In feudal Japan bushido ("the way of the warrior") was the code of moral principles which the samurai were required or instructed to observe. It is a code unuttered and unwritten; an organic growth of decades and centuries of military career. In order to become a samurai this code had to be mastered.

The tsuba is the guard at the end of the grip of bladed Japanese weapons such as the katana. It contributes to the balance of the weapon, but more importantly it prevents the hand from sliding onto the blade.

Samurai are responsible for everything that they have done and everything that they have said, and all of the consequences that follow. They are immensely loyal to all of those in their care. To everyone for whom they are responsible, they remain fiercely true.