Bushido

/booh"shee daw'/, n.

(in feudal Japan) the code of the samurai, stressing unquestioning loyalty and obedience and valuing honor above life. Also, bushido.

[1895-1900; < Japn bushido, equiv. to bushi warrior ( < MChin, equiv. to Chin wu military + shì gentleman) + do way ( < MChin; see JUDO)]

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(Japanese; "way of the warrior")

Code of conduct of the samurai class of Japan, first formulated in the 17th century.

Its precise content varied over time, taking on overtones of Zen Buddhism and Confucianism. Along with self-discipline, honour, and austerity, one constant feature was the samurai's obligation to his lord, which superseded even familial ties. This obligation of loyalty and sacrifice was transferred to the emperor with the Meiji Restoration and was a salient feature of the Japanese national mindset until the end of World War II (1945).

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▪ Japanese history

      (Japanese: “Way of the Warrior”), the code of conduct of the samurai (q.v.) class of Japan. In the mid-19th century Bushidō was made the basis of ethical training for the whole society, with the emperor replacing the feudal lord, or daimyo, as the object of loyalty and sacrifice. As such it contributed to the rise of Japanese nationalism and to the strengthening of wartime civilian morale up to 1945.

      Though the name Bushidō was not used until the 16th century, the idea of the code developed during the Kamakura period (1192–1333). Its precise content 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, and honesty were also highly regarded, as was filial piety. But the supreme obligation of the samurai was to his lord, even if this might cause suffering to his parents.

      During the Tokugawa period (1603–1867) Bushidō thought was infused with Confucian ethics and made into a comprehensive system that stressed obligation or duty. The samurai was equated with the Confucian “perfect gentleman” and was taught that his essential function was to exemplify virtue to the lower classes. Obedience to authority was stressed, but duty came first even if it entailed violation of statute law.

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