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SAMURAI

HISTORY RELIGION Sword Kamakura Period Muromachi Period Edo Period

The samurai were the members of the military class, the Japanese warriors. Their importance and influence grew during the Heian Period (794-1185) when the powerful landowners hired them for the protection of their properties. In the latter phase of the Heian period, the most powerful military families, the Minamoto and Taira, had taken over political control over Japan and fought wars for supremacy. Shogun Minamoto Yoritomo established a new government in Kamakura in 1192, and the shogun (the highest military officer) became the ruler of Japan. The samurai stood at the top of the social hierarchy and had many privileges. On the other hand, he was supposed to be a good example to the lower classes and had to follow the principles of Bushido (the way of the warrior). A samurai's most important principles are unlimited loyalty to his master, extreme self discipline, and brave, selfless behaviour. Many samurai also followed the teachings of Zen Buddhism. After losing his honor, a samurai would rather kill himself by cutting his stomach with his sword than to continue a disgraced life. Such suicide is called Seppuku (or Hara-kiri: "to cut the stomach"). The sword (katana) is the distinguishing mark of the samurai. Please visit the sword page for more information. During the Edo Period, which was an era of peace, the samurai had nothing to fight anymore and dedicated themselves also to intellectual studies like literature, history, or the tea ceremony. During the 17th century, masterless and unemployed samurai (ronin) caused some problems to the government. After the Meiji Restoration (1868), the samurai class disappeared.

SAMURAI Origins of the Samurai (Neil Ohlenkamp's Homepage) Long essay about the origin of the samurai. History of Samurai (American Kang Duk Won Karate Association) About the history of the samurai. Traditional weapons in Japan (Genich Nishio's Home Page) About traditional Japanese weapons. Samurai Tour (kiku.com) Images of castles, monuments and more. No links yet.

November 20, 1997 In Deutsch

all copyrights by Schauwecker's Guide to Japan