Afghan Samurai, Collection of Death Poems by Koshiro Tanaka

This book is a collection of “death poems” composed daily by Tanaka Kōshirō, a martial artist hailed as the "Samurai of Afghanistan." It features a series of profound tanka (traditional Japanese poems) written during his time in Afghanistan amidst real battles against Soviet forces.

Amid the relentless tragedies of mujahideen warriors falling to bullets, shells, and landmines, Tanaka captured fleeting moments of silence between gunfire. Immersed in the majestic Afghan wilderness and attuned to his own heartbeat, he reflected on the fragile and uncertain fate of his life. This work represents a deeply spiritual chronicle of his experiences and insights.

About the Author:

Born in 1940 in Tagawa City, Fukuoka Prefecture, Tanaka Kōshirō is a legendary martial artist known as the "Samurai of Afghanistan." After graduating from Kanagawa University's Faculty of Law and Economics with a major in Trade Studies, he worked as a company employee before establishing his own trading company.

In 1985, during the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, he traveled to Afghanistan alone to support the Afghan resistance. As the only Japanese mujahideen, he engaged in combat against Soviet forces while also teaching martial arts to the fighters.

In 2009, Tanaka founded the "Hiko Ryu" school of martial arts, becoming its headmaster, with the goal of passing down his martial arts expertise and samurai spirit to future generations. He has dedicated himself to mentoring students across national borders.

Tanaka also serves as the Chairman of the International Refugee Relief Committee and the Free Afghanistan Association.

Length: 144 pages

Language: Japanese

Publication date: 2021