Glossary

bushido The honor code of the samurai rooted in loyalty and obedience that originated in feudal Japan, it values honor above life itself.

chuugi Loyalty, a combination of two kanji; sincerity or loyalty, integrity, rectitude, justice, or correct action.

daimyo A feudal lord who was a vassal of the shogun in Japan.

domo arigato Thank you very much (the polite form).

gozaimasu

gaman To endure the unbearable with patience, dignity, and self-control. A virtue or trait to do your best during distressful times.

ganbaru To tenaciously continue through tough times. “Don’t give up,” “try your hardest,” and “go for broke” are expressions associated with ganbaru.

gi Integrity, a sense of justice and moral righteousness.

haiku Japanese poetry with 17 syllables.

issei A first-generation Japanese immigrant to the United States.

jin Benevolence, the disposition to do good, an act of kindness or a generous gift.

kamon Refers specifically to emblems used to identify a family; a crest.

kanji A system of Japanese writing mainly derived from Chinese characters or ideograms.

katabami Wood sorrel leaves that are portrayed with sword blades on warrior class kamon.

ken A sword or saber.

kibei A person of Japanese descent who was born in the United States but later lived and was educated in Japan.

koshogumi Part of the elite guard forces, a position of rank from which most magistracies were chosen.

makoto Honesty, a combination of two kanji: to speak and to accomplish.

meishi A Japanese business card.

meiyo Honor, to have an admired or praiseworthy reputation.

mon An encompassing term that refers to the Japanese emblems used to identify an individual or family.

ninja A member of a feudal Japanese society of mercenary agents. They were highly trained in martial arts and hired for covert purposes, i.e., such as espionage, sabotage, and assassination.

nisei A person of Japanese descent (second generation) who was born and educated in the United States or Canada.

no-no boys Term for those who answered “no” to questions 27 and 28 on the loyalty questionnaire given to Japanese and Japanese Americans in American concentration camps during World War II. The no-no group was moved to Tule Lake Segregation Center.

obaasan A term of respect given to female elders, meaning “grandmother.”

ojiisan A term of respect given to male elders, meaning “grandfather.”

rei Respect, morality, and politeness.

ronin A samurai who is masterless and no longer serving a daimyo, or feudal lord.

samurai A member of the warrior class in Japan. Samurai literally means “one who serves.” They lived by the bushido code and were willing to give their lives to defend their honor.

sansei A person of Japanese descent (third generation), grandchild of Japanese immigrants to the United States or Canada.

sensei A teacher, master or instructor; a title of respect.

shigakko Private centers for the instruction of samurai youth, also known as warrior schools or samurai schools.

shogun Literally means “general” or “military commander.” After the end of the 12th century, the shogun was the hereditary official governing Japan.

wa Usually translated into English as “peace” or “harmony”; a Japanese cultural concept.

yen The Japanese basic monetary unit.

yuuki Courage, represented by kanji combining the action of heroism with the concept of spirit of mind resulting in bravery of spirit.