...Bushido: Code of the Samurai By Allen Meeks Samurai live by a code ethics called Bushido. Bushido in Japanese means the way of the warrior. It was loosely based on chivalry. They live by honor and courage. They live and die for their masters. They go into battle fearless. They care about their appearances and usually are artists or poets. They master the martial arts, are frugal, and always have honor in death. Honor and death is what this report is about. Seppuku is a ritual in which a samurai will perform suicide as a way for an honorable death. It usually was performed when a samurai didn’t want to be killed by an enemy or if he has disgraced himself. It was also used if he dishonored his master. A samurai will take a short blade, or tanto, and stab it into his belly and slice left to right disemboweling himself. Meanwhile, a second assistant usually a family member or friend would slice the neck leaving the head hanging by a little piece of skin. It was thought as a bad omen to completely separate the head from the body. The very first act of seppuku recorded was done in 1180 by a Minamoto Yorimasa during the Battle of Uji. But it was not just a ritual performed by samurai. It was also a form of capital punishment as well. This way was only for the common person. They did not have the benefit of having their head cut off. They had to go through the agonizing torture of entrails on the ground and they bleeding to death. Seppuku would be punishment for anything...
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...makes a Japanese Samurai? * The samurai (or bushi) were the warriors of premodern Japan. They later made up the ruling military class that eventually became the highest ranking social caste of the Edo Period (1603-1867). Samurai employed a range of weapons such as bows and arrows, spears and guns, but their main weapon and symbol was the sword. * Samurai were supposed to lead their lives according to the ethic code of bushido ("the way of the warrior"). Strongly Confucian in nature, bushido stressed concepts such as loyalty to one's master, self discipline and respectful, ethical behavior. Many samurai were also drawn to the teachings and practices of Zen Buddhism. * What are the roles/responsibilities/missions of a Samurai? * The samurai embraced self-discipline, mindfulness, ethics and intelligence. They were known for their katanas, or samurai swords, which symbolized the brave soul of a warrior. Not only were they skilled in war, but they also came into political power and protected the land. They promoted literacy in Japanese culture. They also promoted Zen Buddhism and meditation, which gave them philosophical strength in battle. Samurai art styles also impacted Japanese art as they often produced ink paintings, rock gardens and poetry, such as haikus. Some samurai even became monks. How it is considered as an Art? * Samurai is considered as an art because there’s a meaning behind every skill. For example, Taira Tadanori. A samurai who demonstrate that...
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...The religion was introduced by Father Francis Xavier, a member of the Jesuit family (Harrington, 319(. Within a short period of time, many individuals in Japan had been baptized and embraced the religion. However, the Catholics began castigating the royal families and some practices undertaken by the communities. They highlighted sins of idolatry aimed at the Buddhist and the Shinto who worshiped art. Also, they pointed out the sins of homosexuality as perpetrated by the samurais. Finally, the Catholic priests pointed out infanticide which was used to control the population during the dry periods. This led to the expulsion of all priests and many foreigners in the country owing to their influence. Many were leaving their practices and following up the priests (Harrington, 325). Also, New Religions emerged during that period of time. These religious beliefs were contemporary in nature in that it contained different political or socio-cultural nature (Astley, 95). These religious beliefs were accepted during the Tokugawa period as they posed no threats to the ruling...
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...the film based on the Japanese Culture such as everything from clothing to the ceremonies. It will show how foreigners see Japanese culture as being something dramatically else. The Legend of the Goruku Chushingura: The Retellings Lorenzell Terry * This research paper will compare and contrast the two films based on the tale of the 47 Ronin. It will examine all aspects of the film based on the Japanese Culture such as everything from clothing to the ceremonies. It will show how foreigners see Japanese culture as being something dramatically else. 08 Fall 08 Fall Lorenzell Terry William Hedberg JPN 211 17 April 2014 The Legend of the Goruku Chushingura: The Retellings Throughout Japanese history and most of the world, Samurai were seen as being the mightiest and loyalist warriors to have existed. Many years ago, started a story based on true events called the Goruku Chushingura or 47 Ronin. The story takes place in 1701 during the Edo period when most of the power was to the Shogun. Director by Japanese native; Kenji Mizoguchi made the first version of Goruku Chushingura in 1941. He has created credibility for himself by producing an arsenal of films before Goruku Chushingura, such films like The Woman of Osaka, Oyuki The Virgin, and The Downfall of Osen. The latest version of the 47 Ronin was made into an American Film produce by an upcoming British director named Carl Rinsch in 2013. The two stories have their similarities but very different once evaluating...
