Inazo Nitobe's Bushido: The Soul of Japan is a poetic inquiry into the ethos of his homeland.
Through a study of the way of the samurai, Nitobe identifies the seven virtues most widely recognized by the Japanese: rectitude, courage, benevolence, politeness, veracity, honor, and loyalty. In sharing these moral guidelines, handed down over generations, Nitobe gives the world unique insight into a previously unexplored code of honor.
Written in English and only translated years later into Japanese, Bushido was an inspiration to many Western leaders, including two US presidents - Theodore Roosevelt and John F. Kennedy. After centuries, the samurai principles are now applied around the world and recognized as universal ideals.
Revised edition: Previously published as Bushido: The Soul of Japan, this edition of Bushido: The Soul of Japan (AmazonClassics Edition) includes editorial revisions.