The first part of this book is devoted to Bushido - the ethical code of conduct of the samurai in medieval Japan. It was bushido that gave rise to traditional Japanese values, considered in the context of Buddhism, Shintoism, Confucianism, the moral principles of the samurai and Japanese sages; parallels are drawn with the traditions of medieval chivalry, Christian and ancient worldviews. The second part tells about the history of the formation of the Japanese army, the military traditions of the country, the types of military arts that Japanese warriors mastered: kenjutsu, sumo, jujutsu. The book will be of interest not only to specialists, but also to a wide range of readers.