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The Soul of Japan

Ibaraki National College of Technology

1. Introduction
[A]
On March 11th 2011, a huge earthquake hit Japan. The Tohoku region suffered serious damages. Over 15,000 people died and about 4,000 people are still missing all over the northeast coast in Japan. We are from Ibaraki prefecture, the part of the disaster area.
Many buildings and houses in our prefecture also collapsed and incurred damages.
We pray for all the victims, that their souls may rest in peace.

[B]
Although we experienced this serious situation, we noticed how people bravely rescued and supported each other. We highly respect their courage and strength in enduring the difficult times. We feel they acted like Samurais in spirit. Our group wondered why so many people were so brave during such tough times? The answer that we came up with is that they have "BUSHIDO" spirit and mindset. "BUSHIDO" is the ethical code of the Samurai. In this presentation, we will explain what is "BUSHIDO", and then we will share our opinions about our hopes for the future.

2. Overview of BUSHIDO
[C]
The word "BUSHIDO" was spread worldwide by a book entitled "The Soul of Japan" written by Nitobe Inazo in Meiji era. So why did he write the book you may ask?

[B]
One day, Mr. Nitobe was asked the question, "How are morals taught in Japan?" by a Belgian professor, but he couldn't answer because he had never received any religious education. The professor being surprised by the silence, asked again, "How did you learn morals?". A few days later, Mr. Nitobe finally realized the answer. As Japanese morals are not taught per se, but rather they are based on "BUSHIDO" and so, he decided to write a book about it. In the book, he outlines seven virtues: rectitude, courage, compassion, respect, honesty, honor and loyalty. At first, [A] will give you an example to explain the first three virtues.

3. Example1
[A]
On March 11th, a record breaking tsunami, over 13 meters in height, devastated a small town named "Minami-Sanriku". A woman working for the disaster prevention department at the town hall in Minami-Sanriku was in charge of warning people that a huge tsunami was coming. After the earthquake happened, she immediately notified the public, "a huge tsunami is coming! Evacuate immediately!" The first tsunami wave hit the town at 3 o'clock in the afternoon, hitting the building the woman was in. At that time, she continued warning people, "Evacuate immediately!" over and over. She didn't stop doing her job and warning people because she really wanted to save the people. However several big waves hit the town, engulfing it and the woman's voice.

4. Explaining BUSHIDO using the example above
[C]
I believe the woman's behavior was similar to that of a Samurai; to always obey the "BUSHIDO" code. The first point in the code is "rectitude". It means the Samurai has to try and be a good person, morally doing the correct thing, so they must always consider what is right or wrong. The woman decided that warning the public was more important than running away and saving herself. It was very selfless and respectable.

[A]
Now I will talk about the second virtue in the code: courage. In "BUSHIDO" the word courage means to carry out the rectitude through to the end. The woman on the radio had very strong courage, such that she could keep saying, "Evacuate immediately!" even though she must have known and felt that her life was in danger also.

[B]
The third virtue in Bushido is the word "compassion". It means that we have to always care about someone else and we have to help someone who is in a serious situation. I think that although the woman felt very scared at that time, deep down, she knew more people would die if she stopped the warning. In Japan, we think "One for all, all for one" as an important thing in "BUSHIDO".

5. Conclusion
[A]
In conclusion, we feel the Samurai's high moral was the ultimate longing and goal of all citizens, making Japan a country consisting of people having very high morals. We think this Bushido spirit energized the people in Japan, especially through hardships, thereby pressing fast forward on the modernization of Japan in Meiji era.

[C]
Currently however, Japan is once again facing a complicated time. Most people feel anxious because they cannot see a bright future; a maze without a way out. We think it is time for us to change. We have to change, but many people feel they cannot take action, the reason being that most of us are losing our Bushido spirit.

[B]
Yes. If we lose the principles and drive towards Bushido, then, we will never be able to become warriors who open up to a new vista for the future. In other words, we will not be able to change this anxious world.

[C]
We agree the modern world and recovering from our current triple disaster is complicated, however, the answer to emerge from the confusing maze is simple. We must be ambitious like the Samurai.

[B]
So please, for a moment, we ask that each person should close their eyes and imagine the Samurai and all the brave people during the recent disasters....

(Pause)

What thoughts run through your mind about the way we should be? What do you think we should do from now on?

(Pause)

Thank you for meditating. Now please open your eyes.

(Pause)

Well, we will share our individual thoughts and resolutions with the members of the audience...
At first, please tell us, [A].

[A]
Sure. I've decided to be brave, according to BUSHIDO's second virtue of "courage". As a matter of fact, I'm always anxious when it comes to college assignments even though I know I can't run away from having to do them. Yet, I always seem to procrastinate, submitting them barely on time. So from now, I will put my fears and anxieties aside and be more proactive in getting things done ahead of time. How about you, [C]?

[C]
As for me, I foresee difficulties in the future. Working on this presentation was one such challenge because we had a very limited time, yet we kindly supported each other and aimed for the best via Bushido's concept of "One for all, all for one". Overall, I want to be kinder and braver.

[B]
To be honest, I am not confident that I could have acted like the lady we mentioned earlier under the same circumstances. However, I want to try and have a higher regard for those around me. I think this will make others feel good. I also think this will better the bonds and relationships between people. So, at first, I want to pay attention to other people's feeling and consider what things give them pleasure. How about "you"?
What will you do in your daily life? Thank you all very much for listening.