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The Japanese Samurai Code: Classic Strategies for Success
Japan has achieved a number of triumphs due to the cultural traits inherited from their samurai ancestors. Examples include the country's transformation from a warrior-dominated agrarian society to a modern industrial nation, and its rebound from the destruction of World War II to its status as the second largest economy in the world.
Japanologist Boye Lafayette De Mente identifies the character traits in the samurai code of ethics that made these incredible transformations possible. He explains how these traits can be applied by anyone to enhance their own personal skills and performance, making The Japanese Samurai Code a success manual for everyone.
Japanologist Boye Lafayette De Mente identifies the character traits in the samurai code of ethics that made these incredible transformations possible. He explains how these traits can be applied by anyone to enhance their own personal skills and performance, making The Japanese Samurai Code a success manual for everyone.
224 pages, Paperback
First published March 15, 2005
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About the author
Boyé Lafayette De Mente
197 books25 followersBoyé Lafayette De Mente was an author, journalist, and adventurer. He wrote more than 100 books, most of them about the culture and language of Japan, East Asia, and Mexico.
De Mente joined the U.S. Navy and began his career as a cryptographer based in Washington, D.C. In 1948, he joined the U.S. Army Security Agency and was a decoding technician stationed in Tokyo. While there, he he founded and edited the agency's newspaper, The ASA Star.
De Mente wrote the first English guides to the Japanese way of doing business ("Japanese Etiquette and Ethics in Business" in 1959 and "How to Do Business in Japan" in 1962). His other books run the gamut from language learning to the night-time "pink" trades in Japan, the sensual nature of Oriental cultures, male-female relations, and understanding and coping with the Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Mexican mindset in business and social situations. He has also written extensively about Mexico and his home state of Arizona.
De Mente joined the U.S. Navy and began his career as a cryptographer based in Washington, D.C. In 1948, he joined the U.S. Army Security Agency and was a decoding technician stationed in Tokyo. While there, he he founded and edited the agency's newspaper, The ASA Star.
De Mente wrote the first English guides to the Japanese way of doing business ("Japanese Etiquette and Ethics in Business" in 1959 and "How to Do Business in Japan" in 1962). His other books run the gamut from language learning to the night-time "pink" trades in Japan, the sensual nature of Oriental cultures, male-female relations, and understanding and coping with the Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Mexican mindset in business and social situations. He has also written extensively about Mexico and his home state of Arizona.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
January 23, 2023
This is a fine read for someone looking for a commentary on the relationship between Japanese and Western behaviours. There is a particular emphasis on the commercial world, and how to navigate the Japanese version of it. A historical skeleton of the history of the Samurai is also provided, though it is no substitute for a purpose built history.
November 10, 2013
My Great Fascination for the Japanese Culture (or anything Japanese for that matter) was on overdrive the whole time reading this book. Samurais and Katanas,yes :)
In this book, Sir Boye Lafayette De Mente, have identified the positive factors in *Bushido that were primarily responsible for the astounding economic success of the Japanese and still today play a vital role on their economic prowess. Basically, demystifying the Samurai Code of ethics.
These are some of the excerpts from the book:
"..."BUSHIDO" (Buu-she-doh), the ethical system of Japan's famous samurai class, which ruled the country from 1192 until 1868, eventually came to encompass every aspect of the lives of the people-their philosophical and spiritual beliefs, their etiquette, their family life, their dress, their work, their aesthetic sense, their etiquette, even their recreation.."
"..Over generations, the culture of the Samurai became so deeply embedded in the consciousness of the Japanese that it was difficult, if not impossible, for them to think outside of its parameters. the control it exercised over their attitudes and behavior was virtually infinite. And It was, in fact, the samurai culture that made it possible for Japan to achieve extraordinary economic and military success from 1870 to the debacle of the war with the United States in the 1940's,and to rebound from that defeat and destruction in less than thirty years and, astoundingly, became the second largest economy in the world..."
In this book, Sir Boye Lafayette De Mente, have identified the positive factors in *Bushido that were primarily responsible for the astounding economic success of the Japanese and still today play a vital role on their economic prowess. Basically, demystifying the Samurai Code of ethics.
