Bushido: Timeless & Fascinating Code of The Samurai

The ethical essence that shaped these noble warriors - and still inspires modern principles of integrity and courage.

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 centre has a katana and the one on the right carries a yari (straight-headed spear). 1860s. (Source: Wikimedia Commons).

“Honor may not win power, but it wins respect. And respect earns power.”

-Ishida Mitsunari

Samurai are some of the most iconic figures in Japanese history.

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. However, 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.

Historical Context of the Samurai

To understand the emergence of these swordsmen, it’s important to look back at the political and social landscape of Japan during the feudal era.

Japan (in the 12th century and later on) 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…