Bushido

BUSHIDO is a Japanese word used to describe the way that a samurai should act. It is very close to the English word "chivalry" but with certain differences. "It originates from the samurai moral code and stresses frugality, loyalty, martial arts mastery, and honor unto death." (Wikipedia) Japan is a small country in size. However, this country is ranked as the second largest business country, right between U.S. and China, both of which has a size ten times bigger than Japan. According to my research and personal analysis, I think Bushido is one of the biggest contributing factors of Japan's tremendous success in the business world.

History and Content

Just as Johanna, Ryftenius, and Randy Z. Shoai pointed out in their article, "Japanese Bushido is the cornerstone of Japanese business culture". However, before analyzing the Bushido in Japanese Business Culture, we firstly need to have a detailed understanding of the original meaning of Bushido. Bushido was developed since the 9^th century. Being viewed as the soul of Japan, Bushido was very widely practiced during several major ancient eras by the samurai class. In Bushido, Bushi (warrior) should always keep certain virtues in their life. There are seven core virtues that are commonly accepted, which are: Gi (Rectitude), Chugi (Loyalty),Yuki (Courage), Meiyo (Honor), Jin (Benevolence), Rei (Respect), and Makoto (Honesty). (S. Peterson). Even though the varied in different eras, these seven core virtues have never been changed.

Bushido comes from Bushi, and Bushi serve the country in war, therefore Bushido is primarily a series of military disciplines. It is quite simple but effective. Nowadays, business is
often as fierce as wars. Compared to the social norms and virtues in western country, Bushido is based on the shame culture in Japan. With more than a thousand years' history, it is no wonder that Bushido concept is so deeply rooted in Japanese people's blood. For Japanese people, Bushido is no doubt the most preferred method to run their business.