Samurai - The Bushido Code

Samurai in Armour, hand-coloured albumen silver print by Kusakabe Kimbei. Empire of Japan. The person on the left has a yumi (Japanese bow), the one in the center has a katana and the one on the right carries a yari (straight-headed spear). 1860s. (Source: Wikimedia Commons).

Introduction to Samurai and Bushido The Samurai are one of the most iconic figures in Japanese history. They were members of a powerful warrior class who emerged during the feudal era of Japan, and who played a critical role in shaping the country's political and social landscape. But what really defined these warriors was not just their impressive martial prowess or their flashy armor - it was the code of conduct they lived by, known as Bushido.

In this article, we'll take a closer look at the Samurai and the Bushido code that defined their way of life. We'll explore the historical context in which the Samurai emerged, the key tenets of Bushido, and the lasting impact that both the Samurai and their code have had on Japanese culture and identity.

Honour may not win power, but it wins respect. And respect earns power.

Ishida Mitsunari

Historical Context of the Samurai To understand the emergence of the Samurai, it's important to look back at the political and social landscape of Japan during the feudal era. The country was divided into a series of competing domains, each ruled by a powerful lord or "Daimyo". These lords were in constant competition with one another, and they maintained standing armies of warriors to defend their territories and assert their dominance.

Group of samurai scholars, Nagasaki, 1864. (Source: Wikimedia Commons).

At the same time, the country was beset by a series of external threats. Pirates and raiders from neighboring regions were a constant threat to coastal communities, while the arrival of foreign traders and missionaries threatened to upset the delicate balance of power among the Daimyo.

In this context, the Samurai emerged as a distinct class of warriors, with a unique set of skills and a fierce loyalty to their lord. They were trained in a variety of martial arts, including swordsmanship, archery, and horsemanship. They were also well-versed in strategy and tactics, and they could read and write - a rarity in a society that placed little value on education.

The Bushido Code While the Samurai were formidable warriors, what really set them apart was the code of conduct they lived by. Known as Bushido, or "the way of the warrior," this code was a set of principles and values that governed every aspect of a Samurai's life.

I know nothing about surpassing others. I only know how to outdo myself.”

Bushido

At its core, Bushido was built on the idea of loyalty. A Samurai's primary loyalty was to his lord, and he was expected to serve him faithfully and without question. This loyalty extended to the Samurai's family and comrades, and even to his enemies. A Samurai was expected to show respect and honor to all, even those he was fighting against.

Samurai in the Edo period walking through town. The second and fourth from the left are samurai. Samurai could kill a commoner for the slightest insult and were widely feared by the Japanese population. An illustration in Santo Kyoden's book of manners and customs "Shiji-no-yukikai". (published in 1798). (Source: Wikimedia Commons).

Another key element of Bushido was the idea of courage. A Samurai was expected to be brave in battle, but also in everyday life. He was expected to face adversity with dignity and grace, and to never back down in the face of a challenge.

Honor was also a critical component of Bushido. A Samurai was expected to live up to a strict code of conduct, which included such values as honesty, integrity, and self-discipline. He was also expected to be humble and to avoid seeking personal glory or recognition. Self-control was also an important part of Bushido. A Samurai was expected to control his emotions, particularly in times of stress or danger. He was also expected to avoid excess in all things, including food, drink, and pleasure.

Armoured Samurai with sword and dagger. Circa 1860. (Source: Wikimedia Commons).

Finally, Bushido placed a great deal of emphasis on the idea of self-improvement. A Samurai was expected to continually strive to improve himself, both physically and mentally. He was expected to practice his martial skills regularly, to read widely, and to engage in meditation and other spiritual practices.

If you embark on an uncharted path, infinite secrets will appear at the end.

Bushido

The Legacy of the Samurai and Bushido The Samurai and the Bushido code have had a profound impact on Japanese culture and identity, both during the feudal era and beyond. The Samurai were seen as the symbol of Japan's martial spirit, and their legacy has been romanticized and celebrated in countless works of literature, film, and art. In modern times, the image of the Samurai has been used to promote everything from tourism to national pride.

Demonstration of warriors in ancient Samurai costumes, during the visit of Edward VIII, Prince of Wales to Kagoshima, Japan, May 1922. (Source: Wikimedia Commons).

But the legacy of the Samurai and Bushido goes beyond mere symbolism. The values and principles that defined their way of life have had a lasting impact on Japanese society and culture. Today, many of the key tenets of Bushido, such as loyalty, honor, and self-improvement, continue to be deeply ingrained in the Japanese psyche.

One example of the lasting impact of Bushido can be seen in the corporate culture of Japan. Many Japanese companies place a great deal of emphasis on loyalty and teamwork, and employees are expected to work hard and make sacrifices for the good of the company. This focus on self-discipline and sacrifice can be traced back to the values of Bushido, which placed a great deal of emphasis on the idea of putting the needs of the group ahead of the individual.

The Samurai is the first to suffer anxiety for human society, and he is the last to seek personal pleasure.

Morihei Ueshiba

Similarly, the concept of honor and face-saving is deeply embedded in Japanese culture. Many Japanese people place a great deal of importance on avoiding shame and maintaining their reputation, even in situations where it may be easier to simply admit fault.

Koboto Santaro, a Japanese military commander, wearing traditional armour. Photograph by Felice Beato, ca. 1868. (Source: Wikimedia Commons).

This emphasis on honor and reputation can be traced back to the values of Bushido, which placed a great deal of importance on the idea of maintaining one's honor and dignity at all times.

The Samurai and Bushido also had a profound impact on the development of Japanese martial arts. Many of the martial arts that are practiced in Japan today, such as Kendo and Judo, can be traced back to the techniques and strategies developed by the Samurai. The emphasis on self-improvement and discipline that was so central to Bushido also continues to be a key part of the training and practice of these martial arts.

The Samurai and the Bushido code that defined their way of life continue to be an important part of Japanese culture and identity. The Samurai were more than just skilled warriors - they were living embodiments of a code of conduct that emphasized loyalty, honor, courage, self-control, and self-improvement. These values have had a lasting impact on Japanese society and culture, and they continue to be celebrated and revered to this day.