Gempukku

The greatest day of a samurai’s young life is the day they become an adult, graduating from their academy dōjō in the coming-of-age ceremony and becoming a fullfledged member of the clan. Usually, this occurs sometime around a samurai’s sixteenth year, although both earlier and later gempuku aren’t uncommon. Most involve tests of some sort, to ensure the samurai has learned all they were required and are capable of performing their duties with excellence. Should the young samurai pass, they are gifted with a wakizashi—traditionally their grandparent’s, although more often a replica made in the same style—and expected to serve the clan faithfully.

Primary Related Location

Tsuma

Related Ethnicities

• The Rokugani People