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...In Giles Milton’s novel, Samurai William, the reader is taken to the other side of the globe to experience the history of old world Japan. Though out the book, Milton provides reason for complex historical events and actions, while still communicating the subtleties and mysterious customs of the Japanese. The novel also closely examines the wide range of relationships between different groups of Europeans and Asians, predominantly revolving around the protagonist, William Adams. The book documents the successes and failures that occur between the two civilizations, then links them back to either the positive or negative relationship they have. As the book goes on, the correlation is obvious. Milton shows us the extreme role that religion, etiquette and trade played in establishing positive relations between visiting Europeans and the Asian civilizations. Religion and traditions played a chief role in the Europeans relationships in Asia all throughout the novel. Milton puts an incredible weight on the shoulders of religion on both sides of the civilisations. The book dives right into explaining the fascination and disgust felt by European priests and Jesuits towards the Japanese monks. They carried rosaries like the Catholics and “in old age, many retired to Buddhist monasteries to live the rest of their days in prayer and contemplation”. The Buddhist All-Souls Day consisted of the ceremonial sprinkling of graves with flower petals. All of this appealed to the Catholic Jesuits...
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...BOOK ONE A Samurai must become one who is permanently dead. Basically this is saying being a warrior means that if one is faced with the option of life or death the person quickly chooses death.They trust in Bushido that their death is decided by fate and only when the time comes they will be faced with death. Borrow from the wisdom of the past. There will be no excuses that can be taken seriously if you borrow from the wisdom of our elders and of the past, because no matter what circumstances you fall into there has been a person faced with your dilemma and you can learn from the mistakes or decisions. Commit than never waiver. If your mind is set to do something or to accomplish a task and a plan is thought out do not hesitate to do what you believe is right and your instincts will take over as a warrior and the goal will be accomplished. BOOK TWO Never forget the fundamentals. Those who work hard at the practice out of love and passion for what they do tend to get puffed up with pride failing to remember the fundamentals and must stop all extraneous thoughts. There is no better way than to die in battle. As a warrior you must commit yourself to being faced with wars and countless battles you must not wither in the sight of death but race towards it as you are running towards heaven and fight like you are in the presence of God. Right now is that crucial moment and that crucial moment is now. one must treat the present as if this...
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...April 20, 2010 Professor Ravina Legends of the Samurai The Faces of Bushido Bushido, however it is defined, has had a profound impact on Japanese society. Translated, Bushido means “Way of the Warrior” and so it can be defined as a type of code of conduct for samurai. Besides being simply a code applied to Japanese samurai alone, Bushido has also been said to be an integral element in the fabric of Japanese culture and society. Although there is no formalized official written document specifically stating what Bushido is, it remains an entity that has become the quintessential element of Japanese society. Of all the interpretations on what Bushido is, two of the most popular are the Hagakure by Yamamoto Tsunetomo and Bushido, the Soul of Japan by Inazo Nitobe. However, both of these writings are influenced by the time period in which they were written, and experiences of their respective authors. By evaluating certain influences on the interpretations of Bushido and the contradictions in them one is able to see how each is using their own version of Bushido to justify the author’s position or achieve a certain end. Bushido as a term itself was not used much later on, but the code itself, although unspoken, can be seen Japanese literature throughout the ages. Starting with the Shoku Nihongi the term “bushi” is used as well as the term “Saburau”, which was applied to those who accompanied nobility. One of the earliest forms of a type of written code of conduct that has Bushido...
