īushido proper developed between the 16th and 20th centuries, but this was debated by pundits who believed they were building on a legacy dating back to the 10th century.

The idea of a samurai code or codes was developed and refined centuries before the Edo period in the Kamukura period. Ideas of the samurai code formalized earlier samurai moral values and ethical code, most commonly stressing a combination of sincerity, frugality, loyalty, martial arts mastery and honour until death. It is loosely analogous to the European concept of chivalry, but there are major differences. Bushido is also used as an overarching term for all the codes, practices, philosophies and principles of samurai culture. Contemporary forms of bushido are still used in the social and economic organization of Japan. There are multiple types of bushido which evolved significantly through history.

Hand-colored photograph by Felice Beatoīushidō ( 武士道, 'the way of the warrior') is a moral code concerning samurai attitudes, behavior and lifestyle, formalized in the Edo period (1603–1868).

Bushido ways