The Fact of Ss

This period of early development of Bushido, as depicted in these various writings and house codes, already includes the concepts of an all encompassing loyalty to their master, filial piety and reverence to the Emperor. It indicates the need for both compassion for those of a lower station, and for the preservation of their name. Early Bushido literature further enforces the requirement to conduct themselves with calmness, fairness, justice, and politeness. The relationship between learning and the way of the warrior is clearly articulated, one being a natural partner to the other. Finding a proper death in battle, for the cause of their lord, also features strongly in this early history.

Seven virtues

• Rectitude (лщ gi?) - A samurai deals openly and honestly with others and cleaves to the ideals of justice. Moral decisions do not come in shades of gray, only right and wrong.

• Courage (йё yū?) - A samurai never fears to act, but lives life fully and wonderfully. Respect and caution replace fear.

• Benevolence (мТ jin?) - A samurai takes every opportunity to aid others, and creates opportunities when they do not arise. As a powerful individual, a samurai has a responsibility to use that power to help others.

• Respect (礼 rei?) - A samurai has no reason to be cruel, and no need to prove his strength. Courtesy distinguishes a samurai from an animal, and reveals oneЎЇs true strength.

• Honesty (б¤ makoto or гб shin?) - A samuraiЎЇs conscience is the judge of his honor. The decisions he makes and how he carries them out are a reflection of his true nature.

• Honour, Glory (ЩЈ誉 meiyo?) - When a samurai has said that he shall perform an action, it is as good as done. He need not make promises; speaking and doing are as if the same.

• Loyalty (хчлщ chūgi?) - A samurai feels responsible for his actions and their consequences, and loyal to the people in his care. A samuraiЎЇs loyalty to his lord is unquestionable and unquestioning.

Bushido, The Soul of Japan (Inazo Nitobe) is a brief but illuminating text that covers the precepts of Japanês traditional martial code, tracing its evolution from its origins in Buddhism and Confucianism through its present-day manifestations in modern Japan, and outlining each of its defining principles in detail. Since its original publication in 1969, it has long been regarded as an indispensable text and an essential key to understanding the Japanese soul.

A prevailing question concerns the existence of Bushido in modern Japan. With the advent of Westernization and modern industrial development in Japan over the last 150 years, many question the survival of a code that originated