Online dictionary of history and traditions in Japan: Bushido

This is the online Japanese dictionary developed by Free Light Software. With our tool, you can find easily an equivalent Japanese word from English, or send queries to Japanese search engines without knowing Japanese translation. Click on a Japanese word to browse in Japanese search engines. Click on a globe icon to find the position of a locality on Japanese map (maybe take a few seconds to display). The dictionary of Japanese general terms is available at Online Japanese dictionary.

French version

Bushido

武士道
alternative words: Bushi do, Way of warrior, Bushido code
keywords: philosophy
related topics: Kamakura shogunate , Edo shogunate , Hagakure , Samurai , Harakiri
related web sites: http://www.pdfworld.co.jp/bushidou/
explanation: Initially all the samurai leaders claimed kin to prestigious families and there was little place for ethical code. When Kamakur shogunate collapsed and the treason against their superiors (Gekokujo) became frequent, people felt the need of a ethical code which dictates an absolute loyalty besides the force and courage. When a peace period arrived, Edo shogunate adopted Confucianism as an official doctrine and the ethical code was rather focused on a social order and samurai as its responsible.