Bushido: The Soul of the samurai [a graphic novel]

by Sean Michael Wilson (Adapter), Akiko Shimojima (Illustrator), Inazō Nitobe

Nitobe originally wrote Bushido: The Soul of Japan in English (1899), in Malvern, Pennsylvania. As Japan underwent deep transformations of its traditional lifestyle while becoming a modern nation, Nitobe engaged in an inquiry into the ethos of his nation, and the result of his meditations was this seminal work. A fine stylist in English, he wrote many books in that language, which earned him a place among the best known Japanese writers of his age. He found in Bushido, the Way of the Warrior, the sources of the eight virtues most admired by his people: rectitude, courage, benevolence, politeness, sincerity, honor, loyalty and self-control. His approach to his task was eclectic and far-reaching. He also delved into the other indigenous traditions of Japan, such as Buddhism, Shintoism, Confucianism and the moral guidelines handed down over hundreds of years by Japan's samurai and sages. In addition, he sought similarities and contrasts by citing not only Western philosophers and statesmen, but also the shapers of European and American thought and civilization

Genres: Graphic Novels, Japan, History, Nonfiction, Philosophy, Comics, Manga

160 pages, Paperback

Published August 30, 2016

About the author

Sean Michael Wilson is a comic book writer from Scotland. He has had around 30 books published with a variety of US, UK and Japanese publishers, including: a comic book version of A Christmas Carol ('Best of 2008’, Sunday Times), AX:alternative manga ( 'Best ten books of 2010’, Publishers Weekly), Parecomic (with an introduction by Noam Chomsky, his first contribution to a book in graphic form). He is currently writing books for big Japanese publisher Kodansha, being the only British writer to do so. In fact, he is the only pro manga writer from Britain who lives in Japan. He is also the editor of the critically acclaimed collection 'AX:alternative manga' (Publishers Weekly's 'Best ten books of 2010' and nominated for a Harvey award).

Working with various Japanese artists he has written a unique line of Japanese history/martial arts/Samurai books, including The Book of Five Rings, Secrets of the Ninja, The 47 Ronin, and Cold Mountain (winner of China Comic and Animation Competition 2015 ‘Best Overseas Comic’ award). In 2016 his book 'The Faceless Ghost' was nominated for an Eisner Award. In 2017 he became the first British person to receive an International Manga Award from the Japanese Government. In 2019 his book 'The Many Not the Few' was launched by the Labour Party leader in an event in the Houses of Parliament. In 2020 he received the Scottish Samurai Award from an association promoting connections between Japan and Scotland.

He does comic books outside the normal superhero/fantasy brands, going into areas such as history, biography, drama, and social issues, often in collaboration with universities, charities and book publishers. He often gives lectures and talks about comics in schools and colleges, and writes articles for such places as The Japan Times, The London Economic and The Herald Scotland.

Reviews

[Brandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the artwork, but I do wish it was just a bit more detailed. Overall, though, it was quite interesting and would make for a good introduction to the culture of the Samurai, especially for younger people or graphic novel fans. For those looking for more in-depth information, I would recommend another publication. It was well layed-out and easy to read. Overall, I'd rate it about 4.3 - 4.4.

My copy of this publication was obtained from the Goodreads.com website and I appreciate the opportunity to read and review it. I will definitely be adding this one to my graphic novel library.

[Monty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bushido is a wonderfully illustrated and organized work which describes the history, philosophy and ethics of the Bushido code developed in medieval Japan. While a bit idealized, this short work provides a good introduction to the complex Japanese warrior ethic which is somewhat similar to the Code of Chivalry practiced by the Medieval European knight (ca. 1100 to 1600). There are also a few major differences, especially in regards to loss of face, and settling matters of honor. The Medieval knight, when confronted with a matter of dishonor, would go into the front ranks of battle (units usually called "forlorn hope")--or engage in a religious pilgrimage to make amends. The Japanese Samurai would be expected to commit ritual suicide in public. Both codes called for warriors to be absolutely resolute and fearless in the face of death. Both were also expected to demonstrate mercy under certain circumstances. While the European knight used Christianity as his guide, the Samurai used a combination of Buddhist, Shinto and Confucian ethics as his foundation. This book is very useful for anyone interested in learning about the Soul of the Japanese people, and the traditional values of Japanese culture.

[John Ronald · Rating 4 out of 5]

Contemporary update to a classic from an earlier age. It is less a graphic novel per se but rather uses the medium of comic book art to explore the ideas expounded upon by the book. Nitobe was well versed in English literature and uses famous quotations familiar to western readers to illuminate concepts of Bushido as known in his native Japan. His late 19th century/early 20th century writing helped popularize and familiarize the idea of Bushido to a western audience. Back in his native Japan however, Nitobe is far from the only authority on the subject. The book is a distillation of Nitobe's sense of Bushido conceptually as a Fin de Ciecle Japanese expat intellectual. It is not a work of rigorous historical scholarship but rather a pastiche of allusions and anecdotes. Each chapter begins with a few introductory pages of pure text followed by the illustrations which further explicate the ideas explored in the text. Readers familiar with the documentary comic series "Introducing X" and "X for Beginners" will find this format equally accessible. My copy was a library loan and it is worthy of a well curated library collection.

