Chapter II
1. Piety
The Gods look upon us from above.
Be not unworthy 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.
2. Filial Piety
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.
3. Salutes and Manners
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 in 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.
4. The Way of Comrades in Arms
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.
5. Initiative in Exemplary Conduct
Leaders should be zealous in giving a worthy example in everything. If there is disorder above, those below will be unruly.
Action is prized in the field. Leaders should provide the example by acting more courageously than others.
6. Responsibility
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 in the field.
7. View of Life and Death
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 death rejoicing in the hope to live in the eternal cause for which you serve.
8. Honour
Strong are those who have a keen sense of honour.
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 being a prisoner; in death, do not leave behind a name soiled by misdeeds.
9. Simplicity and Fortitude
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.
10. Integrity
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 and man.
Chapter III
1. Counsel Concerning Field Service
(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.
(2) Guard military secrets carefully; spies are always about.
(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 in 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 causes 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.
2. Achievements of Soldiers in Service
(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 in 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 in 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 muddle 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.
(7) Be honest always; consider exaggerations and lies as dishonourable.
(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.
Conclusion
All of the above originate from and end in the Imperial Rescript. Let them serve as a guide in putting into practice the battlefield morality so that all may be perfect in obeying the Imperial commands.
Soldiers and officers in 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.