History and Culture are rich in episodes that teach a lot about life and the human being. In the past, we can harvest many lessons that help build our present and future. For example, in the Asian continent, more specifically in Japan, we find samurai’s birthplace. To know their history is more than to follow an epic adventure which has lasted over centuries. The samurai left indelible marks on the Japanese spirit, presenting a meaningful influence on its emblematic national history. Their behaviour code contributed for Japan to be a reference in Ethics and Discipline. For this reason, there is much to be brought up to date from this past and to a company like B16.
What can be acquired from the codex of the samurai?
Free translating, the word “samurai” means something like “the one who serves”. This term refers to a warrior’s class that arose in feudal Japan, during the Kamakura Period (1185-1333).
Their rise had great prominence in this delicate historical context, once it was through their code of honour that stability was achieved during political and social turmoil. This elite warrior class defended a code of honour based on the Bushido (武士道) concept, which means “warrior’s path”. The behaviour and life code guided the samurai warriors, that committed to live and die with honour, respecting until the end the following values:
● Gi (義?) = Justice and Morality;
● Yuu (勇?) = Courage;
● Jin (仁?) = Compassion and benevolence;
● Rei (礼?) = Politeness and kindness;
● Makoto (誠?) = Sincerity:
● Meiyo (誉?) = Honour and Glory;
● Chuu (忠?) = Loyalty.
● Jisei (自制) = Self-control.
These are the values that guide B16’s actions, though with an interpretation adjusted to our reality. Thus, for us, Bushido is understood as follows:
● Chu = Loyalty;
● Gi = Dedication;
● Rei = Resilience;
● Jin = Empathy;
● Meiyo = Ambition;
● Makoto = Respect;
● Yuu = Courage.
Adherence to Bushido is in the genesis of samurai’s success and Japan’s. Samurai warriors followed eagerly this code and its values of honour, discipline, and loyalty, thus building a moral and ethical structure which carried out many ambitious projects.
How and why did the samurai come to be?
The samurai arose in feudal Japan and their development was slow. Through the nation’s History, there were diverse relevant episodes related to these warriors. Samurai dominated the Japanese society over seven centuries, since conquering power in the 12 th century until founding Shogunato Kamakura, in 1868. During this period, various events contributed to samurai leaving a valuable legacy to humanity.
Samurai’s original warriors already existed during the Heian Period (794-1185) and were the armed supporters of the rich landowners. Many of the warriors had left the imperial court to seek fortune after being excluded from power by the Fujiwara clan.
Over time, some of these families increased so much their possessions that started to fight for control of the entire country. Royal political power in Japan changed after the 12th century, moving from the emperor and nobles in Kyoto to the heads of the clans in the large estates in the countryside. From their genesis, samurai showed toughness. Facing adversity (exclusion from the Fujiwara clan), they react with resilience, aiming development and ascension until assuming themselves as the great proprietaries.
Is there a better lesson then this to bring into our personal life and our company’s?!
What is the impact of the Genpei War on samurai’s affirmation?
In 1180, a war broke out opposing two clans of great importance. The Genpei War (1180-1185) consisted of these clans’ opposition (Taira and Minamoto) which fought for Japan’s control. This battle was important due to Minamoto clan’s victory, which led to Taira clan’s fall and the ascension of samurai to political and military command in Japan. The final battle took place near Dan-no-ura village. Minamoto led the clan in Yoshitsune, thus staying in Japanese history as one of the most famous samurai generals.
Legend has it that his sword mastery was such that he could cut a leaf in half as it falls from a tree with a single blow!
More or less mythic, as it always happens with stories from heroic figures, what matters
to take away from this episode is that each of us must, like Minamoto no Yoshitsune, try to go down in history. At least stay in the history of people we meet throughout our lives, whether for our values or our professional skills, regardless of our area of expertise.
Just like Minamoto no Yoshitsune, always try to be better. Overcome yourself. Never stop wanting to grow. Be brave, loyal to your principles and never giving up are just some of the lessons that the samurai left us and that we, as B16, try to put into practice every day.
