The samurai were famous for their fighting skills, bravery, and loyalty to their daimyo. The strict code of conduct they followed, called Bushido, or the code of the warrior, had rules for nearly every aspect of daily life.
Samurai were expected to face danger and even death without fear. A samurai who showed fear in battle by retreating or surrendering was expected to kill himself to erase the shame of defeat. This practice is called hara-kiri or seppuku.
Samurai were not just fighters. As part of their training, they learned the proper way to walk, bow, and hold chopsticks. During peaceful times, many wrote poetry, practiced flower arranging and calligraphy, or spent hours gazing at the Moon or cherry blossoms.