These are some of the excerpts from the book:
"..."BUSHIDO" (Buu-she-doh), the ethical system of Japan's famous samurai class, which ruled the country from 1192 until 1868, eventually came to encompass every aspect of the lives of the people-their philosophical and spiritual beliefs, their etiquette, their family life, their dress, their work, their aesthetic sense, their etiquette, even their recreation.."
"..Over generations, the culture of the Samurai became so deeply embedded in the consciousness of the Japanese that it was difficult, if not impossible, for them to think outside of its parameters. the control it exercised over their attitudes and behavior was virtually infinite. And It was, in fact, the samurai culture that made it possible for Japan to achieve extraordinary economic and military success from 1870 to the debacle of the war with the United States in the 1940's,and to rebound from that defeat and destruction in less than thirty years and, astoundingly, became the second largest economy in the world..."
December 28, 2007
Gives a waaay too rosy picture of the "modern samurai," but at least the old ideals and history are well and shortly put. Almost every chapter ends with a notion of how the Western world should follow the Japanese, but the comparison doesn't seem fair without really discussing the cost of Bushi-do. The only things good are the Japanese terms for certain phenomena associated with the samurai and their correct meanings (I only assume, didn't check). One point for readability also. Maybe a good book for getting a rough general idea but don't take every sentence seriously... I've seen what the practice there really is.
February 20, 2019
An excellent book devoted to the samurai way of life where each chapter denotes one virtue or value of these honorable man. Divided into 60 short and concise chapters, the entire text offers great value and practical advice on how to conduct one self life through the prism of shinto and zen.
Besides the moral value, the book offers interesting insights on how the Japanese think, feel, and conduct their lives, helping to understand the Japanese way of doing business. While most of these old-fashioned values are now fading in modern times, some of them still are remarkable present in today’s society.
Besides the moral value, the book offers interesting insights on how the Japanese think, feel, and conduct their lives, helping to understand the Japanese way of doing business. While most of these old-fashioned values are now fading in modern times, some of them still are remarkable present in today’s society.
August 14, 2012
I grew up in Japan, but it does help to step back and look at some of the aspects of Japanese culture from the outside. I recognize some significant truths in this book that otherwise would have been like "air" to me, to live and breath it without really noticing the significance of it. I value this book for the idea that the pursuit of certain virtues and values can shape nations and societies. Rather than thinking there is no way the East and the West could ever get along or understand one another, by recognizing the underlying values and virtues a culture is striving to express, it is possible that we can all learn and appreciate one another in a way that helps us get closer, improve, advance and evolve. Culture is not stagnant. Culture is constantly being influenced by encountering otherness and gradually assimilating and incorporating the difference that once existed.
July 31, 2008
Izvrsna knjiga, obvezno štivo za svakog japanofila
Mala opaska na ono što vjerujem da je omaška u pisanju: u hrvatskom izdanju 2008. god, na 24. strani, fusnota br 4 - mačevaoc koji se spominje je GANRYU (pravim imenom Sasaki Kojiro). Otok na kojem se odvijao notorni duel se njemu u spomen i danas zove Ganryu-jima
Mala opaska na ono što vjerujem da je omaška u pisanju: u hrvatskom izdanju 2008. god, na 24. strani, fusnota br 4 - mačevaoc koji se spominje je GANRYU (pravim imenom Sasaki Kojiro). Otok na kojem se odvijao notorni duel se njemu u spomen i danas zove Ganryu-jima
June 17, 2011
Not a bad little book. Gives enough of the history to be interesting. I enjoyed the observations of the culrture. However, I wished he also included more of the negative aspects of "group think" and some of the unattractive side of Japanese culture.
All in all worth a read.
All in all worth a read.
June 19, 2008
Very informative... lends a great deal of insight into observed behavior in Japanese business culture.
June 14, 2016
A good book to read if you want to feel fed up with America.
Also, makes it hard to believe we can find much common ground with the Japanese.
Also, makes it hard to believe we can find much common ground with the Japanese.
August 25, 2012
Good way to understand more in Japanese culture and way of the samurai in today's world
September 13, 2013
Very inspire me for everyday life in work,social,troubleshooting.This book help me for find Musashi's side ini my personality.
August 11, 2014
Must read. That is all. Understand Japanese culture of success.
January 13, 2018
Thank you for my best friends Dewi, for this gift.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews