The History of Samurai in Japan - Report Example

The Samurai Introduction The tradition of warriors has been quite famous in the recent world. But the tradition of warriors is famously known to bevery exciting in Japan. The tradition of warrior is found in the infamous Samurai of Japan who was a brave, devoted and a faithful knight in the history of Japan. The Samurai is a gallant warrior who values the art of this world but he also kills or sacrifices himself for his master. This warrior was known to be the protection of Japan for centuries and he fought for the prestige and control of his country. In the history of Japan the warrior is known as the samurai. The samurai has played an important part in Japan's record and traditions all over the centuries. Some narrations show samurai as legends who have played a very important role in developing Japan. This research would further describe the origins of samurai, who they were, how they came into being, their way of living, their standards and their importance in the world today. It will illustrate the significance of samurai in the history of Japan and why they are still known as great soldiers of their times. The Samurai In the earlier times of Japan the battles fought are known to take place in the starting centuries of the AD. The wars that took place in these centuries show that many of the Japanese soldiers at that time crossed the sea to Korea to assist one empire who was having a battle with two other empires consequently. It is recorded that four hundred or above men left for the battle but were easily beaten up by the enemy because of the heavy armor which the enemy had. These four hundred men fought on foot while the enemy rode on horses. At this time the Japanese were unknown of the usage of horses in wars but after the century passed it is evident that horses were also used in the history of Japan by warriors who later were known as samurai. Samurai is a word which was used in the 10th century and the exact meaning of samurai is "those who serve". When the word samurai was derived, it was used mainly for men who defended the capital for the king. At times the people who collected tax were also known as samurai. Afterwards the person who joined military or the person who served any influential landlord was known as the samurai. These samurai used to travel on the horses and at times used to collect taxes from the peasants. This money was then given to the landlord or the emperor by the samurais and was later on used by them for their luxurious way of living. The word samurai made its ground in Japans history and it became quite known to the common people who started to value or dread the samurai. Later on the samurai became famously known for their strength and were used by the rich people to protect their land and wealth. As the land was a source of income for the rich people, they started to keep armies of samurai to protect their lands from intruders. In due course many of the rich people joined hands together and formed clans which ultimately became even more powerful than the ruler of Japan. Later on in the 12th century two of the influential clans (Minomoto and Taira) fought a battle in which the clan of Taira won. But after some years the Minomotos who had escaped from the battlefield came back to fight with the Taira clan. A battle took place between the Minomotos and Taira clans and this battle is known as the Gempei war. This battle however was successfully won by the other clan this time i.e. Minomotos. After the battle the ruler made Minamato Yoritomo shogun the chief of the armed forces. However Yoritomo was not satisfied with the power he got and soon he took over from the emperor and declared himself as a dictator. The new dictator gave a new foundation to the samurai and raised their position by giving them land. Gempei War marked an important step for the existence of the samurai. The battles fought during the war put the samurai to a position which was respected and honored. This respect and honor for the samurai is still known and will last forever. The Gempei War clearly showed the brave and dignified behavior of the samurai. Gempei War marked a new beginning in the culture of the samurai as all the aspects of the samurai culture were derived after the Gempei War. "Archery, hand-to-hand fighting, undying loyalty to one's lord and the tremendous tradition of ritual suicide all have key passages and proof texts in the tales of the Gempei War" The samurai had an unwritten code of honor called the bushido. Bushido means "way of the warrior". This provided them with a code to help show them how to live and conduct themselves at home and in battle. One of the most important duties of the samurai was their loyalty to their lord. The samurai would defend their lord until the death. Revenge was also central in the samurai's life and if someone had killed their master or attacked their master's honor revenge must be gotten. The same vengeance was given if they themselves or their family were disrespected or defeated. Not just anyone could become a samurai warrior. You had to be the child of a samurai, being born into this class was a privilege. The samurai were not all rich, in fact their wealth was judged on the amount of Koku (which is the amount of rice that the fields produced). Other things like the size of the samurai's house were based upon the wealth and rank of the samurai. In the history of Japan the new born samurai had to follow some strong principles. A new born samurai was given a tiny sword charm which he would put on his buckle. As the boy starts to grow he receives a hair cut and starts to begin learning martial arts at a tender age. When he gets seven he is provided with trousers which are known as hakama. When the young samurai is fifteen he goes through a ceremony called gembuku where the boy becomes a man. He then receives his adult name, his adult haircut, and his first real sword and armor. Most boys would be taught combat skills by their father and eventually as he got older he would be taught by a local sensei. Those boys from wealthier families were expected to be educated men and may be sent to an academy where they would study literature and the arts along with martial arts. The training of the samurai for battle was intensive. There was more than just physical training involved. Strong mental concentration and focus were necessary to channel their energies before battle. The samurai warrior would spend endless hours practicing a set of complex battle movements called kata. "This practice started slowly at first increasing speed, until they became effortless and perfect. The movements were based on strategies of attack, defense, and counterattack". However, the only way these young samurais would ever gain experience is to take part in actual battle. So the sons of the samurai would follow their fathers into battle to test their newly learned fighting techniques. The samurai were also known for having a psychic awareness of the world around them in addition to their great skill. This is something practiced from an early age as well. An example of this keen awareness is seen in the story of three brothers told by their father. The father decided to test the ability of his three sons. He placed a vase on top a door so that it would fall when someone entered. The youngest son entered the room and he cut the vase in half with his sword before it hit the ground. The father's response was, "This son has a long way to go." Then he called for his middle son, this son caught the vase right above his head. This time his father's response was that, "he is strong and improving but still has much to learn." Finally, the oldest was called into the room, when he reaches for the door he immediately feels the weight of the vase. He slides the door open a crack and catches the vase and walks in. His father replies, "This son is doing well." Their goal for perfections and their training and dedication were endless. The samurai is famous for his sword and it is one his most prized possessions. There are two main swords, one called the katana and the other the wakizashi. The wakizashi is worn on his belt at all times and a shorter blade of the two that was used in battle. The katana is the longer curved sword that was the samurai's main weapon. The sword is given to a samurai at birth and placed next to that samurai when he dies. The samurai would take the sword everywhere he went, even to bed. It was treated with great respect and most would have been passed down from generation to generation. The process for making each sword from iron and steel is long and tedious requiring many steps and much patience. When finished a decorative handle would be added. The sword makers were respected and treated with almost reverence for the job they performed. "Like an artist the master sword maker would often sign his work. This sword would be the difference between life and death for many samurai. The 1500s began as time known as the Period of Warring States. This term was borrowed from the Chinese even though Japan was battling between families and clans, and not states. The leader of the clan called himself an ashigaru which means great names. Only the strongest clan could survive these battles and the daimyo would do anything to win. The powerful daimyos had large armies made up of foot soldiers called ashigaru. During this time there was also a big change in how the samurai fought. In addition to using the traditional bows they were introduced to guns for the first time. First the guns came from European traders and were made in China, but it didn't take long for the Japanese to start manufacturing their own weapons. The samurai's armor was one of the most elaborate and unique creations of their time. Today they are seen as works of art. Their armor was made from lamellar armor which took small metal plates and fastened them together and covered with a lacquer to make them waterproof. The outside of the armor was very colorful and sewn and covered with silk and leather designs. There were two types of armor, one called yori, which was heavier and used for riding on horseback. The other was called do-maru this was lighter and more practical for the foot soldiers. Both allowed for the samurai to have flexibility to move able to use their weapons and move in battle. This armor covered the entire body from samurai's helmet to his chest protector and panels protecting his hips, arms and legs. One interesting fact is the about the kote. It is an armored sleeve only worn on the left arm so that the right arm would be free for the samurai to shoot his bow. Even when the bow was no longer used for battles this type of armor was seen as honoring a sense of tradition. The samurai's helmet was also very important. It provided heavy duty protection to the head and neck. They also wore an "iron face mask, which might represent demons, ghosts, or barbarians" to help intimidate the enemy. An older warrior might want to use the face of a younger warrior so no one would know his age. The heavy duty neck covering helped in battles, and also helped prevent beheadings. Another example of samurai pride and courage is the ritual of burning incense in his helmet before battle. This was done so if he was defeated and beheaded he would leave behind a pleasant scent. Another example of their legendary bravery was in 1281 when Genghis Khan (leader of the Mongols out of Asia) attempted to invade Japan. But, because of the brave samurai and a well timed storm called a kamikaze, they were destroyed along with their ships. The word kamikaze means "winds of the gods", but after that day it took on another meaning to include, destroying an enemy. Even in 1945 the term kamikaze pilot was used for the Japanese pilots that attacked the American fleet at Pearl Harbor. This victory against the Mongols was another added to the list of samurai's brave and notable victories. To the samurai, their pride went hand in hand with their honor and heritage. One example of this is when one samurai would challenge another to battle. It was a tradition at this time for each samurai to speak publicly the names of all his ancestors, along with their accomplishments in battle (some stories became embellished over time). This showed the deep pride and respect they held for his ancestors. By the 14th century a samurai's lineage had gotten quite long and just reciting your ancestors was difficult. The family pedigree was so important it was written down to be kept safe at all cost. An example of this devotion is when a samurai's house caught fire and one samurai volunteered to go in and get the family tree that was written on a banner. "After the fire they found the samurai laying dead on his stomach, when they turned him over they found he had cut his stomach open and put the family tree inside to protect it from the flames". This is another example of their devotion to their family and to duty. The ancestors of the samurai were very much involved in the present life of the samurai. Every year during the Bon Festival they would be welcomed back through religious ceremonies. These ceremonies showed a deep appreciation felt towards their ancestors. They felt great gratitude for being themselves; this included their name and their status. There were even rituals held before battles to bring the ancestors to help. The death of the samurai was treated with the same respect and honor as was his life. Seppuku is the word used for suicide by cutting open the stomach (also known as harikiri). Seppuku was performed with a dagger. To the samurai warrior seppuku was something to be honored and respected. It could also bring back honor to him and his family if he had been beaten in battle or disgraced. This took incredible bravely and was extremely painful. Often a friend of the samurai's would to end his pain by cutting off his head. This could also be something planned out ahead of time or done quickly during battle. Nitta Yoshisada is one of the most famous stories of a samurai's death in 1336. Going into battle one day he was worried, the battle was difficult and he had to lead his men through rice fields. Yoshida went charging in, despite a heavy attack of soldiers and arrows. His horse was hit and fell down pinning him underneath. He had no time or way to reach his stomach to perform seppuku so they say he cut off his own head. This is just one of many extreme acts of seppuku over the many years of the samurai. As clans all over Japan dispersed, there became a large amount of samurais without a master and these samurais were called ronin. These ronin were different from most samurai because they were not loyal to any lord. Many of them became personal body guards for farm owners, and some became senseis, and others took the time to master the technique of the sword. End Of Samurai and Historical significance The class of samurai began to suffer a slow decline in the 18th century. Emperor Meji played a major role in the decline by abolishing the class of samurai and prohibiting the use or ownership of swords in towns. This abolition caused unrest between the people of Japan and as a result many people committed suicide. This time marked an important decline in the history of Japan as the forces of America and Europe were allowed to enter in the land of Japan and these times marked the starting of an era of modernization in Japan. In the history of Japan the forces of the outer world were never allowed to enter its soil but in the times of Meji the forces were allowed to enter and this in turn was seen as a disgrace by the people of Japan and samurai. The emperor then to stop the forces of samurai to group up and launch a fight against him imposed bans on the samurais. After the bans the force of samurai was not of the similar power as it used to have and the concept of samurais diminished slowly from Japan. By mid-19th century, Bushido standards had become the general ideal, and the legal abolition of the samurai class in 1871 made Bushido even more the property of the entire nation. In the public education system, with the emperor replacing the feudal lord as the object of loyalty and sacrifice, Bushido became the foundation of ethical training. As such, it contributed both to the rise of Japanese nationalism and to the strengthening of wartime civilian morale up to 1945. The samurai class even after the decline left its impression on the people of Japan. Their army which was of the national importance was reduced to the level of westernized armies. Till today the people of Japan look up to the samurai with great honor. These knights were once the saviors of the people of Japan. Even now till date many people in Japan take inspiration from samurais. However there has been a decline in the activeness of the samurais as in the recent centuries Japan is unifying and land owners don't think that it is necessary to have an armed class of samurais. Even though the role played by the samurais is seemed to diminish the principles brought on by them are still followed by the people. For e.g. loyalty which the workers have towards their employers, students have towards their teachers. Bushido is the moral code that has provided Japan with a national identity and work ethic that has guided them through bloody civil wars, Mongol invasions, a world war, and nuclear devastation. And it is further expected that the people of Japan would follow the principles and would rise back to a successful nation. These mystical knights served many functions in Japanese society. During time of war, they were the masters of the battlefield. In peace they were the administrators and the aristocrats. As statesmen, soldiers, and businessmen, former samurai took the lead in building modern Japan. Conclusion As time has passed by so has the importance of the samurai warrior. There were no more battles to be fought and peace was among the country. This happened as Japan became a more industrialized nation. After years of isolationism and their declining economy Japan was finally forced to open trade with western countries including the United States. This caused a split in Japan between the conventional samurai ideals and those who wanted to bring in the new ways of the west. In 1876 the emperor decided that there would be no wearing swords unless you were part of the imperial armed forces. This was another symbol of the samurai's power no longer needed. Over time the samurai could no longer support themselves and returned to farming or working in cites. The role of the samurai warrior was finished. The Japanese samurais have been extremely influential figures throughout Japan's history. Their influence has been seen with all aspects of Japanese life from the education of young boys in body and mind, to governing of the Emperors, to the study of the martial arts. Their code of honor and loyalty are traditions that all Japanese respect and try to live up to even today. The self sacrifice of ones own life for a common cause was even seen in World War II when Japanese pilots deliberately crashed their planes into United States ships anchored at Pearl Harbor. This was a devastating attack and showed the horror caused by revenge and their belief in sacrifice and honor. They were even called kamikaze pilots after the famous samurai battle of long ago. The influence of the samurai continues to be seen in Japan today in a positive way with the stories and legends of heroic samurai and the bushido as their guide. Bibliography Arts and Entertainment Network, and History Channel (Television network). Japan and the Samurai Warrior Interactive Lesson Plan. Multimedia classroom global history series. [New York]: The History Channel, 2006. Friday, Karl F. Samurai, Warfare & the State in Early Medieval Japan. Warfare and history. New York, NY: Routledge, 2004. Gepson, L. "Shoguns and Samurai Life in Feudal Japan." Book Links. 13 (2003): 50-56. Read More