1. BUSHIDO THE CODE OF THE SAMURAI

2. THE CODE  The Japanese word Bushido comes from the terms bushi, which means “warrior” and do, which means “way”.  This was the name given to the code in the 1600’s during the Tokugawa period.  Bushido is based on seven key principals. What seven principles do you think they are?

3. GG i: Rectitude (character) YY u: Courage JJ in: Benevolence RR ei: Respect MM akato: Honesty MM eiyo: Honor CC hugi: Loyalty Which one of these do you feel is the most important quality to have? Why?

4. THE 47 RONIN (A story of Bushido)  Key terms: – Bushido: Japanese warrior code – Ronin: Samurai without a master – Samurai: Soldier that serves his daimyo (Samurai means to serve) – Seppuku: Ritual suicide An account of the 47 Samurai can be found at http://www.samurai-archives.com/ronin.html

5.  Describe how honor was more important than death to the samurai.  What problems did the samurai of Lord Asano have after Lord Asano (their master) was executed? Why was a Ronin like a lost person?  What did the Ronin do with the head of Lord Kira? Did that seem odd to you?  After the Ronin completed their mission, what was their fate?