Bushido, literally translated "Way of the Warrior," developed in Japan between the Heian and Tokugawa Ages (9th-12th century). It was a code and way of life for Samurai, a class of warriors similar to the medieval knights of Europe. It was influenced by Zen and Confucianism, two different schools of thought of those periods. Bushido is not unlike the chivalry and codes of the European knights. "It puts emphasis on loyalty, self sacrifice, justice, sense of shame, refined manners, purity, modesty, frugality, martial spirit, honor and affection"
Along with these virtues, Bushido also holds justice, benevolence, love, sincerity, honesty, and self-control in utmost respect. Justice is one of the main factors in the code of the samurai. Crooked ways and unjust actions are thought to be lowly and inhumane. Love and benevolence were supreme virtues and princely acts. Samurai followed a specific etiquette in every day life as well as in war. Sincerity and honesty were as valued as their lives. Bushi no ichi-gon, or "the word of a samurai," transcends a pact of complete faithfulness and trust. With such pacts there was no need for a written pledge; it was thought beneath one's dignity. The samurai also needed self-control and stoicism to be fully honored. He showed no sign of pain or joy. He endured all within--no groans, no crying. He held a calmness of behavior and composure of the mind neither of which should be bothered by passion of any kind. He was a true and complete warrior.
http://mcel.pacificu.edu/as/students/bushido/bindex.html A coincidence, Bush,,Bushido.
Japanese soul represented here. They will be a great ally. There is no aspect of "lightweight". There is no cowardice. Reluctance, as felt in Germany is understood, but the fundamental character is great. This changes the dynamic significantly, I find it very inspiring, It is a high level of trust that exists between us, and given history, is an inspirational mark to keep in mind when things appear a bit dark in this current struggle.
I fully expect that the future will see Iraqi people as
strong allies and loyal friends, if we absolutely stay the course, keep our eyes on the future, and do the right things for the right reasons.
Bushido is (probably) BS.
There is pretty good evidence that the word was not actually invented until the late 19th century when the Japanese were attempting to use nationalism and tradition to unite the country. The "do" part is especially suspicious. It means "artistic way". Ju-jutsu is a fighting style; judo is an equivalent art form (but still pretty formidable...). Its possible I'm wrong, but if I am, its an honest mistake.
That said, most samurai, like most knights, were armored thugs. They claimed the right to cut people down because they felt they were rude and otherwise mercilessly exploited their station. Like knights, they have been glorified beyond the reality.
Nor were they particularly great soldiers (as opposed to warriors). Peasants with muskets slaughtered them at Sekigahara, and Christian peasants occupying a ruined castle defied their samurai besiegers for literally years. That was the last battle the samurai fought until the Satsuma rebellion during Meiji restoration.
The Japanese don't need to look back on their traditions for pride and honor, they just need to look at what they have achieved since the end of WWII. There is more than enough there.