Bushido : The Soul of Japan

"Bushido: The Soul of Japan," which has been called the best explanation of bushido in the English language, outlines the codes and ethics of the Samurai warrior class of Tokugawa era Japan. Much like the code of Chivalry of European Knights, Bushido lays down stringent rules of behavior towards superiors and inferiors, of behavior in battle and in peace, as well as the minutia of life. Written in 1900, "Bushido: the Soul of Japan" was meant to educate the Western audience about the soul of Japan and eliminate common prejudices towards the Japanese civilization. As such, "Bushido: the Soul of Japan" provides a wonderful cross-cultural and cross-theological comparison between Christian and non-Christian belief systems. Nitobe takes it for granted that the reader is familiar with Shakespeare and often uses Shakespearian characters as mouthpieces for the Western point of view while explaining the origin and sources of Bushido, its character and teachings, its influence, and its permanence. Often turning to fables and examples to illustrate his points, Nitobe clearly sees the value in this military way of life and waxes poetic from time to time. This book is a great resource for understanding historic Japan and the Samurai cast.