Inazo Nitobe (1862-1933) was a prolific writer and respected Japanese statesman born into a warrior family at the end of the 750-year Samurai period. Desiring to serve as a "bridge" between his native Japan and the Western world Nitobe was educated in English and greatly influenced by his Western instructors. Through his many writings, particularly Bushido which became an international sensation, he became famous in the West and today is widely regarded as the leading authority on all things Japanese.

Alexander Bennett is a professor in Japanese history, martial arts and Budo theory at Kansai University. He cofounded and publishes Kendo World, the first English-language journal dedicated to Kendo. He holds black belts in several martial arts—Kendo Kyoshi 7-dan, Iaido 5-dan and Naginata 5-dan. His published works include Japan: The Ultimate Samurai Guide, Hagakure: The Secret Wisdom of the Samurai and The Complete Musashi: The Book of Five Rings and Other Works.