https://www.scribd.com/document/235376227/Bushido-Creation-of-a-Martial-Spirit-in-Meiji-Japan
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Inventing the Way of the Samurai: Nationalism, Internationalism, and Bushido in Modern Japan (The Past and Present Book Series) Paperback – 1 June 2016
by Oleg Benesch (Author)
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 22 ratings
Part of: The Past and Present Book (22 books)
Inventing the Way of the Samurai examines the development of the 'way of the samurai' - bushido; - which is popularly viewed as a defining element of the Japanese national character and even the 'soul of Japan'. Rather than a continuation of ancient traditions, however, bushido; developed from a search for identity during Japan's modernization in the late nineteenth century. The former samurai class were widely viewed as a relic of a bygone age in the 1880s, and the first significant discussions of bushido at the end of the decade were strongly influenced by contemporary European ideals of gentlemen and chivalry. At the same time, Japanese thinkers increasingly looked to their own traditions in search of sources of national identity, and this process accelerated as national confidence grew with military victories over China and Russia.
Inventing the Way of the Samurai considers the people, events, and writings that drove the rapid growth of bushido, which came to emphasize martial virtues and absolute loyalty to the emperor. In the early twentieth century, bushido; became a core subject in civilian and military education, and was a key ideological pillar supporting the imperial state until its collapse in 1945. The close identification of bushido; with Japanese militarism meant that it was rejected immediately after the war, but different interpretations of bushido; were soon revived by both Japanese and foreign commentators seeking to explain Japan's past, present, and future. This volume further explores the factors behind the resurgence of bushido, which has proven resilient through 130 years of dramatic social, political, and cultural change.
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Oleg BeneschOleg Benesch
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Inventing the Way of the Samurai: Nationalism, Internationalism, and Bushido in Modern Japan (The Past and Present Book Series) Paperback – 1 June 2016
by Oleg Benesch (Author)
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 22 ratings
Part of: The Past and Present Book (22 books)
Inventing the Way of the Samurai examines the development of the 'way of the samurai' - bushido; - which is popularly viewed as a defining element of the Japanese national character and even the 'soul of Japan'. Rather than a continuation of ancient traditions, however, bushido; developed from a search for identity during Japan's modernization in the late nineteenth century. The former samurai class were widely viewed as a relic of a bygone age in the 1880s, and the first significant discussions of bushido at the end of the decade were strongly influenced by contemporary European ideals of gentlemen and chivalry. At the same time, Japanese thinkers increasingly looked to their own traditions in search of sources of national identity, and this process accelerated as national confidence grew with military victories over China and Russia.
Inventing the Way of the Samurai considers the people, events, and writings that drove the rapid growth of bushido, which came to emphasize martial virtues and absolute loyalty to the emperor. In the early twentieth century, bushido; became a core subject in civilian and military education, and was a key ideological pillar supporting the imperial state until its collapse in 1945. The close identification of bushido; with Japanese militarism meant that it was rejected immediately after the war, but different interpretations of bushido; were soon revived by both Japanese and foreign commentators seeking to explain Japan's past, present, and future. This volume further explores the factors behind the resurgence of bushido, which has proven resilient through 130 years of dramatic social, political, and cultural change.
Oxford University Press
Publication date
1 June 2016
Part of series
===
Product description
Review
In conclusion, I'd say Benesch's book is not only a classical work in Japanese history, but also one I would heartily recommend to anyone interested inthe history of Japanese philosophy. ― Thomas P. Kasulis, European Journal of Japanese Philosophy
This monograph is first rate, even if I was left wanting more. I suppose that is generally the case with fine books. ― Jeffrey K. Mann, Classical Martial Arts
Benesch's history of bushidō as an invented tradition with an ideological character delivers on the title's promise. Students of intellectual history will appreciate the example of an idea created, branded as tradition, and then variously applied by multiple ideological positions. Modernists will benefit from Benesch's explanation of the Imperialist appropriation of bushidō as a tool for militarization of the population through World War II. And Japan specialists are finally armed with a full argument against bushidō's historicity. ― Nathan H. Ledbetter, Journal of Military History
