BUSHIDO
THE CODE OF THE
SAMURAI
THE CODE
 The Japanese word Bushido comes from
the terms bushi, which means “warrior”
and do, which means “way”.
 This was the name given to the code in the
1600’s during the Tokugawa period.
 Bushido is based on seven key principals.
What seven principles do you think they
are?
 Gi: Rectitude (character)
 Yu: Courage
 Jin: Benevolence
 Rei: Respect
 Makato: Honesty
 Meiyo: Honor
 Chugi: Loyalty
Which one of these do you feel is the most
important quality to have?
Why?
THE 47 RONIN
(A story of Bushido)
 Key terms:
– Bushido: Japanese
warrior code
– Ronin: Samurai
without a master
– Samurai: Soldier that
serves his daimyo
(Samurai means to
serve)
– Seppuku: Ritual
suicide
An account of the 47 Samurai can be found at
http://www.samurai-archives.com/ronin.html
 Describe how honor was more important than
death to the samurai.
 What problems did the samurai of Lord Asano
have after Lord Asano (their master) was
executed? Why was a Ronin like a lost person?
 What did the Ronin do with the head of Lord
Kira? Did that seem odd to you?
 After the Ronin completed their mission, what
was their fate?