Vol. 8, Issue 1, Part B (2026)

This article analyzes how samurai values, especially the ones found in Bushido, have to a great extent influenced the modern-day Japanese society. Although Bushido has traditionally been viewed as the rightful ethical code of the samurai class, this paper puts forward its justification through the core principles of loyalty, duty, honor, and martyrdom that the samurai class internalized and passed down to their descendants. The investigation is based on an analysis of the samurai value system in the fields of newspapers, schools, and companies, which still holds that the society of the Japanese people is deeply integrated with these values. Even though Bushido has been negatively viewed in some cases, such as its gendered nature, militarism, and lack of hierarchy, this paper asserts that the moral principles of Bushido survive in some forms in the Japanese cultural identity, and they can be sources of guidance in the realms of leadership and governance. The research also displays the struggle between old and modern traditions in Japan, as well as people’s attitude towards some rigid elements of Bushido that started to be questioned due to the globalization of society and changing social norms. The central argument here is that the article provides evidence of the discussion on the balance of preserving samurai values and adapting to the changing world in a modernizing environment and suggests future research on Japan's international relations, where Bushido may still play a guiding role.