Benesch provides a comprehensive overhaul of the history of the development of bushidō. He demonstrates great expertise in presenting the various texts and their roles in the discourse ... this book is a highly gripping read and provides a well-informed contribution to the historical development and powerful influence of invented traditions. ― Julian Plenefisch, H-Soz-u-Kult [translation]
Benesch has provided us with a valuable history of modern Japan through the lens of a particularly resilient ideology. It will be of great interest to students of Japanese history, not to mention to anyone concerned with the intellectual history of invented modern traditions. ― Constantine N. Vaporis, American Historical Review
Oleg Benesch's Inventing the way of the Samurai is a seminal, scrupulously researched work that teems with ideas. Its content is profoundly relevant to current political developments in Japan, as questions about the Constitution and the nation's identity come to the fore ... an essential guide to this crucial aspect of Japan's intellectual history. ― Damian Flanagan, The Japan Times
Inventing the Way of the Samurai is an excellent book. ― Stephen Turnbull, Japan Review
This is a solid, well-written, and immensely informative piece of scholarship ... Benesch's chronicle of the ebbs and flows of the bushidō discourse makes for fascinating reading ― James Mark Shields, Journal of Japanese Studies
Review
`Review from previous edition Benesch's history of bushid=o as an invented tradition with an ideological character delivers on the title's promise. Students of intellectual history will appreciate the example of an idea created, branded as tradition, and then variously applied by multiple ideological positions. Modernists will benefit from Benesch's explanation of the Imperialist appropriation of bushid=o as a tool for militarization of the population through World War II. And Japan specialists are finally armed with a full argument against bushid=o's historicity.' Nathan H. Ledbetter, Journal of Military History `Benesch provides a comprehensive overhaul of the history of the development of bushid=o. He demonstrates great expertise in presenting the various texts and their roles in the discourse ... this book is a highly gripping read and provides a well-informed contribution to the historical development and powerful influence of invented traditions.' Julian Plenefisch, H-Soz-u-Kult [translation] `Benesch has provided us with a valuable history of modern Japan through the lens of a particularly resilient ideology. It will be of great interest to students of Japanese history, not to mention to anyone concerned with the intellectual history of invented modern traditions.' Constantine N. Vaporis, American Historical Review
Read more
Product details
Publisher : Oxford University Press (1 June 2016)
Language : English
Paperback : 294 pages
ISBN-10 : 0198754256
ISBN-13 : 978-0198754251
Dimensions : 23.11 x 1.78 x 15.49 cmBest Sellers Rank: 300,584 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)249 in Asian History Textbooks
965 in History of JapanCustomer Reviews:
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 22 ratings
About the author
Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
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Oleg Benesch
Oleg Benesch is Professor of East Asian History at the University of York. For more information about Oleg and his research, please see www.olegbenesch.com
=======
Top reviews
Top reviews from Australia
There are 0 reviews and 1 rating from Australia
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A reviewer from London
3.0 out of 5 stars Hard slogReviewed in the United Kingdom on 4 October 2015
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As others have written it is an extremely detailed book on how the idea of bushido was essential created from the meiji restoration onwards and the different players, their objectives and views and how this changed over time.
One point that is interesting is that Inazo Nitobe's Bushido was ot a significant factor in this, as it was written in English while he was in the USA, and was heavily criticised in Japan as inaccurate, and it took 10 years to translate into Japanese.
One major theme is that people went from discussing the authenticity of bushido to accepting it without discussion and discussing what it meant.
However, in my opinion the book is badly written.
It wanders around all over the place, and it is not very clear what impact/contribution the individuals had on the final view of bushido, and I found it to a hard slog.
The Kindle version is in fact a pdf rather than a true E book and is difficult to read.
Read less
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Tinchley21
5.0 out of 5 stars A masterpiece of academic scholarship.Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 23 May 2015
Verified Purchase
A phenomenal book not only as a comprehensive overview of all scholarship pertaining to the subject of bushido, but also covers much of the recent academic scholarship on the military culture of the Imperial Japanese army. Highly recommended for those interested in the subject.
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Five StarsReviewed in the United Kingdom on 30 July 2016
Verified Purchase
Item in very good condition, fast delivery and exactly as described, thank you very much!
