THE RISE OF A MILITARY SOCIETY
The decline of Japan's Central Government
- the central government of Japan was headed by the emperor (he looked like he had all the power but he had none)
- the Fujiwara family ruled Japan for 300 years
- in the 1100s, the Fujiwara clan was failing
- DAIMYO were landowners and they didn't pay taxes to the government
- daimyos had private armies with trained warriors called SAMURAI
- military leaders called SHOGUNS took control
- Japan was under a shogun government for almost 700 years
Japan now had a Military Society with an Emperor and military leaders called Shoguns. While landowners, Daimyos had their own warriors called Samurai.
DAIMYO
SAMURAI
SHOGUN
Samurai Armor, Weapons and Fighting
A Samurai went into battle with heavy armor and a lot of weapons including bows, arows, spears and swords.
Samurai Training and the Warrior Code
- they were expected to be honest, brave and loyal
- their physical training included martial arts, fencing and shooting
- mentally a samurai had to learn self control over their emotions
- they had to learn how to handle pain and suffering
- Bushido was a samurai's code of behavior. It required them to be honest, fair and fearless of death
- it was their duty to be loyal to their lord....they would die for their lord
- Seppuku is ritual suicide. When a Samurai didn't follow the Bushido code of conduct, they would have their Seppuku Ceremony
Training in Writing, Literature and Tea Ceremony
- Samurai had to learn Caligraphy and how to write poetry
- Samurai participated in a Tea Ceremony. The Tea Ceremony brought a spirit of harmony, reverence and calm.
Spiritual Training
- most Samurai were buddhist and there are 2 types of buddhism, Amida Buddhism and Zen Buddhism
- Amida Buddhists believe that everyone reaches paradise
- Zen Buddhists focus on effort and discipline
Women in Samurai Society
- women in the Samurai Society declined overtime
- in the 12th century women were treated with honor and respect
- in the 17th century women were treated less than their husbands
