I was watching "Ten to Chi to" (Heaven and Earth) yesterday and there was one scene where the protagonist Kagetora cuts off his hair. I've seen similar acts done in various other Japanese movie and manga and such, but I failt to grasp the significance fully. I understand that the hair is a symbol of being Samurai, with the topknot, but is cutting the hair a sign of renunciation or something? Can someone maybe give me a better idea?


Respectfully,

JF