Atsuko the Samurai-vark

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In a time long, long ago in a land far, far away lived an aardvark, Atsuko. But this was not a simple ‘vark’: this one belonged to the Warrior Class – he was a Samurai-vark!
Atsuko, the Samurai-vark lived in Hagi Castle built by his master, Mori Terumoto. This was a beautiful castle, unfortunately no longer standing in the Yamaguchi Prefecture, near Hiroshima, built at the base of Mount Shizuki with fabulous cherry blossoms each and every spring. Many days were spent sipping tea at the Hananoe Tea House as the little castle town thrived.
Atsuko, the Samurai-vark was a very special samurai in Terumoto-san’s court. His name alone gives him creditability: meaning warm, kind, cordial and honest. Being a samurai he had to live by the laws of Bushido – the way of the warrior. These laws stressed loyalty to his Daimyo, Terumoto-san, self discipline and respectful, ethical behavior. In general terms, bushido meant ‘freedom from fear’. And live this life Atsuko, the Samurai-vark did!
He followed the laws and carried his two swords which are considered the soul of the warrior that he was. Being samurai, he had the right to carry these swords, but because of his nature and the favor his master had with all the areas around Hagi Castle, they were never drawn in battle.
Atsuko, the Samurai-vark was fortunate to be able to travel the countryside because of his goodness. He visited many interesting places, saw many enormous castles, and even crossed the vast oceans to see other lands. To this day he is still traveling from ‘place to place’ sharing his vast knowledge of Japan and his life long, long ago.