Day 5 of Hotsui Matsuri 2026: The Bushido Code

Welcome to the last day of Hotsui Matsuri 2026! There’s been some interest in explaining something that most weebs don’t know. “The Bushido Code” is one of the strongest yet most controversial (past) way of thinking for the Japanese way of life.

Now, let’s remember it’s feduel Japan (1185-1333) and the political climate was brutal. With Shoguns and Shinobi there was violence, pillaging, women were traded/stolen/taken advantage of, villages were burned and starved out as a daily occurrence. The katana was a key weapon that symbolized power.

The Bushido Code is made of core values that guided the Samurai to stay on the “straight and narrow”, but by their standards. Much history of the term has been erased in Japanese history books mainly from those who wish for the code to disappear. Although the Samurai were galant and heroic many were ruthless in their endeavors, so when Japan entered it’s era of peace they abolished the way of Samurai focusing on other aspects like technology and agriculture versus power and fortune. This ideology ended in the Edo period (we’re talking 1603-1868) in the harsh culture of the Samurai.

The essence of Bushidō is: do not lie, do not be insincere, do not be obsequious, do not be superficial, do not be greedy, do not be rude, do not be boastful, do not be arrogant, do not slander, do not be unfaithful, be on good terms with comrades, do not be overly concerned with events, show concern for one another, be compassionate, with a strong sense of duty. Being a good samurai takes more than merely a willingness to lay down one’s life.

— 5th scroll of the Kashoki by Saitō Chikamori (1642)

The code itself has changed over time to reflect the changing political climate of Japan as well as values that reflect modern day Japanese culture. Like the term Kamikaze which was popularized in WW2 it is used to describe a self-sacarficing move in battle, also known as the Bushido way. But with that being said, some of my favorite examples of Bushido Code is in Rurouni Kenshin, Elusive Samurai and Demon Slayer. (If you’re interested I did go into some depth with Demon Slayer’s Infinity Castle Arc Review.)But enough history, let’s get into it!

Nitobe defined bushido as “the ways which fighting nobles should observe in their daily life as in their vocation.”

Righteousness (義, gi)
Be acutely honest throughout your dealings with all people. Believe in justice, not from other people, but from yourself. To the true warrior, all points of view are deeply considered regarding honesty, justice, and integrity. Warriors make a full commitment to their decisions.

Heroic Courage (勇, yū)
Hiding like a turtle in a shell is not living at all. A true warrior must have heroic courage. It is absolutely risky. It is living life completely, fully, and wonderfully. Heroic courage is not blind. It is intelligent and strong.

Benevolence, Compassion (仁, jin)
Through intense training and hard work, the true warrior becomes quick and strong. They are not like most people. They develop a power that must be used for good. They have compassion. They help their fellow men at every opportunity. If an opportunity does not arise, they go out of their way to find one.

Respect (礼, rei)
True warriors have no reason to be cruel. They do not need to prove their strength. Warriors are not only respected for their strength in battle, but also for their dealings with others. The true strength of a warrior becomes apparent during difficult times.

Honesty (誠, makoto)
When warriors say that they will act, it is as good as done. Nothing will stop them from completing what they say they will do. They do not have to ‘give their word’. They do not have to ‘promise’. Speaking and doing are the same action.

Honour (名誉, meiyo)
Warriors have only one judge of honor and character, and this is themselves. The decisions they make and how these decisions are carried out are a reflection of who they truly are. You cannot hide from yourself.

Duty and Loyalty (忠義, chūgi)
Warriors are responsible for everything that they have done and everything that they have said, and all of the consequences that follow. They are immensely loyal to all of those in their care. To everyone that they are responsible for, they remain fiercely true.

Self-Control (自制, jisei)

Other associated values are

• Filial piety (孝, kō)
• Wisdom (智, chi)
• Fraternity (悌, tei)
• Duty (義理, giri) 

This was a lot of information to think about, but I think you got the jist. Wikipedia is an extensive resource with the history around the Samurai way throughout history as a place to start your more in-depth understanding of the people who definied the Bushido Code in it’s hayday. I hope you enjoyed my brief explanation and I’ll see you next year!

AishiteLOVEru~

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