What is the ethic code of bushido?

Bushido was the code of conduct for Japan’s warrior classes from perhaps as early as the eighth century through modern times. The principles of bushido emphasized honor, courage, skill in the martial arts, and loyalty to a warrior’s master (daimyo) above all else.

Did Bushido exist?

But in reality the term bushido did not exist until the twentieth century. In fact, Nitobe, one of the first scholars to embrace bushido, thought he created the term in 1900. Despite popular imagery, ancient samurai did not write about or discuss bushido.

Did samurai have a code of honor?

More importantly, the traditional samurai code of honor, discipline and morality known as bushido–or “the way of the warrior”–was revived and made the basic code of conduct for much of Japanese society.

What happens if you break the bushido code?

Samurai could attempt to regain honor over time, yet some transgressions of the code could be so severe that those who broke bushido committed a form of ritual suicide known as seppuku in order regain their honor even in death.

What is the meaning of the word Bushido?

Bushidō ( 武士道, “the way of the warrior”) is a moral code concerning samurai attitudes, behavior and lifestyle. It is loosely analogous to the European concept of chivalry. There are multiple Bushido types which evolved significantly through history.

What are the virtues of the bushido code?

The precise content of the Bushidō code varied historically as the samurai class came under the influence of Zen Buddhist and Confucian thought, but its one unchanging ideal was martial spirit, including athletic and military skills as well as fearlessness toward the enemy in battle. Frugal living, kindness, honesty,…

Who was the editor of the Britannica Bushido?

Ken Pletcher was Senior Editor, Geography and History for Encyclopædia Britannica. He holds an M.A. in Japanese studies from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. As part of his master’s program,… Bushidō, (Japanese: “Way of the Warrior”) the code of conduct of the samurai, or bushi (warrior), class of premodern Japan.

When did the practice of Bushido begin in Japan?

The name Bushidō was not used until the 16th century, but the idea of the code developed during the Kamakura period (1192–1333), as did the practice of seppuku (ritual disembowelment).