Customer Rating: 
Summary: Bushido Skills for Your Success
Comment: "The Japanese Samurai Code: Classic Strategies for Success" by Boye Lafayette De Mente opens with "Bushido, the ethical system of Japan's famous samurai class, which ruled the country from 1192 until 1868, eventually came to encompass every aspect of the lives of the people - their philosophical and spiritual beliefs, their etiquette, their family life, their dress, their work, their aesthetic sense, even their recreation."
In this book, De Mente attempts to identify the positive factors in Bushido that were primarily responsible for the astounding economic success of the Japanese, and still today play a vital role in their economic prowess.
For anyone who wants to succeed with dealings with Japanese businesses, or who has an interest in applying the character traits in the samurai code of ethics to enhance their own personal skills and performance, this book will be an enjoyable read and an interesting success manual.
The book has 59 short chapters, making it very easy to read and digest. Each lesson could be pondered for a much greater length of time than it takes to read the short chapter. For those interested in the Japanese language as well as cultural and historical references, you will be happy to see the Japanese for each of the titles and concepts presented in these chapters too.
Some of the topics covered:
The Spirit That Motivates the Japanese: Nihonjin no Seishin
Power of the Right Mental Attitude: Tadashii Kangaekata no Pawaa
Taking the Best & Leaving the Rest: Shusha Sentaku no "Myou"
Failure is Not an Option: Shippai wa Yurusarenai
The Power of Extreme Diligence: Osokubeki Nihonjin no Kinben
The Samurai Work Ethic: Bushi no Roudoh Rinri
The Word of a Samurai: Bushi no Ichi-gon
The Do or Die Factor: Inochigake no Seichin
Adjusting to Change: Henka ni Taiou
The Right Thing the Right Way!: Subete ni Jouseki ari
Boye Lafayette De Mente has been involved with Japan, Korea, and China since the late 1940s and is the author of more than 30 books on these three countries. I have enjoyed a number of his books, and this one especially so.
I too study the ancient warriors from Korea, Japan, and China and I am grateful to people like De Mente who have enabled me to learn about these countries in English. As a martial artist, former soldier with the U.S. Army, and someone who follows and teaches not only the physical skills of self-defense, but also the warrior traditions and philosophies, I found this book extremely valuable not only to help improve my own skills to succeed in personal and business endeavors, but also to study, apply and assist with my own personal warrior philosophy and teachings.
When the samurai entered battle, their goal was to win. Bushido skills will contribute to your success and help you win at life. Study and apply the lessons in The Japanese Samurai Code and you'll see how far the classic strategies for success will take you.
Reviewed by Alain Burrese, J.D., author, speaker
Hard-Won Wisdom From The School of Hard Knocks, Hapkido Hoshinsul, Streetfighting Essentials, Hapkido Cane, and The Lock On Joint Locking series, and articles including a regular column on negotiation for The Montana Lawyer
Customer Rating:
Summary: Boye Lafayette De Mente does it again
Comment: Such a prolific writer of fascinating and interesting books all of which as so easy to read and understand. No mumbo jumbo or faffy long technical words, just GREAT writing.
I've only become aware of this writer over the last couple of years and must have all of his books by now, his style is so infectious, you just have to investigate them. He's just a natural when it comes to explaining the Japanese & their mysterious way of life - one would think he was a native.
This book was written for an audience who may be interested in doing business with Japan. The truth is that this book is an absolute "cracker" for anyone interested in life and how to learn to live it properly.
The author does get a little carried away at the end of most chapters and gives his personal opinions - as I'm doing now - but in spite of all of that I loved it. It could even make it onto a school curriculum.
Make sure that you also check out his "Samurai Strategies: 42 Martial Secrets from Musashi's Book of Five Rings" - a successful book on how to achieve successful & happy & fulfilling life.
Customer Rating: 
Summary: Samauri Code review
Comment: This book was written for an audience who may be interested in doing business with Japan. Truth is this book is a cracker for anyone interested in life and how to learn to live it properly. The author does get carried at the end of most chapters and gives his personal opinions - as I`m doing- but for all that I loved it. It could even make on to a school ciricculum.
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