The Samurai’s Code
Bushido and the Philosophy of Japan’s Warrior Class
Exploring the principles and myths surrounding the legendary samurai and their impact on modern Japan.
The samurai, Japan’s legendary warrior class, have been immortalized in countless tales, movies, and even pop culture references. But beyond the katana-wielding, honor-bound fighters, lies a deeper philosophy that shaped not only the samurai but also the very fabric of Japanese society. This philosophy is known as Bushido.
Bushido: The Way of the Warrior
Bushido, derived from the words “bushi” meaning “warrior” and “do” meaning “way,” is the chivalric code that became the very essence of the samurai’s existence.
Originating from the samurai’s fusion of Zen Buddhist teachings, Confucianism, and Shintoism, Bushido was not just a set of rules but a way of life. It was never formally documented, much like the chivalric codes of European knights, but was passed down through generations as an oral tradition.
The origins of Bushido can be traced back to the Heian period (794–1185 AD), a time when Japan was heavily influenced by Chinese philosophies. As the samurai class began to rise in power, they sought a code to…
