Bushido (Graphic Novel): The Soul of the Samurai

by Inazō Nitobe, Akiko Shimojima (Illustrator)

This graphic novel version of the cult classic Bushido brings the timeless secrets of the samurai to life. First published in the early 1900s, Bushido was the first book to introduce Westerners to the samurai ethos. Written by Inazo Nitobe, one of the foremost Japanese authors and educators of the time, it describes the characteristics and virtues that are associated with bushido—honor, courage, justice, loyalty, self-control—and explains the philosophy behind how samurai were educated and trained; the connection between the sword and the samurai; seppuku; and the position of women in samurai culture; among other themes. To this day, Bushido is considered a must-read for anyone who wants to understanding the soul of Japan and navigate their world with integrity and honor.

Genres: Graphic Novels, Japan, History, Nonfiction, Philosophy, Comics, Manga

161 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 1, 2016

About the author

Nitobe Inazō (新渡戸 稲造; 1862 – 1933) was a Japanese agronomist, diplomat, political scientist, politician, and writer. His father Nitobe Jūjirō was a samurai and retainer to the local daimyō of the Nanbu clan. His grandfather was Nitobe Tsutō and his great-grandfather was Nitobe Denzō (Koretami). He was converted to Christianity under the strong legacy left by William S. Clark, the first Vice-Principal of the College, who had taught in Sapporo for eight months before Nitobe's class arrived in the second year after the opening ofthe college and so they never personally crossed paths. When the League of Nations was established in 1920, Nitobe became one of the Under-Secretaries General of the League, and moved to Geneva, Switzerland. Nitobe, however, is perhaps most famous in the west for his work Bushido: The Soul of Japan (1900), which was one of the first major works on samurai ethics and Japanese culture written originally in English for Western readers (The book was subsequently translated into Japanese and many other languages).

Reviews

[Brandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the artwork, but I do wish it was just a bit more detailed. Overall, though, it was quite interesting and would make for a good introduction to the culture of the Samurai, especially for younger people or graphic novel fans. For those looking for more in-depth information, I would recommend another publication. It was well layed-out and easy to read. Overall, I'd rate it about 4.3 - 4.4.

My copy of this publication was obtained from the Goodreads.com website and I appreciate the opportunity to read and review it. I will definitely be adding this one to my graphic novel library.

[Monty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bushido is a wonderfully illustrated and organized work which describes the history, philosophy and ethics of the Bushido code developed in medieval Japan. While a bit idealized, this short work provides a good introduction to the complex Japanese warrior ethic which is somewhat similar to the Code of Chivalry practiced by the Medieval European knight (ca. 1100 to 1600). There are also a few major differences, especially in regards to loss of face, and settling matters of honor. The Medieval knight, when confronted with a matter of dishonor, would go into the front ranks of battle (units usually called "forlorn hope")--or engage in a religious pilgrimage to make amends. The Japanese Samurai would be expected to commit ritual suicide in public. Both codes called for warriors to be absolutely resolute and fearless in the face of death. Both were also expected to demonstrate mercy under certain circumstances. While the European knight used Christianity as his guide, the Samurai used a combination of Buddhist, Shinto and Confucian ethics as his foundation. This book is very useful for anyone interested in learning about the Soul of the Japanese people, and the traditional values of Japanese culture.

[John Ronald · Rating 4 out of 5]

Contemporary update to a classic from an earlier age. It is less a graphic novel per se but rather uses the medium of comic book art to explore the ideas expounded upon by the book. Nitobe was well versed in English literature and uses famous quotations familiar to western readers to illuminate concepts of Bushido as known in his native Japan. His late 19th century/early 20th century writing helped popularize and familiarize the idea of Bushido to a western audience. Back in his native Japan however, Nitobe is far from the only authority on the subject. The book is a distillation of Nitobe's sense of Bushido conceptually as a Fin de Ciecle Japanese expat intellectual. It is not a work of rigorous historical scholarship but rather a pastiche of allusions and anecdotes. Each chapter begins with a few introductory pages of pure text followed by the illustrations which further explicate the ideas explored in the text. Readers familiar with the documentary comic series "Introducing X" and "X for Beginners" will find this format equally accessible. My copy was a library loan and it is worthy of a well curated library collection.

