Makoto (誠), which means “sincerity,” was a cardinal virtue of bushido, along with “loyalty” and “courage.” Adopted as a symbol by the leaders of the Shinsengumi, “the shogun’s last samurai corps” – connoting their loyalty to the Tokugawa Bakufu, the shogun’s government.

Key Japanese Words in Romulus Hillsborough’s Books: (1)

Key Japanese Words in Romulus Hillsborough’s Books: (2)

Romulus Hillsborough

For more about my books in English — including Samurai Revolution — visit my Books at a Glance page. Read about my forthcoming Samurai Swordsmen: The Definitive History of the Shinsengumi here.

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