Let the Samurai Be Your Guide - by Lori Tsugawa Whaley (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

"Bushido, the samurai code of ethics, prepares each of us to see what is important in life. It's truly the foundation for being a great human being." --Patsy Surh O'Connell, President of the Asia Pacific Cultural Center

Leadership lessons inspired by the Samurai spirit and the resilience of Japanese American pioneers.

In Let the Samurai Be Your Guide, Lori Tsugawa Whaley--a third-generation Japanese American, author, keynote speaker, and professional life coach--delivers a heartfelt tribute to the Nisei (second-generation Japanese Americans) while drawing upon the enduring principles of Bushido, the Samurai code of ethics. This book explores how the Samurai ethos shaped Japanese culture and influenced the remarkable leadership of individuals who navigated profound challenges with courage, integrity, and honor.

Whaley interweaves the seven tenets of Bushido--courage, integrity, benevolence, respect, honesty, honor, and loyalty--with the compelling stories of historical figures, including:

• Senator Daniel Inouye, a World War II hero and trailblazing statesman
• Chiune Sugihara, the diplomat who risked everything to save thousands during the Holocaust
• Michi Nishiura Weglyn, an advocate for justice who illuminated the experiences of Japanese American internees

Through these narratives, Let the Samurai Be Your Guide illustrates how Nisei leaders applied Samurai principles to confront adversity, rebuild communities, and make lasting contributions to society.

Rather than focusing on martial prowess, this book highlights the moral strength, resilience, and service to others at the heart of Bushido. Whaley invites readers to connect with these values, offering guidance for leading with integrity and purpose in today's complex world. This unique blend of history and cultural insight celebrates the Nisei legacy and its profound lessons for leadership and humanity.

Review Quotes

"...Whaley's passion for Japanese culture and heritage is evident in each page, as she includes patient explanations and well-researched details...A thorough exploration of samurai culture and values and their impact on Japanese history--informative and invigorating..." -- Kirkus Reviews

"As a nisei, we often do not realize the implanted cultural lessons instilled by our immigrant Japanese parents. I believe it played an important role in my/our family's survival during the years of incarceration, and helped rebuild the Uwajimaya family business in the aftermath of WWII. Ms. Whaley's book illustrates how these principles have shaped the Japanese culture, and provided the driving force in affecting the Japanese American experience." -- Tomio Moriguchi, chairman emeritus, Uwajimaya Inc.

"Bushido, the samurai code of ethics, prepares each of us to see what is important in life. It's truly the foundation for being a great human being." -- Patsy Surh O'Connell, President of the Asia Pacific Cultural Center

"During the post-WWII occupation of Japan, my father served in the Military Intelligence Service (MIS) where he met and married my mother. Thus, my roots--and identity--are planted in the two worlds of America and Japan. Lori Tsugawa Whaley's book, Let the Samurai Be Your Guide, is both an insightful exploration of samurai legacy and a heartfelt personal journey of discovery about the samurai's lasting influence on Japanese culture, values and way of life." -- Clarence Moriwaki, president, Bainbridge Island Japanese American Exclusion Memorial Association

"I appreciate in Lori Tsugawa Whaley's book, Let the Samurai Be Your Guide, her desire to ensure the legacy of my father, Chiune Sugihara, was accurately portrayed and his story will continue being told. How wonderful to see this book, and I am sure many people will enjoy reading it." --Nobuki Sugihara, son of diplomat Chiune Sugihara

"In more than 36 years as a community journalist, I have met and admired many notable figures, including the wife and son of Chiune Sugihara, Michi Nishiura Weglyn, Daniel Inouye, Roy Matsumoto and many others. Now that they are gone, I'm glad that Lori Tsugawa Whaley is sharing their stories and showing that they still have lessons for us today." -- J.K. Yamamoto, staff writer, Rafu Shimpo; former English editor, Hokubei Mainichi

"Ms. Tsugawa Whaley uses stories to blend aspects of Japanese and American history and culture, and the bridging of the two cultures as Japanese American. She uses that bridge to relate the values of bushido in a context that anyone can readily understand and recognize as universally shared values." --David Inoue, MPH/MHA, executive director, Japanese American Citizen League

"Ms. Whaley writes an incredibly inspirational and impeccably wise read. I just know this book will continue to garner greater and greater exposure and praise!" -- Chris Brusatte, exhibit manager, Go for Broke National Education Center

About the Author

Lori Tsugawa Whaley is an author, keynote speaker and professional life coach. Lori is a third-generation Japanese American baby boomer and a descendant of a Samurai warrior. She is on a mission to empower others to reach their full leadership potential no matter their path, heritage or circumstances. You can find out more about Lori's story on her website www.loriwhaley.com. Lori and her husband, John, reside in a Japanese-style home outside of Seattle, WA.