Bushido. Code of Honor

Bushido, meaning "Way of the Warrior," is a code of ethics and conduct associated with the samurai, the military nobility of feudal Japan. 

This concept, while rooted in ancient traditions, was formally recognized during the Kamakura shogunate (1192–1333) and evolved significantly over time. 

Central to bushido were values such as loyalty, bravery, and honor, emphasizing the duty of samurai to fight to the death for their lords and the severe dishonor associated with surrendering in battle. Ritual suicide, known as seppuku, became a means of restoring lost honor, highlighting the gravity of feudal obligations. 

The sword was not only a weapon but also a symbol of the samurai's honor and status. By the Tokugawa shogunate in the seventeenth century, bushido's principles became more codified and were deeply woven into the fabric of Japanese culture. In the late nineteenth century, as Japan transitioned into an imperial age, the ethical teachings of bushido expanded beyond samurai society, playing a significant role in national identity and cultural indoctrination.

The essence of bushido was defined by Saitō Chikamori as:

• Sincerity – do not lie, do not be insincere, do not be superficial
• Responsibility – do not be obsequious
• Frugality – do not be greedy
• Politeness – do not be rude, do not slander
• Modesty – do not be boastful, do not be arrogant
• Loyalty – do not be unfaithful
• Harmony – be on good terms with comrades
• Tranquility – do not be overly concerned with events
• Compassion – show concern for one another, be compassionate, with a strong sense of duty.