Samurai Culture
by Edward Huang
In Feudal Japan (from around 1400 to 1600), samurai were a warrior class that served under the rulers. The rulers were known as “Shogun,” who were essentially dictators of Japan. The samurai served under great lords that were known as“Daimyos.” The Daimyos ruled Japan from the 12th century until the mid 19th century. A samurai’s duty was not a job, but a way of life. With their strong sense of honor and duties, the Samurai greatly influenced Japan’s collectivist culture.
Also known as “Bushi,” samurai warriors fought with a strong sense of honor. They had a strict honor code known as “bushido,” or the “way of the warrior.” This was so strict that the samurai were willing to commit suicide if they broke the rules. The act of honorable suicide was known as “seppuku,” or “ritual disembowelment.” “Seppuku” was also called “harakiri,” which entailed that a samurai must cut themselves open with their own sword in order to preserve their honor. Their honor code later would stem into “Bushido,” or the way of the warrior, a system of discipline with the requirement of living and dying for service. Because the samurai greatly serviced the lord, they were granted financial security as well as social status. By the time period known as the “Ashikaga Shogunate,” the samurai were the leaders of the people and the men of power. From the honor code and duties of the samurai, Japan adopted a culture of community and well-being. All people were to be treated like family and with kindness because it is honorable. As Japan moves throughout history, the idea of a family culture and collectivism dominated the nation, where a family’s honor was perceived as more important than one’s own selfish desires. In the present, it is frowned upon to tip in Japanese restaurants because it should be the server’s pleasure to serve the customer. With these ideas of an honor code and service, Japan became a very receptive and collective country where service is viewed as an honor.The samurai’s code of honor created the connected culture of Japan, where honor is serving others for a purpose as well as being friendly and welcoming for all people. The samurai’s physical embodiment died in the past, but their spirit lives on in the culture of Japan.
Equipment:
The samurai were equipped with strong armor as well as a plethora of wielded weapons. Unlike European armor, which was designed to protect from strong blows, but limit movement, the armor of the samurai was more focused on mobility. It was comprised of metal plates and leather, with color as well as a metal mask.