The Samurai embodies the highest ideals of male Japanese. The term derives from the word saburau (serve). By adhering to a code of honor called Bushido (the way of the warrior) the Samurai has chosen to live a life based on the principles of Zen Buddhist righteousness, courage, benevolence, respect, trust, honor and loyalty, until death.
A samurai warrior acts as if every day were his last, and his eventual demise in battle should not effect the people dear to him. He lives in society, always aware of the transience of existence, and this is often associated to the beauty and fragility of the cherry blossoms. Another element, very well known in the Samurai tattoo, is his sword called Katana: the Samurai’s faithful companion of life. It has a slightly curved shape with a long handle to be held by both hands and leather armor or iron for protection against opponent’s strikes.