IJA Field Service Code (Senjinkun)

Nippon Rikukaigun - Imperial Japanese Army and Navy research... not just by Eugen Pinak

IJA Field Service Code (Senjinkun), 1941

By early 1940s leadership of the Imperial Japanese Army considered the Imperial Rescript to Soldiers and Sailors obsolete. This is not surprising, as it was written in 1882. But changing sacred words of the Emperor was inconceivable. So new capstone moral education document was adopted by the Army Order No. 1 of 8 January 1941.

“Let this book be used as a guide in rising moral at the front.” wrote the Army Minister, General Tojo Hideki, in the introduction to this document, the Field Service Code (戦陣訓 = Senjinkun or Senzinkun, literally “Battlefield Instructions”).

The Field Service Code was considered as a supplement to the Imperial Rescript to Soldiers and Sailors. Yet unlike it Code was written in plain Japanese and was way more practical in contents, describing mostly simple things like importance of keeping military secrets or combating anger.

Note, that unlike the Imperial Rescript, this document was pure Army affair, Navy had nothing to do with it.

Japanese considered the Field Service Code so important, that quickly made its official English translation, which is provided below (save a passage on keeping military secrets, which was absent in this translation – apparently this was an error, not deliberate omission).

Adopted by the War Department on January 8, 1941, and translated into English by the Tokyo Gazette

The Tokyo Gazette is published monthly by the Tokyo Gazette Publishing House under the supervision of the Board of Information. Its purpose is primarily to supply information concerning the nature of problems being confronted today by the Japanese nation as a whole, and of the governmental steps being taken to solve these problems.

The material in the Tokyo Gazette is selected mainly from the Weekly Report, edited by the same Board. The accuracy and comprehensiveness of data presented in the Report are fully established. For the benefit of students of Japanese affairs, the Tokyo Gazette is endeavouring to maintain these qualities in the hope that its publication will eliminate unfortunate misunderstandings and thus contribute to world peace and international goodwill.

The battlefield is where the Imperial Army, acting under the Imperial command, displays its true character, conquering whenever it attacks, winning whenever it engages in combat, in order to spread Kodo[i] far and wide so that the enemy may look up in awe to the august virtues of His Majesty. Those who march to the battlefield, therefore, should endeavour to exalt throughout the world the glories of the Empire by fully realizing what the country stands for and firmly upholding the moral tenets of the Imperial Army.

The Imperial Rescript to the armed forces is explicit, while the regulations and manuals clearly define conduct in combat and methods of training. Conditions in the zone of combat, however, tend to cause soldiers to be swayed by immediate events and become forgetful of their duty. Indeed, they should be wary there lest they run counter to their duties as soldiers. The purpose of this code lies in providing concrete rules of conduct, in the light of past experience, so that those in the zone of combat may wholly abide by the Imperial Rescript to enhance the moral virtues of the Imperial Army.

Japan is the Kokoku[ii]. The Tenno[iii] rules over it everlastingly in a line unbroken through the ages as the successor in the high and broad cause established by the Imperial Ancestor at the time of the founding of the Empire. Imperial benevolence is extended to all without favour, while the Imperial virtues enlighten the world. The people, too, handing down the traditions of loyalty, filial piety and valour from generation to generation, and enhancing thereby the morality peculiar to the Empire, have assisted the Throne—a perfect national unity under the Throne which has brought about the present national prosperity.

Soldiers on the field should seek to achieve with unshakable determination, their mission of defending the Empire by laying to heart the essential character of the national polity.

The Army, under command of the Emperor, assists in furthering the Imperial fortunes by enhancing the glories of the Empire through the embodiment of the lofty spirit of valour. This spirit is the basic factor in realizing universal peace; for it is the spirit of justice combined with valour and of valour tempered by benevolence, in conformity with the Imperial wishes. Valour requires strictness, while benevolence must be universal. Should there be an enemy who dares to oppose the Imperial Army, the Army must resolutely resort to force of arms and deal him a crushing blow. However, even though force may compel the enemy to submit, should a lapse in virtue occur by the striking of those who do not resist or by failure to show kindness to those who surrender, it cannot be said that such an army is perfect.

Modest in its strength, unostentatious in its kindness, the Imperial Army becomes an object of admiration when it quietly displays its valour and benevolence.