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...The Last Samurai – Traditional and Modern Economies A traditional economy is an economic system that relies on a strong social network and is based on primitive methods and tools, whereas a modern economy relies on production, exchange, distribution, and consumption of goods. In the film, The Last Samurai, western Japan fights against the rebelling Samurai who do not wish to modernize and rid of their traditions. The vast differences between a traditional and modern economy are shown throughout the film as both civilizations express different means of production, military capabilities and cultural values. The reign of Emperor Meiji was one of the most revolutionary eras in Japanese history as Japan underwent dramatic changes in its government, economy, and culture. The nation opened its doors to the west and embraced a new world of cultural influences. Japan was transformed into an agrarian society with an industrialized economy and a strict military regime. Revolutionized Japan created modern weaponry such as guns and automatic weapons that were made in industrial factories. Instead of carrying goods using horses, Japan modernized using wagons and trains which made transportation of goods more rapid and efficient. In the film, we can see the paved streets and buildings of western Japan, the use of modern clothing, and advanced military technology. Conversely, the Samurai represent a traditional economy by their use of weapons, transportation, and cultural...
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...HARAKIRI Hanshiro Tsugumo the main character, arrives at the house of Lyi to request a place to kill himself or to commit “seppuku” a politely way to call Harakiri. In that time many samurais ended without work and in poverty. The honorable way under the samurai code of ending that was to commit Harakiri. He was informed that the leader will not tolerate bluffers, and told him about the story of a young samurai, Motome Chijiiwa. Motome was a young samurai teacher, he was married to Hanshiro’s daughter, Miho and had a son called Kingo. Miho and Kingo got sick; this made Motome go to the house of Lyi hoping to receive a few coins to pay a doctor. Desperate for a job or at least some money, many unemployed warriors attempt the "suicide bluff". This was that they went to a wealthy clan requesting permission to perform Harakiri and sometimes the leaders will offer money or a job to avoid a bloody mess. But Motome didn’t have luck doing this and he was forced to kill himself by three samurais, Omodaka Hikoru, Hayato Yazaki and Umenosuke Kawabe. Motome only have a bamboo blade because he sold the real one to help Miho, and was demanded to cut his belly with this, this was an agonizing way of die and to end his suffering he was decapitated. In the movie was said that a samurai should die with a true blade because a blade was a warrior’s soul. Hanshiro at first didn’t say that he knows Motome, but after being accused of doing suicide bluff, he started telling the story of how he knew...
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...Drew LeBlanc Phy/ 105 Comparison Essay March 17, 2013 The Samurai are one of the most ancient warriors known to any civilization. They lived by a code of ethics and honor that many people can learn from at any day in age. Samurai lived and trained by a code of ethics known as Bushido “samurai warrior”, and would die for there beliefs. The biggest thought of the Samurai is education through training. The Samurai came about because they were developed to assist the government on there plans of action. Many different people were establishing armies around Japan to try and overthrow the government that they did not believe in. The Samurai were used in the beginning to keep the laws of the government enforced, and taking out all those who opposed the law of the land. After a few years the Samurai took over as the government making their 900 year stake as the warrior class. The Samurai were seen as almost nobility in the eyes of many due to there mysterious ways, and because of the such high regard people viewed them as. One of the most notable Samurai warriors was Miyamoto Musashi. Miyamoto Musashi was known as one of the best swordsmen who ever lived. He most notable victory was when he took down an opposing school by himself when he was only thirteen. He defeated his opponent, who had a sword, with a wooden training sword that he was very proficient with. Towards the end of Musashi's life he wrote a book called The book of five rings which taught many different ways...
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...Therefore, he decided to use his army to try and make and attempt to kidnap and overthrow the current Emperor. This led to the Boshin War brought out Tokugawa Yoshinobu’s troops and the samurais of the Satsuma and Choshu alliance to fight against each other. The two troops clashed. The winning side was much more in favor to the Satsuma and Choshu alliance because similar to the West, the Emperor was more modernized with advance technology that created strong weapons. Thus, the two alliance won the war and Soshinobu had to surrender to a samurai of Satsuma. The Emperor then began to create reforms to address foreign threats to Japan. After the Emperor took over the throne, Japan was much more powerful and became one of the strongest nation of its...
