Miyamoto Musashi (c. 1584 – June 13, 1645), was also known as Shinmen Takezō, Miyamoto Bennosuke or, by his Buddhist name, Niten Dōraku. He was a Japanese Samurai and rōnin. Even from a young age Musashi became well known for his excellent swordsmanship and won some sixty duels. He always had money and had a number of other rōnins as followers. Musashi is best known as the author of The Book of Five Rings. It is a book on strategy, tactics, and philosophy. The book is very popular in modern Japan and the western world among successful business people. 