Bushido

This article is about the Japanese concept of chivalry. For other uses, see Bushido (disambiguation).

A samurai in his armor in the 1860s. Hand-colored photograph by Felice Beato

Bushidō (武士道; Japanese pronunciation: [bɯ.ɕiꜜ.doː]) is a samurai moral code concerning samurai attitudes, behavior, and lifestyle. Its origins date back to the Kamakura period, but the code was formalized in the Edo period (1603–1868). There are multiple types of bushido, which evolved significantly through history. Contemporary forms of bushido are still used in the social and economic organization of Japan. Bushido is also used as an overarching term for all the codes, practices, philosophies, and principles of samurai culture. It is loosely analogous to the European concept of chivalry, but with some major differences.