Evening star., 1937-10-03
''The Samurai Way"

Shanghai, Canton and Hankow are q
disappointment and a disillusionment.
Hardly any citizen of this country who
has ever had contact with Japan failed
to come away without the impression of
race and nation conspicuous for cour-
tesy, gentleness. politeness, generosity,
hospitality, consideration and other gra-
cious human qualities Together with
these traits are of course, combined in
striking degree the virtues of patriotism
and militant national pride.
1t is just because the Western concep-
ton of japanese character ascribes to it
all these splendid attributes that the
bombing attacks on helpless Chinese
communities has evoked astonishment
and shock. To Japan's worldwide legion
of friends such atrocities simply do not
make sense. They are incredibly and
completely at odds with everything they
have believed of her and want to be-
lieve There must be an explanation.
The veil of mystery is considerably
lifted by clearer understanding of
"Bushido," the famed national spirit of
Japan especially the military spirit, as
bequeathed by the ancient Samurai class.
What is not generally understood by the
outside world is that the "Bushido" ira
dition, which permeates the armed forces,
or at least their high command, is not
fnI 1,xr{ IN ND NJ
japanese people. Nor does that shib-
boleth of feudal knightlineSs, contrary to
Occidental belief, embrace chivalry as it
is understood in the West. "Bushido"
connotes invincible love of country, lion
hearted courage in the face of the enemy
and unhesitating self-Sacriflce for the
Emperor, but it does not call for compass
sion toward women, children or innocent
non- -combatants or anything savoring of
mercy in war. That is not "the Samu-
raj way
Fortunately it is not necessary for
Westerners to make such deductions and
analysis. There is indisputable japanese
authority for them. 1t is found in book
published in this country few years ago
by two distinguished scholars, T. Iyen-
aga and Kenoske Sato, entitled, Japan
and the California Problem" In chap
ter dealing with japanese Traits and
Philosophy of Life" these passages occur:
Discussion of national traits would be
very incomplete if we omitted one out
standing idiosyncrasy so peculiar to the
Japanese that there is no adequate word
to designate it in other languages. The
japanese express it by such words as
kikotsu, otokodate and gikyoshin. the
nearest English equivalents for which
would be heroism and chivalry. It is a
mixed sentiment Of rebellion against
bully power, sympathy for the helpless
and willingness to sacrifice self for the
sake of those who have done kind acts.
This admirable sentiment must be strict
ly distinguished from the spirit of Bush
lido, because it has arisen among the
plebians in place of Bushido, which was
the way of the Samurai or aristocrats, al
ars claim, the source of inspiration for
the growth of proletarian chivalry.
Bushido has found an able propounder in
DR.. Nitobe. Under the Tokugawa re-
gime the Samurai was the flower and
the rest were nothing. The Samurai often
abused their privilege and oppressed the
common people not little, disregarding
their rights and personality. Then a
class of plebians appeared who called
themselves men of men, and who made
it their profession to defy the bullying
Samurai and defend the oppressed 1t
was the virtue of this class always to
help the weak and crush the strong,
and to be ready to lay down their lives at
any moment.
Thus originating in defiance of des-
potism, the spirit Of proletarian chivalry
permeated the lower classes and to this
day forms the bulwark of the rights and
freedom of the common people. Refined
and enriched by the embodiment in 1t Of
enlightened knowledge and ideals, the
sentiment came to be on one side q
keen appreciation of kindness and SYM
pathy, and on the other a strong hatred
of oppression and injustice. The present
proletarian movement in Japan, move
ment destined presently to become a
mighty social force, owes its source and
guidance to the ways of the common
people.
IF Dr. Nitobe is right in predicting
that Bushido, the way Of the Samurai,'
will eventually enjoy the glory of bless
ing mankind with the perfume with
which it will enrich life,' we may reason
ably hope that proletarian chivalry will
succeed In bringing about general free
dom and democracy in Nippon, in def
ance Of military and imperialistic domi-
nation"
Well-wishers Of Japan will hope and
pray that before the island empires good
name Is completely destroyed, "the spirit
Of proletarian chivalry," which Drs. Iyen-
aga and Sato so succinctly delineate, will
prevail over Bushido bully power"
Fighting the Doctor.
A little Washington girl recently fell
aYad hy,rf har arve rr1.> H.; ;,,.,, .>.s