In the samurai tradition, jisei no ku—death poems—were written before battle to express acceptance of fate and the resolve to meet death with honor. Rooted in Zen, they reflect life’s fleeting nature and the belief that a dignified death ensures an enduring legacy. Such poems helped warriors calm their minds and affirm purpose. One such poem reads: “I walk toward death as one walks toward the dawn—without fear. Only to sharpen my name with honor and leave behind a legacy carved in blood.”