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Publication date
1 June 2016
Part of series
===
Product description
Review
In conclusion, I'd say Benesch's book is not only a classical work in Japanese history, but also one I would heartily recommend to anyone interested inthe history of Japanese philosophy. ― Thomas P. Kasulis, European Journal of Japanese Philosophy
This monograph is first rate, even if I was left wanting more. I suppose that is generally the case with fine books. ― Jeffrey K. Mann, Classical Martial Arts
Benesch's history of bushidō as an invented tradition with an ideological character delivers on the title's promise. Students of intellectual history will appreciate the example of an idea created, branded as tradition, and then variously applied by multiple ideological positions. Modernists will benefit from Benesch's explanation of the Imperialist appropriation of bushidō as a tool for militarization of the population through World War II. And Japan specialists are finally armed with a full argument against bushidō's historicity. ― Nathan H. Ledbetter, Journal of Military History
Benesch provides a comprehensive overhaul of the history of the development of bushidō. He demonstrates great expertise in presenting the various texts and their roles in the discourse ... this book is a highly gripping read and provides a well-informed contribution to the historical development and powerful influence of invented traditions. ― Julian Plenefisch, H-Soz-u-Kult [translation]
Benesch has provided us with a valuable history of modern Japan through the lens of a particularly resilient ideology. It will be of great interest to students of Japanese history, not to mention to anyone concerned with the intellectual history of invented modern traditions. ― Constantine N. Vaporis, American Historical Review
Oleg Benesch's Inventing the way of the Samurai is a seminal, scrupulously researched work that teems with ideas. Its content is profoundly relevant to current political developments in Japan, as questions about the Constitution and the nation's identity come to the fore ... an essential guide to this crucial aspect of Japan's intellectual history. ― Damian Flanagan, The Japan Times
Inventing the Way of the Samurai is an excellent book. ― Stephen Turnbull, Japan Review
This is a solid, well-written, and immensely informative piece of scholarship ... Benesch's chronicle of the ebbs and flows of the bushidō discourse makes for fascinating reading ― James Mark Shields, Journal of Japanese Studies
Review
`Review from previous edition Benesch's history of bushid=o as an invented tradition with an ideological character delivers on the title's promise. Students of intellectual history will appreciate the example of an idea created, branded as tradition, and then variously applied by multiple ideological positions. Modernists will benefit from Benesch's explanation of the Imperialist appropriation of bushid=o as a tool for militarization of the population through World War II. And Japan specialists are finally armed with a full argument against bushid=o's historicity.' Nathan H. Ledbetter, Journal of Military History `Benesch provides a comprehensive overhaul of the history of the development of bushid=o. He demonstrates great expertise in presenting the various texts and their roles in the discourse ... this book is a highly gripping read and provides a well-informed contribution to the historical development and powerful influence of invented traditions.' Julian Plenefisch, H-Soz-u-Kult [translation] `Benesch has provided us with a valuable history of modern Japan through the lens of a particularly resilient ideology. It will be of great interest to students of Japanese history, not to mention to anyone concerned with the intellectual history of invented modern traditions.' Constantine N. Vaporis, American Historical Review
Read more
Product details
Publisher : Oxford University Press (1 June 2016)
Language : English
Paperback : 294 pages
ISBN-10 : 0198754256
ISBN-13 : 978-0198754251
Dimensions : 23.11 x 1.78 x 15.49 cmBest Sellers Rank: 300,584 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)249 in Asian History Textbooks
965 in History of JapanCustomer Reviews:
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 22 ratings
About the author
Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Follow
Oleg Benesch
Oleg Benesch is Professor of East Asian History at the University of York. For more information about Oleg and his research, please see www.olegbenesch.com
=======
Top reviews
Top reviews from Australia
There are 0 reviews and 1 rating from Australia
Top reviews from other countries
A reviewer from London
3.0 out of 5 stars Hard slogReviewed in the United Kingdom on 4 October 2015
Verified Purchase
As others have written it is an extremely detailed book on how the idea of bushido was essential created from the meiji restoration onwards and the different players, their objectives and views and how this changed over time.
One point that is interesting is that Inazo Nitobe's Bushido was ot a significant factor in this, as it was written in English while he was in the USA, and was heavily criticised in Japan as inaccurate, and it took 10 years to translate into Japanese.
One major theme is that people went from discussing the authenticity of bushido to accepting it without discussion and discussing what it meant.
However, in my opinion the book is badly written.
It wanders around all over the place, and it is not very clear what impact/contribution the individuals had on the final view of bushido, and I found it to a hard slog.
The Kindle version is in fact a pdf rather than a true E book and is difficult to read.
Read less
Report
Tinchley21
5.0 out of 5 stars A masterpiece of academic scholarship.Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 23 May 2015
Verified Purchase
A phenomenal book not only as a comprehensive overview of all scholarship pertaining to the subject of bushido, but also covers much of the recent academic scholarship on the military culture of the Imperial Japanese army. Highly recommended for those interested in the subject.
Report
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Five StarsReviewed in the United Kingdom on 30 July 2016
Verified Purchase
Item in very good condition, fast delivery and exactly as described, thank you very much!
Report
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===
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Emmanuel Gustin
325 reviews
18 followers
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September 5, 2021
I once had a business dinner with two Japanese scientists and engineers, who were rather strongly convinced that if I ever visited Japan, all I would want to see are the castles of the Samurai, because the samurai, their battles and castles entirely define the image of Japan for the outside world. I did not protest too much (after all I really would like to see some of the castles, even knowing that many of them had to be rebuilt in later times) but it struck me as a view that took my ignorance of all the rest of Japanese history for granted.
