The Way of the Samurai

by Nitobe Inazō

Genres: History

118 pages, Paperback

Published May 27, 2024

About the author

Nitobe Inazō (1862-1933): agriculturalist, scholar, Quaker, philosopher, statesman, educator.

Nitobe Inazō was educated at Sapporo Agricultural College, University of Tokyo, Johns Hopkins, and University of Halle (Germany). Early in his life he expressed the desire to be a “bridge over the Pacific” and he devoted much of his life to promoting trust and understanding between the United States and Japan.

Reviews

[EB · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this book is a must read it does have some limitations, especially for a casual reader like myself. The main challenge is that it was written by a Japanese author to explain a changing Japanese culture to a 20th century English audience. The limitation thus being the language and references used to translate cultural practices are difficult for a casual 21st century English reader. It involves translating a n old Japanese custom to a 20th century custom to then a modern analogy. The book also becomes a historical reading rather than a cultural reading as it describes Japanese culture prior to the atomic bomb. With all this said I do now have appreciation for the beauty of Bushido and I felt the last chapter summarized its lasting beauty well. I can enjoy Bushido’s fragrance without seeing the cherry blossom bloom.

[Dayyan Aalaei · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved the visuals/paintings that were at the beginning and sometimes middle of each chapter. Really good insight and interesting topic. Although a pretty difficult read for modern casual readers (deep references to 20th century events) it’s still overall a pretty good book

[Peter Watkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

Effective and useful insights into life through the lens of the Bushido. Due to the age of the book, its publication some time around 1900 for Western Readers, much of that advice could be considered dated. However, there is a surprising, more modern, application of the warrior's code that transcends our understanding of the eras as we experience them.

Inazo eloquently demonstrates that, though Bushido teachings are less relevant in the modern age it is these guiding principles that have shaped and continue to drive Japanese culture and society. The politeness of individuals, the little rituals in Japanese etiquette, the embracing of asceticism, opposition to waste, the efficiency of infrastructure and, most importantly, the communal mindset which consistently contrasts the more individualistic societal trends in Western cultures; all of these echo the ancestry of the society and the teachings of the Samurai.

This is significant and very insightful because the book works on two levels as a result. It is first and foremost an excellent introduction to the history of the culture for an English speaker. It demonstrates what to expect in various aspects of life and where the differences lie. It also demonstrates and resolves misconceptions regarding these teachings. Then, secondly, it serves very well as an instructional book on the ways a person might pursue Bushido teachings. It's clear from the advice that these teachings are very helpful and would have a positive impact, revolving around axioms such as kindness, sincerity, integrity and asceticism.

Overall, the book was an enjoyable and informative read, especially the pocket addition with gilded cover and pages. This edition comes with a very readable type-font and illustrations throughout that elucidate the lessons and insights of the Author. Well worth looking through if the warrior-code of Bushido is of interest to you, or even the rituals and etiquette of Japanese society during both Feudal and Modern periods.

[Jose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have the B&N 2024 cloth like hardcover sans dustjacket nice design cover and backcover yet also reminds me of the annoying a.i. And or 3d still neat.A very interesting and in-depth read despite being a short read it is no less intellectually written and exquisite. Chapter on self control is good and a look at bushido, I do not like the quoting of Marx and Capital or authors theological assertions regarding missionaries did not impact the culture I disagree. The time of the writing and the author and his defense of Fedualism ,Feudal Japan and Samurai history is extraordinary even if the author tried to paint a more secular picture despite ironically being a quaker. A must read regardless of any flaws as the prose is incredible and easy to understand as well. I also recommend,own and prefer tales of The Samurai book by Mitford.

[Mb Mazur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Readable, inspiring and full of a great amount of wisdom. This book serves as a basic guide to Bushido, the everyday moral code that all samurai lived by.
The chapter on Seppuku was intriguing, shocking and felt a little bit out of place, although the purpose was to show the reader how the ritual was meant to restore one’s honor. Insane but beautiful. It was captivating.
There’s something in here for everyone to learn from. Honor, politeness, justice, benevolence, courage etc. It then goes on to explain the importance of The Sword—also known as the Soul of the Samurai, as well as women’s roles (which didn’t age too well) then closes with influences and the future of Bushido.

Would definitely recommend this to those who are interested in other cultures and ways of life.

“Beneath the instinct to fight there lurks a diviner instinct—to love”

[Autumn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Personally struggled to read and understand. Would have been easier to read with a group.

[Dai Shota · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very philosophical and thought provoking essay. I enjoyed it greatly. The way Nitobe explained all his points were very poetic yet easy to understand.

[Liam Darbyshire · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was alright, interesting but didn’t really have a flow. Didnt really enjoy it tbh. Glad it was short; but somehow felt like a bit of a drag. Halfway through I just wanted it to end.