“Bushido” literally means “the way of the warrior.” It was the moral code followed by samurai—the warrior class of Japan. Bushido is not just about fighting skills but also emphasizes mental discipline, personal honor, and a strict ethical code of conduct.
The Seven Virtues of Bushido
At the core of Bushido are seven key virtues:
- Gi (Rectitude): Making the right decisions and acting justly
- Yu (Courage): Bravery in the face of fear
- Jin (Benevolence): Compassion and kindness toward others
- Rei (Respect): Courtesy and politeness
- Makoto (Sincerity): Honesty and genuine intent
- Meiyo (Honor): Maintaining one’s good name and reputation
- Chugi (Loyalty): Devotion to one’s lord and family
These values guided not only personal conduct but also helped maintain social order and stability.
A Spiritual Culture Born in the Peaceful Edo Period
After Tokugawa Ieyasu unified Japan, the Edo period began (1603–1868), ushering in over 250 years of peace. It was during this time that Bushido was formalized.
To maintain peace and social stability, Tokugawa established a strict class system known as Shi-no-ko-sho (warriors, farmers, artisans, merchants). Samurai ranked highest, followed by farmers, artisans, and merchants.
With no wars to fight, samurai were expected to act as role models in society. Personal development, manners, and discipline were emphasized. To uphold social order, Neo-Confucianism—especially the teachings of Zhu Xi—was introduced, helping to systematize Bushido’s principles.
Nitobe Inazo and Bushido
The man who introduced the spirit of Bushido to the world was Nitobe Inazo (1862–1933). While studying in the United States, he was asked by foreigners, “Does Japan have a religion?” and “Where do Japanese morals come from?” As a Christian himself, Nitobe struggled to answer these questions.
This inspired him to explore the roots of Japanese ethics and spirit. In 1900, he published “Bushido: The Soul of Japan” in English. In this book, he explained Japanese values by comparing Bushido with Western concepts such as Christianity and chivalry. Thanks to this work, the word “Bushido” became widely known outside Japan.
For many foreigners, Nitobe’s book was their first introduction to how Japanese people think and live. It remains widely read around the world today.
Bushido Lives On Today
In modern Japan, there is no opportunity to learn about Bushido in formal school education. As a result, people must take the initiative to learn about it on their own.
Bushido is not something with a single, clear definition—its interpretation varies from person to person.
Yet, despite being a largely non-religious society, I believe the Japanese still carry a strong sense of morality. In everyday behaviors such as politeness, responsibility, and consideration for others, I feel the spirit of Bushido continues to live on.
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