Introduction; Author's preface to the third edition; 'On hearing of the devotional self-immolation of General Nogi' Shuroku Kuroiwa; Correspondence, with facsimiles; Author's preface to the first edition; Introductory; 1. The empire of Japan; 2. The Japanese subject; 3. The aspirations of the subject; 4. The duties of the subject; 5. Concerning loyalty and filial piety in general; 6. Loyalty; 7. Filial piety; 8. The basis of the imperial state; 9. The inculcation of virtue; 10. The aspirations of the masses; 11. The realisation of beauty; 12. The true spirit of the nation; 13. The basis of education; 14. The fraternal relation; 15. Connubial accord; 16. The mutual faith of friends; 17. Modesty and frugality; 18. Benevolence; 19. The cultivation of learning; 20. The mastery of a profession; 21. The development of the intellect; 22. The development of character; 23. The public good; 24. Occupation; 25. National institutions; 26. The laws of the land; 27. Virtuous courage; 28. The imperial destiny; 29. Patriotism; 30. The way; Postscript; Appendix. The marginal comments of General Maresuke Nogi.