[Jiří Pavlovský · Rating 3 out of 5]

Spíš taková ochutnávka. Navnazovací trailer na hlubší studium japonské kultury. Podle knihy Inazo Nitobeho udělal Sean Michael Wilson stručný výcuc (ten člověk, jak se koukám, vycucal skoro cokoliv) a některé části mu (solidně a průměrně) zmangovala Akiko Shimojima. Pokud už znáte japonské historické mangy (třeba věci Kazua Koikeho) či knihy, tak vás asi jednotlivé citované příběhy zase tak neohromí, ale jako takové první osmělení je to fajn. Je to vhled do světa, který můžete brát jak jako fascinující, tak jako asolutně zvrácený. Hlavně v době, kdy jsme ze všech stran masírovaní voláním po svobodě jednotlivce a ochraně života v každé podobě, je to něco úplně jiného. Bušidó přináší podřízenost, sebeobětování, poslušnost vyšším ideálům, ochotu umřít (či zabít) za někoho či něco, potlačování emocí... to všechno je v podstatě v rozporu s evropskou mentalitou. A asi i proto je to tak zajímavé.

[Douglas Lanzo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book that takes you back to a time of honor, chivalry, sacrifice for others, courage and justice. Though it certainly had its excesses (including the ultimate accountability where samurai committed suicide), samurai selflessly served their masters, showed mercy and chivalry even to enemy forces where warranted, and were forbidden to be involved in commerce, so that they would be uncorrupted by money. They were traditionally men of writing, poets as well as warriors. Their emphasis on wisdom exemplified through action and just living as opposed to vainly acquiring vast troves of knowledge is a lesson for the ages. Written by a Japanese author (Inazo Nitobe) who was raised in Japan but also educated in the U.S. provides a unique perspective, comparing Japanese to Western norms. A satisfying read and important window into the thinking behind Bushido.

[Sakura-Chan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this graphic novel! It was extremely informative and positively engaging!!! The illustrations added character reinforced concepts being taught about Bushido!!! I'm inspired to now someday read the original novel that this graphic novel is based on. I will admit that this style of graphic novel will not resonate with everyone, but if you are interested in Japanese culture, this will be a must-read for you!!! I personally did not know much about Bushido before reading this novel, but afterward, I was full of a newfound knowledge and appreciation of this ideology/concept. Bushido is extremely diverse and complex, yet it is simple to grasp when broken down into its root components.

[Olivia P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting introduction to Bushido and the work of Inazo Nitobe. I do not recommend for children however aesthetically pleasing the cover and images presented are. The subject material was rather deep and would recommend it to an adult as topics covered might shock and scare an early reader. The history shared was mostly new to me and left me interested in reading more adaptations from the Sean Michael Wilson and Akiko Shimojima.

[Đenis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Viac má to nebavilo ako bavilo. Dočítal som to len pre to, pretože japonskú kultúru mám rád. Kresba je taká priemerná až nudná, množstvo informácií tak poskrovne. Celkom mi vadilo to neustále skákanie medzi myšlienkami a niektoré nič nehovoriace obrázky. Pár informácií si asi odnesiem, ale že by mi knižka nejako utkvela v pamäti, to asi nie.

[Jaroslav Urban · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick read and short inside in Bušido. I was bit interested due to fact I do aikido and I always found samuraj very unpleasantly superior to all people in movies. Perhaps the comics book helped me understand a bit of their real nature.

[K.D. Bissonette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great!

[The_J · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bushido - not quite religion (though it draws from these sources), not merely manners (though social graces can be key) - but certainly a way to control violence and structure dangerous interactions.

[Lorenzo]

good times

[Psychonaut · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Sierra · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

I requested this from Netgalley because I have a background in Japanese martial arts, specifically ninjitsu. Although that is not the martial art system that the Samurai practiced, I have always enjoyed learning. As a child, one of my favorite movies was Tom Cruise's The Last Samurai. I found their culture and the concept of honor fascinating, so I was excited to read this graphic novel.

Unfortunately, I just couldn't get myself into it. I think I would have preferred an unabridged version. Even though I enjoyed the artwork, and the original text was well-summarized, I think I found some chapters more interesting and informative than others. My favorite chapters had to do with the Samurai women, and the education of the children.

The most surprising takeaway, was how similar some of the Bushido philosophies are to the traditional Western beliefs. The author frequently mentions familiar Western names and relates their quotes to Japanese philosophy and it is eerily similar.

I would recommend it as a starter for those people out there interested in Bushido and the Samurai culture. However, if you'd like to learn more about Bushido itself, I would recommend going back to the original text.

[Michelle Carrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazingly portrayed. I think it did the story justice.

[Ihsan Mahesa]

karena saya suka dengan sejarah