Database: Bushido

Bushido, or the "Way of the Warrior," appeared in the second half of the 16th century to designate a warrior's ideal behavior. It refers to a set of values that emerged over several centuries which characterized the warrior class and was summarized in the expression, "Way of the Bow and Horse" (kyuba no michi). However, Bushido was never the subject of a treatise in the 16th century. The first studies glorifying the ideal of the ancient samurai date from the late 19th century, after the samurai had disappeared. The work of Yamaoka Tesshū (1836-1888) and especially that of Nitobe Inazō (1862-1933), who published in English "Bushido: The Soul of Japan" in 1900 are significant. The latter work achieved international success and is still regularly published today.

Similarly, in the 16th and 17th centuries the term "Bushido" was not firmly established. Terms like Budō, the Way of Arms, or samurai no michi, the Way of the Samurai, or even otoko no michi, the Way of Boys existed as well; yet, these are, more or less, synonymous. They refer to moral elements that prohibit betrayal, glorify honor, self-sacrifice, bravery in combat, and heroic conduct, all notions that are recalled without ever being clearly defined. For example, defeat is dishonor, but can cunning or treachery be used to achieve victory? Are all means acceptable? Many aspects are left to interpretation.

In the 17th century, with the restoration of peace and the transformation of warriors into administrators, the Tokugawa regime sought to pacify the samurai's customs, and Bushido partially fell into disuse in favor of Shido, the Way of the Scholar, the Way of the Gentleman.