My understanding is that the Japanese&#x27; Bushido code specifically looked down on sneak attacks. I.e., a lower-class Ninja* might kill you in your sleep, whereas a noble Samurai would wake you up and give you a chance to draw.<p>If you&#x27;ve ever noticed the Americans&#x27; official reaction to Pearl Harbor often made a curious point about calling it a &quot;despicable sneak attack&quot;. While a sneak attack seems like a rather obvious way to start a war for Westerners, the emphasis may have been a propaganda point towards the Japanese.<p>[*] No offense is intended to any actual Ninjas.