The mission of the Imperial Army lies in making the Imperial virtues the objects of universal admiration through the exercise of justice tempered with mercy.

The essence of discipline in the Imperial Army lies in the lofty spirit of complete obedience to His Majesty, the Generalissimo. High and low must have deeply engraved in their minds the solemnity of the right of command; those above should exercise the right in all seriousness, while those below should obey the commands in the utmost sincerity. Essential to victory and requisite for maintaining peace is the condition wherein the entire Army, united in the bonds of absolute loyalty, moves as one in response to a command.

Especially on the battlefield is the utmost observance of the spirit of obedience necessary. The spirit of the soldier is best exemplified by those who silently do their duty, joyfully braving death in obedience to a command given at a time when they are undergoing great hardships.

The Army looks up in awe to His Majesty as its august head; it must be united in compliance with the Imperial Will, as one in spirit and in body and in single-hearted loyalty.

In keeping with the basic principles of command, an army unit should form a solid yet genial group with its commander as its centre.

It is essential that each man, high and low, dutifully observing his place, should be determined always to sacrifice himself for the whole, in accordance with the intentions of the commander, by reposing every confidence in his comrades, and without giving even the slightest thought to personal interest and to life or death.

Soldiers not only should be united in mind in carrying out their tasks, but should display the spirit of cooperation by forgetting themselves for the sake of victory.

Every unit should carry out its mission with responsibility, upholding its honour, placing confidence in others and assisting one another, volunteering to face hardships, exerting all its strength in cooperation, and fighting valiantly to achieve its objective.

Aggressiveness should constantly prevail in combat, which must be carried out with bravery and determination. When attacking, be determined and positive, always taking the initiative, fighting vigorously and stubbornly vowing not to cease until the enemy is crushed. In defence, always retain the spirit of attack and always maintain freedom of action; never give up a position but rather die. In pursuit, be thorough and inexorable.

Act boldly intent upon victory; be fearless and calm, meeting the situation courageously, undergoing hardships with indomitable perseverance so as to overcome all obstacles.

The conviction to win grows from constant and rigorous training. Develop the strength to conquer the enemy by every possible effort and by improving every moment.

The destiny of the Empire rests upon victory or defeat in battle. Do not give up under any circumstances, keeping in mind your responsibility to keep untarnished the glorious history of the Imperial Army with its tradition of invincibility.

Be worthy of divine protection by being pure in heart, just in action, profound and sincere in your piety, constantly mindful of the loyalty you owe the Emperor and of your duty to your parents.

Loyalty and filial piety, as one, form the essence of our national morality; a loyal subject is always a dutiful son.

Endeavour to manifest the best traditions of our forefathers by bearing in mind the wishes of your parents, thereby fulfilling the sacred duty of a loyal subject on the battlefield.

The salute is the expression of a sincere feeling of obedience and is also a symbol of unity between those above and those below.

Salutes must be strictly executed on the field. If a soldier is filled with the sense of decorum and strict in practising good manners, it shows that he is a strong warrior.

Comrades in arms, united in life and in death for the Imperial cause, should display full mutual trust, should always endeavour to improve each other; assist each other in distress, and restrain each other against excesses, in order that they may jointly fulfil their duty as soldiers.

Leaders should be zealous in giving a worthy example in everything. If there is disorder above, those below will be unruly.

Action is prized on the field. Leaders should provide an example by acting more courageously than others.

Duty is sacred. One’s responsibility is extremely heavy. Each and every task must be performed with the utmost care, until all available means are exhausted. Those who have a strong sense of responsibility are the bravest of the brave on the field.

The lofty spirit of self-sacrificing service to the State must prevail in life and in death.

Do your duty with heart and soul, regardless of life or death. After exerting all your powers, spiritually and physically, calmly face

Meet the expectations of your family and home community by making effort upon effort, always mindful of the honour of your name. If alive, do not suffer the disgrace of becoming a prisoner; in death, do not leave behind a name soiled by misdeeds.

Let simplicity guide your daily life on the battlefield; promote habits of fortitude and a high morale.

Life on the field must be plain; consider privation your daily lot and endeavour to be thrifty; luxury saps valour.

