Erotic practices among samurai are often associated with their strong sense of honor and devotion to their masters. However, these practices also included same-sex relationships that went beyond physical pleasure. The samurai class was highly structured, with each member having specific roles and obligations towards their lord and fellow warriors. These roles extended into their private lives, and sex and sexuality played an important part in maintaining these relationships. Samurai engaged in ritualized erotic acts as a way of showing loyalty, trust, and respect for one another.
One such practice was "yubitsume," where a samurai would cut off his own little finger and present it to his master as a symbol of his dedication and willingness to sacrifice himself for him. This act was seen as a display of intense loyalty and devotion. Similarly, "hara-kiri" was a method of suicide reserved for samurai who had failed their master or fallen into disgrace. The practice involved stabbing oneself in the belly, which was believed to be the seat of emotion and passion. It was seen as a final act of devotion and love for one's master.
In addition to yubitsume and hara-kiri, some samurai engaged in male-male sexual relations as a way of building bonds of trust and loyalty between themselves. These relationships were often hierarchical, with the dominant partner serving as a mentor or teacher to the submissive partner. The relationship was considered sacred, and many samurai viewed it as a way of expressing their devotion to their master and comrades.
Samurai culture placed great emphasis on honor, loyalty, and devotion. Their erotic practices reflected this value system, and they used them to strengthen their relationships with their peers and lords. Sexual intimacy played an important role in maintaining these relationships, and samurai went to great lengths to ensure that their partners shared their values and beliefs. In this way, sex and sexuality were integral parts of Samurai life, not just physical pleasures but expressions of their deepest emotions and commitments.