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)