy.

Katsu reminds the reader that he only gained sufficient literacy in his twenties and had been “unable to distinguish right from wrong” (157), living a life full of excesses. The author declares that he wants his lifestyle to serve as a warning: “Even putting these words on paper fills me with shame” (157). Katsu claims to have finally realized “what it means to follow in the path of righteousness,” which includes living in harmony and with compassion for others (157).