Samurai Warriors Behavior

Before the early twelfth century, Japan was known to have a bureaucratic government, which meant government administrations and decision making departments were staffed by non- elected officials to make decisions; However, Japan was aristocratic, meaning people held certain government positions because they were born to families of a high standard. In 1185, because the government had no police forces, Samurai warriors were introduced and soon took power and became the new rulers of the country. Their strength was found on a foundation of discipline and loyalty. The warriors were powerful in their thinking and ways of ruling the country. These warriors followed a strict dress code and came up with a set number of principles that would define

Their religion was a system of honor, in which they had to promise to live and die for the service of their lords. There was no room for hesitation or else they would no longer be deemed as a true Bushi. If any lack of courage, dishonor, or defeat was shown, this behavior reflected poorly on their lord and was enough of a reason for the Bushi to commit compulsory suicide by ritual disembowelment, which meant having to stab themselves with their sword and removing their organs in respect for their lords. This act is known as Sepukku. In return for their bravery and sacrifice, the lords would then provide stability in their finances and social status (Feudal Japan).
Samurai warriors began as horse riders who shot their bows while riding but then later shifted to being swordsmen. Their wardrobe was a large part of their warrior beliefs and honor. Although, in battle their wardrobe consisted of a different style from that in their everyday life. They took their armor as a serious part of their role in being a warrior. Warriors carried two swords alongside them. One was the “katana” which was the long sword and “wakizshi”, the short sword (History.com). These swords

The seven main principles were rectitude, courage, benevolence, politeness, honor, honesty, and loyalty. Each principle had a different meaning in the way they should live out their warrior lives. Rectitude also referred to as justice is the strongest of all the virtues. This is one’s power to decide on an action according to the reason, also without wavering on doubt. For example, in a fight, a warrior should use rectitude to know when to strike so he may kill his opponent at the exact time it was meant to happen. Courage is doing what is right with the account of righteous and rectitude. Benevolence or mercy is believed to be the highest attribute of the human soul because even though men are infused with the power to kill, they should also be able to show love, sympathy and pity for others. The fourth virtue of Bushido is politeness. Politeness should be shown as a kind gesture of the feelings of others. This trait is one only a true warrior can inhabit. Honor is when the Samurai looks within the body for self-improvement. For this virtue, the warrior must follow the laws of his lord and hold himself accountable for the mistakes he has made; He may also not live in denial but must make things right. The sixth virtue of Bushido is honesty. Warriors are taught to have a healthy relationship with their money