The Courage of a Samurai: Seven Sword-Sharp Principles for Success - Softcover

Whaley, Lori Tsugawa

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1938686829 ISBN 13: 9781938686825

Publisher: Aviva Publishing, 2016

Synopsis

The Courage of a Samurai is a Japanese American's journey into bushido, the samurai's code of ethics. Each chapter features a timeless message about Japanese and Japanese Americans who applied the principles of courage, integrity, benevolence, respect, honesty, honor, and loyalty to overcome life's challenges, and emerge stronger individuals.  The Courage of a Samurai provides the reader a look ‘inside’ this ancient code through the lives of inspiring individuals.

Why did Chiune Sugihara, aka the Japanese Schindler, save the lives of Polish and Lithuanian Jews during World War II against the orders of the Japanese and Lithuanian governments? Understand the meaning of Honor in Saigo Takamori’s, aka The Last Samurai, determination to preserve the samurai’s way of life.  Learn why “Go for Broke!” was the motto of the famous World War II all-Nisei 100th/442nd RCT, and discover why this simple motto reflects the essence of the way of the warrior.

The Code of Bushido can guide us through the challenges we all face, and inspire us to live a life of honor, courage, and integrity in today’s fast-paced and changing world. Sharpen your sword, and let the journey begin!

About this title

About the Author

Lori Tsugawa Whaley is an author, inspirational speaker, and a descendant of the samurai warrior. She graduated with Honors from Portland State University. Whaley, a Baby Boomer, struggled with being 'different', and channeled her energies into understanding, and embracing her Japanese heritage. This journey forged a compassion to empower others to reach their God-given potential, and the driving force for her book, "The Courage of a Samurai: Seven Sword-Sharp Principles for Success."

Review

KIRKUS REVIEWA combination moral guidebook and Japanese history resource illustrates the code of samurai warriors, explaining its importance and how it can be incorporated into everyday life.

Third-generation Japanese-American Whaley shares elements of her heritage with the aim of enlightening and inspiring readers to adopt some samurai practices. The debut book highlights the historical significance of the Bushido code among Japanese warriors and, consequently, its effect on Japanese society as a whole. The Bushido code emphasizes the following principles: courage, integrity, benevolence, respect, honesty, honor, loyalty, and ganbaru (a Japanese word meaning "to persist"). The book is separated into eight chapters: one dedicated to each concept. Each chapter begins with a thorough description of what the principle meant to Japanese warriors, what it conveys today, and how it can be successfully applied to everyday life. This is followed by stories of Japanese or Japanese-American figures who embodied the principle discussed in that chapter ("Integrity" features the Asian-American politician Daniel K. Inouye, who enlisted in the Army during World War II--receiving several accolades, including the Bronze Star and the Medal of Honor--and served as a U.S. senator from Hawaii). In addition, well-known quotations are inserted throughout the book, when relevant to the particular chapter (for example, "Courage" offers the Japanese proverb "Even a hunter cannot kill a bird that comes to him for refuge"). Whaley's passion for Japanese culture and heritage is evident in each page, as she includes patient explanations and well-researched details. The stories included in each chapter are the heart of the book. They effectively provide historical background, as well as a reference of how each principle can be upheld to the highest degree. These tales would be just as powerful--or perhaps more so--if presented separate from the motivational aspect of the work. In attempting to accomplish too much, the volume becomes scattered and distracting at times. The introduction of each chapter is reasonable, but is followed by a forceful encouragement for readers to adopt each principle in order to find success in their own lives, which eventually becomes repetitive. Additionally, the inspirational quotations break the flow of the writing, which serves as inspiration enough.

A thorough exploration of samurai culture and values and their impact on Japanese history-- informative and invigorating, though laden with heavy-handed motivational mantras.
Pub Date: Jan. 21st, 2016ISBN: 978-1-938686-82-5Page count: 264ppPublisher: Aviva PublishingProgram: Kirkus IndieReview Posted Online: Nov. 18th, 2016

Edition details

• Publisher: Aviva Publishing
• Publication date: 2016
• ISBN 10: 1938686829
• ISBN 13: 9781938686825
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 264