from dust jacket

Bushido, the chivalric code of honor regulating the behavior of the samurai from the feudal era in Japan, has been an enduring philosophy. Drawn up in a time when samurai would offer ritual challenges before engaging in individual combat, and when the object was as much to attian glory and die honorable if necessary, the concepts of Bushido were still infludencing both miltary campaigns and individual actions as recently as World War II. The kamikaze pilots can be compared, in their ultimate sacrifice, to a samurai willing to die for his lord rather than live in dishonor.

The alien concepts of Bushido sitill intrigue Western scholars. This book traces the development of this military philosophy from the medieval samurai to the industrialization of Japan at the turn of the century and through World War II The code of conduct can still be traced in the martial tradition of the arts of kung fu, karate and kendo-despite Japan's highly developed technological society, crowds still gather to watch sumo wrestlers honor the ancient rites and then struggle for dominance in the ring.

Bushido: The Way of the Warrior offers a fascinating insight into a timeless military tradition and shows its continuing relevance to the Japanese today. Sumptuously illustrated with over 250 rare manuscripts and photographs this book will appeal to everyone with an interest in Japanese history.

Born in 1935, John Newman took up judo as a hobby in 1952. After a spell in the Royal Marines he returned to civilian life and went on to win four gold judo medals for his performances in E uropean team and individual championships. In 1958 he took up a position teaching English at Tenri University, Japan, where he was also awarded a Fifth Dan Black Belt. After four years in Japan, he returned home to teach Japanese at London University's School of Oriental and African studies. In 1964 he joined the BBC's Japanese Service as a broadcaster and language supervisor. In 1970 he became head of the Japanese Service, and continued to broadcast and write on Japanese subjects. In 1988 he was awarded an MBE for his services to Anglo-Japanese relations.

Contents

Introduction
The Earliest Samurai
The First Shoguns
The Zen Connection
The warrior Generals
The Artistic Tradition
Confucian Bushido
The Ways
Fanatical Bushido
Anti-Bushido
The Legacy of Bushido
Index and Acknowledgments