The term "bushido" is a combination of the Japanese characters "bu" (martial arts), "shi" (warrior), and "do" (way). It represents a Japanese warrior code that is loosely analogous to the European concept of chivalry. Originating from the moral standards of the samurai warrior class, it stresses mastery of the martial arts, unfailing loyalty, and honor unto death.

References to some form of the code can be found in Japan's earliest literature, but efforts to formulate an official version come mostly from the 17th century when feudal Japan, unified under the rule of the shogun Tokugawa, enjoyed a prolonged period of peace. During this peace, the members of the samurai warrior class began to commit their bushido code to paper, as they also began to rethink their role in civil society. It was in fact during this period that the term "bushido" came into common use.

Writings about bushido often attempted to define the characteristics of an ideal samurai. By most accounts, the essential functions of a samurai were to both excel in honorable combat and exemplify virtue to the lower classes. In everyday etiquette as well as in war, the samurai were expected to value sincerity, self-control, and honor even above their own lives. A samurai had to be ready to fight as his master required, but a samurai was not to use his skill frivolously. Opportunities for an honorable victory were not to be squandered, and it was not in accordance with bushido for a samurai to take a life or lose his own in a street brawl.

There are seven essential principles that are generally thought to characterize the practice of bushido.

1. Gi: Righteousness, truthfulness.
2. Yuu: Bravery, heroism.
3. Jin: Benevolence, compassion.
4. Rei: Right action, courtesy.
5. Makoto: Sincerity, honesty.
6. Meiyo: Honor, glory.
7. Chuugi: Devotion, loyalty.

As Japan modernized and moved out of its feudal era, the samurai class fell into disfavor and was finally legally abolished in 1871. Even though the samurai disappeared, the interest in bushido was soon rekindled when Japan began to develop into a major world military power as it entered its imperial era.
Even in the feudal era, the bushido code always demanded that a warrior be versed in many aspects of the culture, especially the arts and literature (the warrior-poet ideal). So when the Japanese renounced militarism following their defeat in World War ii, these ideals flowed seamlessly into other cultural channels. Despite this new official policy of non-aggression and the changing face of modern warfare, the classical martial arts schools of ancient weapon and empty-hand techniques were preserved as well, as they have always been considered important cultural institutions, where practitioners can develop discipline and focus that transfer easily to many other aspects of modern life. These values are still inspired by the ideals of the samurai, and modern martial arts are still considered the keepers of the bushido code.