After the time of the samurai (roughly the mid 1850s), Japan went through many changes. However, the Way of the Warrior (Bushido) values could still be seen. During W.W.II, Japanese suicide pilots, known as kamikaze (divine winds), looked to the samurai and Bushido for their inspiration. During the 11th century when the Mongols were trying to invade Japan, a series of storms stopped their invasion. These were thought to be divine winds which were sent by the gods to save Japan.
Only one time in Japan's history have they been occupied from the outside with the defeat in World War II in 1945. On January 5th, 1945; Japanese government approved the use of warplanes to be flown into US-led Allied Forces' ships. These missions were known as Kamikaze Raids. Maimed Japanese warplanes would maneuver themselves so that they would crash not into the ocean but into the side of a US warship. These raids managed to damage 30 ships and killing 5000. Months later, the war was ended with the atomic bombings of Japanese cities Hiroshima and Nagasaki by the United States on August 6th and 9th, 1945.
The Japanese again believed that these pilots were sent to save Japan. Kamikaze pilots had no fear of death. Their loyalty to their country made them willing to die.
After W.W.II, the Japanese army was disbanded. A new type of warrior evolved: those who wanted modernization and industrialization. Huge companies called financial business conglomerates (zaibatsu) formed. They were more like families rather than companies. Loyalty for one's company and company name was great. Even today within these company workers have great respect for their bosses and for the heads of the companies. To be unjust or commit a misdeed would bring shame to their company and themselves. Today Japanese have a term, "Business is War." Bushido values can still be seen today in Japan.
The bushido-minded Japanese have the utmost respect and loyalty to their country, and they would not do anything to bring shame upon their family. Today the two most popular religions in Japan are Buddhism and Shintoism. Both were great influences on Bushido. Zen Buddhism which was also an origin of Bushido, is a doctrine followed by many today.
Today's image is of the Japanese flag with the sunburst which was the common flag during World War II.
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