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...Fukuzawa Yukichi: From Samurai to Capitalist Fukuzawa Yukichi was born in to a low ranking samurai family in 1835. This meant that there was very little chance for Fukuzawa to advance in social class, regardless of his individual ability. In February 1854, just a month after his 19th birthday, Fukuzawa decided to leave his home town Nakatsu to Nagasaki so he can begin his studies in Dutch. Which for the time being was the only prominent Western presence at the time. Once arriving in Nagasaki, Fukuzawa immediately began to study the Dutch language as well "the manufacture and technical operation of guns and cannon." Eventually, he progressed further than his housing patron, Okudaira Iki, who wrote a fake letter from Fukuzawa's mother about being ill. Although knowing the letter was fake, Fukuzawa still left and went to Osaka where his brother was residing in. His brother then holding up a previous obligation, helped Fukuzawa get enrolled at the Tekijuku school for Dutch studies headed by Ogata Koan in April 1855. After a year, Fukuzawa had to depart to Nakatsu to become head of the family because his brother had become very ill and died....
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...Reminiscent of 1600 historical fiction books, Shōgun begins a few months before the Battle of Sekigahara. A Dutch ship come ashore an island and they’re not really sure where they are. The interesting thing about this book is that you see two perspectives and the characters are completely different: an English captain of a Dutch ship John “あんじん”(Pilot) Blackthorn and the rising daimyo, Toranaga Yoshi. An exciting scene happened eight chapters into the book. Another daimyo from another part of the country wants to speak with Blackthorne and sends someone to Toranaga palace to request him. On their way to meet the daimyo, there’s a storm while they’re still four or five hours away from shore. The sailors, first of which is a Portuguese pilot...
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...The loud clunk of swords was all you could hear from the mile away. Brutal screams are deafening as a small family watches from a distance. Although samurai and knights seem very different, they were mostly alike. Their armour and format in which they did tasks/practices was also indistinguishable from each other. Many individuals think that samurai and knights were very different, but this is simply not accurate. Two crucial similarities between the knights and samurai was that they made alluring paintings and poetry, along with promises that they arranged before their death. First of all, both samurai and knights made the beautiful poetry and splendid artwork that people today may see in museums currently. As located in Document F, Samurai Death Poem, is about how one samurai discussed how short a lifespan really is. Also found in the same document, A Knight’s Death, it talks about how they wish they could have more time on Earth. They both have made different points in their poetry, but they came up with the same message. Both samurai and knights wanted to send a signal through the paintings that they created. A majority of the art was about life and landscapes. Art was an escape away from the battlefield, they could just simply...
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...The Warriors of ancient Japanese legend have transcended the traditional image of war-tales and myths. For Japanese culture, the men who are regarded as one of the three types of heroes in Paul Varley’s book, Warriors of Japan: As Portrayed in the War Tales, have proven to be much more than the subject of a bedtime story, but rather a national treasure in which Japanese culture and wisdom is portray through. It is the victories, and failures of these heroes that teach the world of Japanese traditions and honor. However, these men were not created for the education of the world, but rather for the centuries of Japanese people whom these figures represent. Warrior tales of Minamoto no Tametomo, Minamoto no Yoshitomo, Minamoto no Yoshinaka, and Minamoto no Yoshitsune have a greater purpose than to provide entertainment to the people of Japan, these men provide a Japanese education on personality, values, morals, and Japanese customs. The three types of heroes that Varley examines in his book differ from each other slightly, but contribute greatly to the history of Japan in an exciting narrative of the honor and customs of the ancient Japanese warrior. The greatest loser-hero in Hōgen Monogatari is Minamoto no Tametomo (Varley, 56). A real life Japanese warrior, Minatomo was contributed with a number of attributes that are believed to have been not true in the effort to immortalize him as a warrior. Said to have stood two feet taller than the normal Japanese man, and endowed with...
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