[Jiří Pavlovský · Rating 3 out of 5]

Spíš taková ochutnávka. Navnazovací trailer na hlubší studium japonské kultury. Podle knihy Inazo Nitobeho udělal Sean Michael Wilson stručný výcuc (ten člověk, jak se koukám, vycucal skoro cokoliv) a některé části mu (solidně a průměrně) zmangovala Akiko Shimojima. Pokud už znáte japonské historické mangy (třeba věci Kazua Koikeho) či knihy, tak vás asi jednotlivé citované příběhy zase tak neohromí, ale jako takové první osmělení je to fajn. Je to vhled do světa, který můžete brát jak jako fascinující, tak jako asolutně zvrácený. Hlavně v době, kdy jsme ze všech stran masírovaní voláním po svobodě jednotlivce a ochraně života v každé podobě, je to něco úplně jiného. Bušidó přináší podřízenost, sebeobětování, poslušnost vyšším ideálům, ochotu umřít (či zabít) za někoho či něco, potlačování emocí... to všechno je v podstatě v rozporu s evropskou mentalitou. A asi i proto je to tak zajímavé.

[Douglas Lanzo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book that takes you back to a time of honor, chivalry, sacrifice for others, courage and justice. Though it certainly had its excesses (including the ultimate accountability where samurai committed suicide), samurai selflessly served their masters, showed mercy and chivalry even to enemy forces where warranted, and were forbidden to be involved in commerce, so that they would be uncorrupted by money. They were traditionally men of writing, poets as well as warriors. Their emphasis on wisdom exemplified through action and just living as opposed to vainly acquiring vast troves of knowledge is a lesson for the ages. Written by a Japanese author (Inazo Nitobe) who was raised in Japan but also educated in the U.S. provides a unique perspective, comparing Japanese to Western norms. A satisfying read and important window into the thinking behind Bushido.

[Sakura-Chan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this graphic novel! It was extremely informative and positively engaging!!! The illustrations added character reinforced concepts being taught about Bushido!!! I'm inspired to now someday read the original novel that this graphic novel is based on. I will admit that this style of graphic novel will not resonate with everyone, but if you are interested in Japanese culture, this will be a must-read for you!!! I personally did not know much about Bushido before reading this novel, but afterward, I was full of a newfound knowledge and appreciation of this ideology/concept. Bushido is extremely diverse and complex, yet it is simple to grasp when broken down into its root components.

[Olivia P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting introduction to Bushido and the work of Inazo Nitobe. I do not recommend for children however aesthetically pleasing the cover and images presented are. The subject material was rather deep and would recommend it to an adult as topics covered might shock and scare an early reader. The history shared was mostly new to me and left me interested in reading more adaptations from the Sean Michael Wilson and Akiko Shimojima.

[Đenis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Viac má to nebavilo ako bavilo. Dočítal som to len pre to, pretože japonskú kultúru mám rád. Kresba je taká priemerná až nudná, množstvo informácií tak poskrovne. Celkom mi vadilo to neustále skákanie medzi myšlienkami a niektoré nič nehovoriace obrázky. Pár informácií si asi odnesiem, ale že by mi knižka nejako utkvela v pamäti, to asi nie.

[Jaroslav Urban · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick read and short inside in Bušido. I was bit interested due to fact I do aikido and I always found samuraj very unpleasantly superior to all people in movies. Perhaps the comics book helped me understand a bit of their real nature.

[K.D. Bissonette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great!

[The_J · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bushido - not quite religion (though it draws from these sources), not merely manners (though social graces can be key) - but certainly a way to control violence and structure dangerous interactions.

[Lorenzo]

good times

[Psychonaut · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Sierra · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

I requested this from Netgalley because I have a background in Japanese martial arts, specifically ninjitsu. Although that is not the martial art system that the Samurai practiced, I have always enjoyed learning. As a child, one of my favorite movies was Tom Cruise's The Last Samurai. I found their culture and the concept of honor fascinating, so I was excited to read this graphic novel.

Unfortunately, I just couldn't get myself into it. I think I would have preferred an unabridged version. Even though I enjoyed the artwork, and the original text was well-summarized, I think I found some chapters more interesting and informative than others. My favorite chapters had to do with the Samurai women, and the education of the children.

The most surprising takeaway, was how similar some of the Bushido philosophies are to the traditional Western beliefs. The author frequently mentions familiar Western names and relates their quotes to Japanese philosophy and it is eerily similar.

I would recommend it as a starter for those people out there interested in Bushido and the Samurai culture. However, if you'd like to learn more about Bushido itself, I would recommend going back to the original text.

[Michelle Carrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazingly portrayed. I think it did the story justice.

[Ihsan Mahesa]

karena saya suka dengan sejarah