The Bushido Code
by Krysta CardinaleBased on the ancient principles of the Bushido Code of Martial Conduct, the ultimate duty of the Japanese warrior was to give his life for his country and Emperor. It developed between the 11th and 14th centuries in Japan, and can be somewhat synonymous with the European idea of chivalry. The bushido code was formalized into Japan’s feudal law under Tokugawa Shogunate.
Evidence supports that this code existed since the earliest recordings of Japanese literature. Japan’s oldest book, the “Kojiki,” has passages discussing the values and self-image of the bushido ideal. References in Japanese literature to the code and the ideal warrior can be found from the 13th centuries through to the 20th centuries. From the 13th to the 16th centuries, developments in the bushido code included such concepts as complete loyalty to one’s master, filial piety, and reverence to the Emperor. It also explains how one should have compassion for those of a lower social status, while still preserving their own name. A warrior should possess such characteristics as calmness, justice, politeness, and fairness.
From the 16th through 19th centuries, a time of peace existed for Japan and its samurai warriors. However, the bushido did not falter and perish in time of peace. Instead the samurais were to apply it to their everyday life as well as when they were in battle. The samurai played an important role in policing the country. During the Meiji Restoration, the role of the samurai was abolished. However, these former warriors continued an active role in society during industrialization in Japan and these ancient traditions are still alive today.
During the 20th century and World War II, the samurai and bushido had a revival. These ethics proved successful in building up the Japanese fighting spirit especially in the troops. They felt a loyalty to Japan sacrificing themselves if need be. This was portrayed in the kamikaze pilots of World War 2, who volunteered for these suicide missions, using their planes as weapons by purposely crashing, and killing themselves for Japan and their countries cause.
The seven main aspects of the Japanese bushido code are:
• Gi- Rectitude
• Yu- Courage
• Jin- Benevolence
• Rei- Respect
• Makoto- Honesty
• Meiyo- Honor, Glory
• Chugi- Loyalty
These factors are relatively few and simple. Even though it is considered simple, it created a way of life that supported and nourished a nation through its hardest times of uncertainty, despair, and civil wars.
