In the status-conscious society of feudal Japan, names are an important symbol of rank. Battlefield glory can bring fame to one’s name; lords need male heirs to carry on their names; and samurai who bring shame to their names are expected to commit ritual suicide. Thus, names connect strongly with the themes of Rites of Passage in a Warrior Culture and The Development of Personal Honor and Integrity.

Harutomo’s name changes when his family is killed and he is stripped of his status and again when he is recognized as an adult. These changes are important to him because he starts with the name of a samurai family but is then forced to accept a servant’s name. He later receives a name that shows he has again achieved status. His final name, Murakami Harutomo, combines his family name (Murakami) with the nickname and family name of Lord Akiyama. This is an honor for Harutomo because it shows that he has the respect of the lord he serves.

Akiyama feels growing affection for Harutomo, and he serves as one of Harutomo’s father figures. Near the end of the novel, he acknowledges that he thought about adopting Harutomo.