Benesch's book sort of explores this narrow perspective of Japanese history, both for insiders and outsiders, that develops when it seen only through the lens of bushido. That ideological concept was supremely malleable, but mostly it was firmly anchored in an idealisation of the bushi or warriors of earlier times, one of which the historicity could be defended (at best) only by a highly selective reading of the sources. Usually this resulted in a mental framework that would have been alien to most of the real fighting men of the past, whose first priority was plain survival, just as later European notions of chivalry would have baffled the medieval knight. A parallel that is by no means a coincidence, because Benesch points out that formalised 19th century philosophical ideas of bushido were established in large part as a national answer to Victorian concepts of chivalry.
(A striking characteristic of bushido as the ambitious defining story for a nation is that it was centred on a state of mind. Most nations have had writers that helped to define national identity by writing a national story; but far more often than not, these stories are hooked to events or to persons: Battles, kings, resistance leaders, revolutions. It was perhaps because in Japan the past was so bound up in controversy, that its intellectuals embraced a specific attitude to life and death as national anchoring point.)
Benesch traces the development of the idea through modern Japanese history, from the Meiji period, when it was first given the status of a national ideology, through Taisho and the WWII Showa period. He shows how bushido evolved from a complex spectrum of attempts to define and defend the uniqueness of Japanese culture in a period that saw pervasive outside influence, into a homogenous radicalising wartime ideology that underpinned the legitimacy of an increasingly aggressive regime. He uses the description "Imperial Bushido" for the latter, an ideology that was seen by propagandists in the Japanese military and society, but also among their enemies, as a deeply ingrained motivating factor. As Benesch highlights, this was a real factor, as it was systematically pushed as a part of both civilian education and military training, but nevertheless it should not be taken for granted without limit or criticism, as many Japanese were capable of distancing themselves from the official ideology. The author appears to have studied his sources very thoroughly, in relation to each other. Among the many different strands, it is easy to get lost among the names. But the pattern that emerges is that a few influential ideologists, such as Inoue Tetsujiro, played a large role in defining and promulgating an exclusionary nationalistic version of the ideology, which in the 1930s managed to displace other interpretations, often by threat of violence, and otherwise by a widespread campaign of indoctrination.
Perhaps a weakness of Benesch's study is that it seems exclusively rooted in literary and philosophical sources, many of them rather high-brow. It would be interesting to have more detailed on the expressions of ideology in material culture (such as the re-introduction in the 1930s in the army of swords modelled on ancient Kamakura-era patterns instead of the French patterns adopted during the Meiji period) and in popular culture. It is true that Benesch goes some way in discussing the role of bushido ideology in theatre, books and movies created for a wide audience; but his perspective is still largely that of the author (or authority) rather than that of the consumer. It would be enlightening to know what the ordinary Japanese made of the official story.
The three large axis powers of WWII are often simply defined as "fascist". That is true by definition of Mussolini's Italy, and by easy extension also of Germany. But the concept of national polity (kokutai) and the ideology of imperial bushido as they developed in Japan, while certainly not free from influence from far-right European thinking, had important unique characteristics. I think this books really helps a lot to understand them better and add important nuance to a discourse on Japanese history, that has too often been extremely simplistic. That does not at all mean that it makes the Japan of the 1930s and 1940s look better, rather the contrary, but it does look certainly look a bit different from what you might have assumed.
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Frederick
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16 books
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March 8, 2019
A very thorough and scholarly take on how the Japanese hierarchy created the concept of bushido and the myth of the samurai in the late 1800s this book is a must-read for students of Japanese history and World War Two like myself. It really draws together the reasons behind the propaganda that so negatively impacted the Japanese people from the 1920s on and helped determine their self-defeating behavior in World War Two. The Japanese are a great people and worthy of admiration for many reasons but this book shows in detail how they were, like everyone else, impacted by pure myth and nationalistic fantasy in their early twentieth century actions.
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Jakob
33 reviews
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August 11, 2020
This was truly a great book for understanding Japan's modern state ideology of Bushido, which still lingers today despite its role in World War II.
It is presented chronologically, from its inception during the Meiji period until today.
It is strange that this isn't taught when studying Japanese studies since it has had such a great impact on Japanese history.
I feel that I gained much needed knowledge of Japan through this account of Japanese national ideological development.
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Matthew
25 reviews
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July 12, 2017
The concept of "bushido" and the samurai as it has been transmitted into the modern era is largely a construct of Imperial Japanese Military propaganda. This book does an incredible job of laying out the progression and growth of this concept as it has evolved and changed throughout the modern era and is highly recommended for anyone with an interest in Japanese history or the martial arts.
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