BUSHIDO

New Zealand Listener, Volume 6, Issue 133, 9 January 1942, Page 4

BUSHIDO

Sir-The writer of the article "What Price Bushido Now?" has fallen intod an error common among Englishmen who draw ‘analogies between "bushido" and English ideas of chivalry. "Bushido" does not mean "code of gentlemanly behaviour" even in Japanese, still. less in an English sense. It means literally "the war or road of the warrior caste." In her treacherous attacks on ‘December 7, Japan has not only not forgotten her ancient code, but has acted precisely in accordance with it. Such deeds as the attack on Pearl Harbour will be extolled throughout Japan as true to the highest traditions of the Samurai just as was the slaughter of politicians by armed bands of soldiery during the last 10 years. "Bushido" implies, it is true, absolute loyalty to the death to one’s own lord and fellow-retainers, but this is coupled with absolute treachery and slaughter for others. The "bushi" it is also true, scorned wealth for its own sake. When he had money, he squandered it in unbridled debauchery. When he wanted more, he got it by murder-robbery with violence. Ever since Yoritomo Minamoto instituted camp government in the 11th century, "bushido" has involved Japan in a welter of internecine slaughter. Yoritomo’s father was killed in his bath by samurai of a retainer with whom he had taken refuge after defeat. They surrounded the room_and thrust their spears through the paper walls into the body of the naked guest. This was "bushido." Yoritomo himself escaped, and lived to slaughter the opposing clan to the last baby. He then treacherously slew Yoshinaka, his brilliant cousin, and Yoshitsune, his still more brilliant brother, who had won his victories for him. Similar instances could be multiplied indefinitely right up to the slaughter of Inukai and other Cabinet Ministers in this 20th century, and it was all done by exponents of "bushido." The illustration of the horse-drawn "Sori" or sledge at the top of the article is also misleading. As one who has thankfully ridden miles over the snowy roads in country districts in winter, I assure you they are no more to be taken as evidence of backwardness than are the sledges the New Zealand sheep farmer uses to haul fertiliser, for instance, across his hilly paddocks. It is no more evidence of backwardness than when the Canadian farmer takes the wheels off his box waggon and substitutes runners to haul his wheat to the elevator in winter. It is actually, the most suitable and effective Chetan AR tretetet: fren the: cegittitone

ALEXANDER

ASHTON

(Hataitai).

(The New Zealand farmer.uses a sledge to haul goods where there are no roads. If he hauls his family to'church by the same method, the roads are primitive or he is.-Ed.).