The Japanese Code of Honour - Bushido
The code of honour was and still is so strong and prominent in the lives of the Japanese that in the case of being captured by enemy forces would lead them to commit suicide.
You wonder why the Japanese treated the prisoners the way they were? It was all because of the way they were raised, by Bushido (or Way of the Warrior) believing that surrender was a dishonor not only to their country but to their families. Going by this belief, the Japanese thought that the Australians, having surrendered to the Japanese, was disrespectful to Australia and were appalled that the prisoners did nothing to escape the guilt of ''dishonor to country and family'' by escaping or committing suicide, even though escape was futile in the POW camps run by the Japanese.
The Bushido code of honour is typified by seven virtues:
These seven virtues are often reflected in Englands concept of the Age of Chivalry, these seven virtues have the same meaning that the English Knights followed during the Crusade Wars.
You wonder why the Japanese treated the prisoners the way they were? It was all because of the way they were raised, by Bushido (or Way of the Warrior) believing that surrender was a dishonor not only to their country but to their families. Going by this belief, the Japanese thought that the Australians, having surrendered to the Japanese, was disrespectful to Australia and were appalled that the prisoners did nothing to escape the guilt of ''dishonor to country and family'' by escaping or committing suicide, even though escape was futile in the POW camps run by the Japanese.
The Bushido code of honour is typified by seven virtues:
- rectitued
- courage
- benevolence
- respect
- honesty
- honour
- loyalty
These seven virtues are often reflected in Englands concept of the Age of Chivalry, these seven virtues have the same meaning that the English Knights followed during the Crusade Wars.