Samurai: the term given to the Japanese warriors, are staunch followers of the Bushido Code. Now the Bushido Code didn't come to the picture until the early 1600's but nonetheless, the virtues are universal and have existed long before the "code" arrived. Samurai are also men of noble birth assigned to guard members of the Imperial Court. Women are not supposed to be on the battlefield, unless there is a war which requires their presence.

The Eight Virtues of the Bushido Code are: Justice, Courage, Benevolence, Politeness, Honesty, Loyalty, Honor, and Character.

Justice is the strongest virtue of Bushido. Justice to a samurai is the bone that gives firmness and stature. Without bones, the head cannot rest on top of the spine, nor hands move nor feet stand. Without Justice, neither talent nor learning can make the human frame into a samurai. ’

Courage in Bushido means worthy of being counted among virtues only if it's exercised in the cause of righteousness. Courage in definition to a samurai means to do what is right.

Benevolence branches out into love, magnanimity, affection for others, sympathy, and pity. These traits are the highest attributes of the human soul to a samurai. Thus it holds high importance in the Bushido Code.

Discerning the difference between obsequiousness and politeness can be difficult for casual visitors to Japan, but for a true man, courtesy is rooted in benevolence: Courtesy and good manners have been noticed by every foreign tourist as distinctive Japanese traits. But Politeness should be the expression of a benevolent regard for the feelings of others; it’s a poor virtue if it’s motivated only by a fear of offending good taste. In its highest form Politeness approaches love.

True samurai, according to author Nitobe, disdained money, believing that “men must grudge money, for riches hinder wisdom.” Thus children of