Integrity is the foundation of the spirit of the warrior. How can a man who cannot conquer his worldly desires devote his life to the country.

Be austere in your daily behaviour; deal with matters justly, so that you will not be ashamed of your conduct in the sight of God or man.

(1) A moment’s negligence may result in an unexpected catastrophe. Be constantly on your guard. Do not despise your enemy or the natives. Do not be negligent after a small success. Know that carelessness brings disaster.

(3) Sentry duty is important. Upon the sentry rests the safety of an army; he also represents the discipline of an army. Those on sentry duty must devote their entire person to the task which must be sternly carried out. Accord the sentry high respect.

(4) Ideological warfare is an important phase in modern conflict. Destroy propaganda and fabrications of the enemy, by your unshakable faith in the cause for which the Empire stands, and endeavour to spread Kōdō.

(5) Rumours arise from a lack of confidence. Do not be misled; do not be agitated by them. Firmly believe in the strength of the Imperial Army and deeply trust your superiors.

(6) Be mindful to protect enemy property and resources. Requisitions, seizures, and the destruction of goods and similar actions must be executed in keeping with the regulations and always under the orders of your commanding officer.

(7) Be gentle to and protect innocent inhabitants in a spirit of benevolence in accordance with the true ideal of the Imperial Army.

(8) Those on the field must not indulge in wine and women or allow desire to becloud their consciences thereby damaging the prestige of the Imperial Army and causing the dissipation of a body dedicated to service. They should exercise self-control lest they besmirch the pure character of warriors.

(9) Control your anger and suppress your grudges. The ancients said, “Consider anger your enemy.” A moment’s violence often leaves cause for long regret.

The severity of military law is designed especially to uphold the good name of soldiers and to preserve the dignity of the Imperial Army. Always remember the oath that you made and the deep emotion that you felt when you left home; call to mind how your parents, your wife and your children think of you, and avoid exposing yourself to crime.

(1) Foster the tradition of respecting martial attainments; cultivate and train the warrior’s virtues and arts. Remember that “Do not allow yourself to become bored” is the saying of an ancient general.

(2) Do not allow yourself to worry about the fate of those at home in the event of your death, but devote yourself wholly to service. Be always ready to meet death without regret by settling your affairs beforehand.

A soldier is always prepared to expose his corpse on the field. Let his family know that, at times, even his ashes may not reach them.

(3) There is nothing more to be regretted than to fall a victim to disease on the field. Be particularly mindful of your health so that you may not be unable to serve because of excesses.

(4) Lay to heart the saying of an ancient warrior: “My sword is my soul; my horse is my fortune.” Always take good care of your arms and supplies and give humane attention to animals on the field.

(5) Virtue in the battle zone is the source of strength in combat. Always consider the interests of other units and do not monopolize billets and materials. Remember the saying “A bird taking flight does not muddy the water.” Let the good reputation of the valorous Imperial Army long remain the cause of fond recollections in an alien land.

(6) Not to boast of one’s achievements but to give others credit is one of the most respected traditions among warriors. Do not begrudge others their promotion or cherish resentment because your services are not recognized, but instead reflect upon your own shortcomings.

(8) Always bear yourself as a member of a great nation, treading the path of righteousness and seeking justice, so that you may enhance the prestige of the Empire. Also do not show a lack of consideration for international courtesies.

(9) Should you receive the order to return home alive after braving ten thousand deaths, think of those brave souls who will not return. Be determined to become an example to the people by being careful in word and deed, renewing your vows to serve the country.

All of the above originate from and end in the Imperial Rescript. Let them serve as a guide in putting into practice this battlefield morality so that all may be perfect in obeying the Imperial commands.

Soldiers and officers on the field: lay to heart the import of the above by fully realizing the significance of real service to the State, in order that you may carry out your duty as soldiers, thus responding to the boundless Imperial benevolence.

[i] Literally, “The Imperial Way,” whereby the Japanese people, achieving a unity of mind, with the Emperor as Master and serving Him with loyalty and devotion, endeavour to establish a highly moral nation through whose moral influence they hope to contribute to the peace and welfare of the world.

[ii] Empire or the land of Tenno.

[iii] The Emperor of Japan.

[iv] This (2) part was missing in translation. – Eugen Pinak