Bushido

The exploration of samurai ethics and Japanese culture is central to this seminal work, initially aimed at Western readers. Written by Nitobe, it became the most widely distributed text on bushido, influencing notable figures like Theodore Roosevelt and H. G. Wells. While it gained popularity in the West during the early 20th century, its reception in Japan was mixed, with critiques from Japanese scholars. The book's portrayal of samurai values through a Western lens sparked debate, highlighting the contrasts between traditional bushido and Western chivalry.