The samurai adhered to a code known as bushido, which translates as “warrior's way”. It was (and still is) ethically comparable to the concept of chivalry in the European culture. ¹⁾

The bushido code evolved throughout time, but most elements centered on preparing for a good death via personal care, retaining honor, and frequently dying in battle. ²⁾

Samurai are commonly referred to as bushi or buke in Japanese. The name “samurai” is said to have originated from the Japanese word “saburau,” which means “those who serve in close attendance to the nobles”. ³⁾

Nitobe Inazo envisioned bushido as a set of eight qualities in the twentieth century, in an effort to unite samurai doctrine. Righteousness, Heroic Courage, Benevolence or Compassion, Respect, Honesty, Honor, Duty and Loyalty, and ultimately Self-Control were among them. ⁴⁾

In Japan, the samurai were an aristocratic elite, yet even samurai soldiers served the daimyos, feudal lords who ruled over local territories. The daimyos, in turn, served the shogun, who de facto governed Japan under a military dictatorship known as a shogunate, despite the Emperor being the figurehead monarch. ⁵⁾

The name “shogun” dates back to the early Heian era, when Emperor Kanmu tried to expand his power by recruiting local clan soldiers, referring to the chiefs of these clans as “shoguns.” Originally, this was merely a transitory title with little power. The Emperor's influence, however, began to wane in Japanese culture, paving the way for the reign of the shogun—and the samurai. ⁶⁾