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.

True honour involves benevolence and politeness towards all people, the courage to do what is right, loyalty to all who have helped us, justice but not revenge, and veracity without causing harm. Six of the codes of bushido are inherent in the concept of honour and without honour these other six are meaningless.