Bushido Code

The Bushido Code was originally a Japanese Samurai tradition, but was revived in the 1920s and 1930s, leading into Japan's entrance into World War II. During the war, Japanese soldiers brought samurai swords into battle and made suicidal attacks, according to the Bushido principal of death being more honorable than defeat. Although some were taken prisoner, most fought until they were killed or committed suicide. As their Field Service Code put it, "Do not live in shame as a prisoner. Die, and leave no ignominious crime behind you."

This code also played a role for the Japanese kamikaze pilot, who plowed his plane, packed with explosives, into enemy warships. Many believe that they were mindless automatons. However, as evidenced by some of the letters they left behind, this was not the case. One, 23-year-old Ichizo Hayashi, wrote to his mother a couple of days before what he knew would be his final mission. He said that, "I am pleased to have the honour of having been chosen as a member of a Special Attack Force that is on its way into battle, but I cannot help crying when I think of you, Mum. When I reflect on the hopes you had for my future ... I feel so sad that I am going to die without doing anything to bring you joy." Overall, the Bushido Code was representative of the selfless sacrifice, for whatever the purpose, that was present for the Japanese during the conflicts of World War II.

Sources:
https://www.history.com/topics/japan/samurai-and-bushido
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/worldwars/wwtwo/japan_no_surrender_01.shtml