Samurai - Bushido Assignment
Intro
The samurai 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. The Bushido was the code of conduct of the samurai. Despite being deprived of their traditional privileges, many of the samurai would enter the elite ranks of politics and industry in modern Japan. More importantly, the traditional samurai code of honor, discipline and morality known as bushido–or “the way of the warrior”–was revived and made the basic code of conduct for much of Japanese society.
What effect each system had on Japanese culture during their specific time period?
The samurai would dominate Japanese government and society until the Meiji Restoration of 1868 led to the abolition of the feudal system. During the Heian Period (794-1185), the samurai were the armed supporters of wealthy landowners–many of whom left the imperial court to seek their own fortunes after being shut out of power by the powerful Fujiwara clan.
If I was a Samurai?
If I were a Samurai during war, I would have to fight. I would be available to a variety of weapons, but it would be professional to use only a sword. During peacetime, I would have various duties and jobs. Some would involve cooking, supply dealer, and cleaning. After I have lived, I would pass down my Samurai title to my son.