What was the Bushido Code?

The Bushido Code, a complex set of principles, was more than just a chivalric code for samurai.

Samurai in Armour, hand-coloured albumen silver print by Kusakabe Kimbei, c. 1870s–90s; in the J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles./Brittanica

The samurai first rose to power in Japan during the 12th century, known as the Kamakura Period (1180–1333). Japan entered its feudal period, with many local lords becoming diaymo over different areas. Over the next several hundred years, different clans ruled the country, with the emperor more or less a figurehead. The power of the samurai class declined by the turn of the 20th century, but since then, they have become romanticized in popular culture. Like medieval European knights, they are seen as noble warriors loyal to their leader.

Much like with medieval knights, many often fell short of these ideals. While honor and respect were essential values of the samurai, this was usually limited to those of the upper classes. The peasant class often were brutalized by roaming samurai, especially during times of war. As many samurai lords, or daimyo, gained power, they frequently fought each other for dominance and control of the country. The Sengukpo Period lasted from 1467 until 1603 and was a time of constant scheming and betrayal between samurai clans. Many were focused on personal glory as opposed to the benefit of society.