Scan barcode
katmccor's review
3.0
This book is excellent in that it gives insight into the cultural and political environment Nitobe was living in at the turn of the century. However, it is extremely limited in its ability to give an accurate portrayal of Bushido and Samurai life. Although it is idealized and written for a Christian, Western audience, it is significant in that the novel played an integral role in the development of today’s romanticized samurai. Nitobe’s facination with the Samurai is not unlike the West’s fascination with cowboys or knights, and should not be taken anymore seriously as accurate portrayals of the past.
hades9stages's review
4.0
This book stands as an enlightening and timeless exploration of the samurai code of ethics. Nitobe's insightful portrayal of Bushido, the way of the warrior, offers a glimpse into the noble virtues and principles upheld by the samurai.
Through eloquent and a deep understanding of Japanese history and culture, Nitobe artfully delineates the core tenets of Bushido: valor, loyalty, honor, and self-discipline. He navigates through the philosophical underpinnings of this ancient code, shedding light on its relevance in shaping Japan's cultural heritage and moral fabric.
Published in 1900, Nitobe's book serves as a bridge between Eastern and Western cultures, providing invaluable insights into the principles of Bushido that transcend geographical boundaries. His reverence for the ethos of Bushido is evident throughout the book, enriching readers with a profound appreciation for the virtues championed by the samurai. This book is particularly very historically relevant because, during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Japan was undergoing a period of modernization and rapid societal transformation. This book provided a comprehensive and accessible insight into Japanese history, offering a link to Japan's feudal past amidst the country's modernisation efforts. It provided both Japanese and Western audiences with a glimpse into the cultural heritage and moral framework that had shaped Japan's history.
What I also find extremely interesting is that, "Bushido" was a part of a larger movement of cultural exchange and understanding between East and West. This book was written in English, aimed at Western audiences, most likely one of the first of its kind. Japanese literature is so popular to find today in all corners of the world, and this was that very beginning, providing a bridge between cultures and contributed significantly to the appreciation of Japanese culture on a global scale.
A captivating and inspiring read, offering a compelling exploration of the moral and ethical values that have deeply influenced Japanese society, Nitobe's articulate portrayal of Bushido remains a timeless and inspirational testament to the enduring legacy making it an essential read for those seeking a deeper understanding of Japanese culture and ethos.
Through eloquent and a deep understanding of Japanese history and culture, Nitobe artfully delineates the core tenets of Bushido: valor, loyalty, honor, and self-discipline. He navigates through the philosophical underpinnings of this ancient code, shedding light on its relevance in shaping Japan's cultural heritage and moral fabric.
Published in 1900, Nitobe's book serves as a bridge between Eastern and Western cultures, providing invaluable insights into the principles of Bushido that transcend geographical boundaries. His reverence for the ethos of Bushido is evident throughout the book, enriching readers with a profound appreciation for the virtues championed by the samurai. This book is particularly very historically relevant because, during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Japan was undergoing a period of modernization and rapid societal transformation. This book provided a comprehensive and accessible insight into Japanese history, offering a link to Japan's feudal past amidst the country's modernisation efforts. It provided both Japanese and Western audiences with a glimpse into the cultural heritage and moral framework that had shaped Japan's history.
What I also find extremely interesting is that, "Bushido" was a part of a larger movement of cultural exchange and understanding between East and West. This book was written in English, aimed at Western audiences, most likely one of the first of its kind. Japanese literature is so popular to find today in all corners of the world, and this was that very beginning, providing a bridge between cultures and contributed significantly to the appreciation of Japanese culture on a global scale.
A captivating and inspiring read, offering a compelling exploration of the moral and ethical values that have deeply influenced Japanese society, Nitobe's articulate portrayal of Bushido remains a timeless and inspirational testament to the enduring legacy making it an essential read for those seeking a deeper understanding of Japanese culture and ethos.
drifter_reads's review
4.0
I have always been fascinated by the Samurai culture. In fact, my very introduction to Japan was through a Samurai cartoon/anime. To us, Samurai is a mythical cult that we want to fantasize through our expression, out of the love/infatuation for Japan. However to them, it is the embodiment of the spirit that made Japan what it was and what it continues to be today.
In the book, Inazo takes the reader through the Eight principles of the spirit of Bushido. He also reflects on few questions such as - why cherry blossom is the symbol of Samurai?; what were the roles of women in the Samurai culture?; how Samurai looks at death/suicide?; what is the future of Bushido? In each segment, Inazo enriched the reader with diverse examples from both Asian and European literature faculties.
In the book, Inazo takes the reader through the Eight principles of the spirit of Bushido. He also reflects on few questions such as - why cherry blossom is the symbol of Samurai?; what were the roles of women in the Samurai culture?; how Samurai looks at death/suicide?; what is the future of Bushido? In each segment, Inazo enriched the reader with diverse examples from both Asian and European literature faculties.
fractaltexan's review against another edition
4.0
An interesting book, and though it was short, with only 96 pages, a lot of information was crammed into the book, making it a hearty and fulfilling read. I particularly liked Nitobe's explanations of the virtues that are associated with Bushido.
akooda7's review
3.0
A comparative religious study with interesting points for perspective and consideration. Some moments the author conveniently forgets history.