Bushido the Soul of Japan: Illustrated (Svetlina ot Iztok) Paperback – December 11, 2014

A very good book if you want to get better insight into the Japanese psyche. Although written more than a century ago Nitobe's assessment about the impact of the "way of the samurai" on ordinary Japanese is compelling. He delves into the character and traditions of the samurai but also gives attention to the impact of Shintoism, Buddhism and Confucianism on the Japanese mind. His deep rooted knowledge of Western culture and philosophy gives him the added advantage of being able to assess his own culture from a western perspective. He constantly compares the Japanese way with western conventions and place those in historical perspective which makes for interesting reading. He converted to Christianity but clearly only had the utmost respect for the "Japanese way" of doing things and at times his disappointment with western prejudice and misconceptions about Japanese culture becomes tangible. Even today there are still many misconceptions about the Japanese people which makes this book all the more worthwhile. In addition readers would be surprised at how much of the "way of the samurai" remained part of the Japanese culture and mentality even after the upheavals of the Second World War and the modernization brought about by strong economic growth since then. A must read for anybody who is genuinely interested in Japan and its history since this book had a huge impact internationally and after the Second World War in Japan as well. A book for the more discerning reader. Willem G

Bushido is a remarkable book that examines samurai culture and ideology through the prism of western history. As a fan of the various samurai periods, I was enthralled as Nitobe, an erudite multicultural Japanese social observer, dissected the mores, foibles and peccadilloes of both American and Japanese cultures from the ancients to the early 20th century dispelling myths and illuminating the most obscure and vilified traditions and rituals of the samurai. The narrative is as refined as a tea ceremony and cuts through prejudice and rhetoric like a razor sharp katana to reveal the beauty and discipline of the samurai.

Not a bad book. The flow is simple. The price is adequate for the received material. Buy it for a quick read.

The book overall has a good message and is definitely needed especially in today’s society. Although, I have two gripes with the book. One: the book I thought was written very poorly and not very readable. The author just kind of said what he needed to say about the virtues of Bushido and then, it almost felt like he ran out of words so he randomly through in quotes and excerpts to make the book seem longer than it needed to be and mind you the book was already short. Two: the virtues of the Samurai must have ended in the 20th century because from what I factually know is that the Japanese were very very cruel to the Chinese, Filipinos, and Americans around the time of early 20th century occupation. So, rape and murder definitely does not corroborate with these Samurai virtues....hence, the book. Either the Bushido Code is completely and utterly false or they only applied to the treatment of the people of Japan!

Needless to say, I did not get what I thought I was purchasing however, it’s not the outside of the book I’m concerned with it’s the knowledge that is inside that is there. However it’s still false advertising!

I bought and read this book quite a while ago in soft cover. It's a quick read and full of information that if you take consideration of, makes you a better person. The only drawback in the philosophy is "sepuku" strictly forbidden in my family group.

I spent many years in Kapan a d this is well written and a must for a martial artist who is seeking enlightenment.

Surprisingly, again, the language capacity of this book, around 100 years old, is eminent - and clarifying what now is forgotten to a certain extent - The true Bushido. I recommend it because it is giving a clear language - almost describing our own political situation of today.

Bought for my 14 years old son who taking Kendo class. He loves this book and read all the time.

Not finished reading it yet but good so far

Excellent book for anyone that studies Japan. Gives a good insite into the thinking that has passed up through the centuries. Fascinating book.

A bit difficult to get your head round in places but enjoying it very much. Philosophy very good and meaningful.

no issues