Inventing the Way of the Samurai - Nationalism, Internationalism, and Bushido in Modern Japan (Past and Present)
Oleg Benesch
Not StartedUnratedNon-FictionAdded June 21, 2026
The book examines how the samurai ethos of Bushido was reshaped in modern Japan, tracing its evolution from a traditional warrior code to a tool of nationalist propaganda and international discourse. It analyzes the interplay between Japan’s imperial ambitions, the rise of nationalist movements, and the adaptation of samurai ideals to justify both domestic reforms and overseas expansion, highlighting the lasting impact of these reinterpretations on contemporary Japanese identity.