The Code of Bushido

The Code of Bushido is a set of ethical principles that guided the samurai, Japan’s warrior class. It emphasizes virtues such as loyalty, honor, courage, honesty, respect, and compassion. These values prioritized loyalty to one’s lord, integrity in actions, and a strong sense of personal discipline and morality. Bushido shaped the samurai’s behavior both in battle and in daily life, promoting a life of duty and self-control. Although rooted in martial tradition, its principles also influenced modern Japanese culture, emphasizing moral integrity and respect in personal and societal interactions.