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Samurai, warfare and the state in early medieval japan summary
Samurai culture in modern japan
Samurai culture in modern japan
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Japan and Medieval Europe were both incredibly powerful countries. With this power came responsibility. This responsibility was to the people of their respective civilizations, and to protect their kingdoms at all cost. From this need of protection came the knights and Samurai warriors. Both of these protectors were incredibly important in maintaining power in their kingdoms, which would allow for the precious creation of different arts and humanities in both of these kingdoms. Even though both of these kingdoms were incredibly different in their culture and arts, they also were somewhat similar. Their similarities are found in their warriors. Medieval knights and Samurai warriors are actually both quite similar. Their similarities include …show more content…
their social class, the code that they live by, and their lifestyles. One of the main similarities that the Samurai and Knights had in common was their social class.
At this time both of the respective kingdoms followed the same social class system. This social class system was the feudal system. Both of these class systems were bound by loyalty between the vassal and the lord, or the Samurai and the Daimyo. In addition, both class systems had peasant farmers as the main source of economic revenue. The structure of these class systems was quite similar and usually had the ruler at the top, those who ruled the land (Daimyo and Lords) next, then those of military status would be placed, and finally it would end with peasants and those of a lower class (Trieu). This shows how similar these two social class systems where they were actually almost identical. Those who were of military status, Samurai and Knights, were both regarded with high respect and were seen as a higher social class than those of peasants. This shows how similar they were in regard to social class. Another similarity was the code of honor that both these warriors lived …show more content…
by. A very important aspect of the lives of the Samurai Warriors and Medieval Knights was to live by a certain code. This meant that they would follow a certain code or set of rules. These codes would not only guide them in their lives, it would influence their decisions. Both the Samurai and Knights followed similar codes. The Samurai followed the Bushido code while the Knights followed the code of Chivalry. The Bushido meant “The way of the Warrior”, and were rules that anyone who was a Samurai Warrior must follow. This code included ideas of fidelity, politeness, virility, and simplicity (Trieu). By following this code a Samurai would be a true warrior, and be truly deserving of the Samurai title. The code of Chivalry was similar to the Bushido code in many ways. Chivalry was also a set of strict rules that anyone who wanted to be a Knight would have to follow. These rules were things like justice, loyalty, defense, courage, faith, humility, and nobility (Trieu). This shows that they were also similar in the way that they lived their lives, and how seriously they took the Samurai and Knight title. This also proves why it was such a revered way of life. Finally, both of these warriors took their lives as military leaders very seriously, and in doing so also shared very similar lifestyles. Not only were the codes that these warriors lived their lives by similar, so were the style in which they lived their lives.
One way that the style that they lived their lives were similar was in the way that they would spend time practicing so they would be better prepared in an actual military event. Knights would spend time hunting, but a more recognized way that they would practice was through Jousting tournaments and challenges. Meanwhile, Samurai would also practice by taking part in Kendo, or a type of martial arts and swordsmanship. In addition to practice, both also used similar tactics in war. Both would use bows and arrows when far from the enemy, while in close range they would use swords. Another tactic they would use in regard to military strength was even the armor that they would wear. Both would wear full body armor made out of metal, iron, and leather, to protect themselves from swords and other weapons (Trieu). Finally, both were similar in their lifestyle because they would fight for the same thing. Both of these warriors took their jobs so seriously that they would serve, fight, and even die, for their ruler and their
country. Overall, the Samurai and Knights were different in many ways, but also incredibly similar too. They shared similar armor, military tactics, and even weapons. Both of the countries in which these two military classes rose were strongly influenced by the Feudalist social class system. In fact, they were so similar in their system, that both were on the same level in their social classes. Due to this extreme importance that these warriors were held, within their own countries, they also lived by an incredibly strict code. Both the Bushido and Chivalric codes were based on loyalty and were held with extreme honor. This same honor would guide these warriors in their life and show their true purpose, to serve their king and country.
Knights and samurai have a lot in common. For example, they both follow a code and protect land. Although they are very similar, there are a lot of things that set them apart. Samurai had a different social status, had different weapons, and expectations. While knights and samurai have many similarities, in a one on one battle, the advantage would be to the knights and this can be seen in their honor code, training, and armor.
The question was, who would win in a battle? A samurai? Or a knight? Of Course they both have their advantages and disadvantages but they also both have things in common that they can't do. A samurai warrior was a member of a powerful japanese military. On the other hand a knight warrior was a man of noble birth who after a couple stages, he would be raised to honorable military rank. While knights and samurais have many similarities, in a one on one battle, the advantage would be to the samurai and this can be seen in their armor, beliefs, and their training techniques.
Many people often see little similarity between the country of Japan and Europe. However, there are actually several similarities between these two countries. In fact, Reischauer and Jansen note that Feudal Japan had departed so far from East Asian norms that it was more similar to medieval Europe than it was to China. Thus, the knight of Europe and the samurai of Japan despite a lack of contact with one another shared several common elements. This was a result of many similarities social and cultural influences experienced by the two distant countries.
Document C states that trainees did physical training, poetry, and spiritual discipline in school. They also studied Kendo, the moral code of the samurai, and Zen Buddhism. At age 14, the trainees officially became samurai in a ceremony called genpuku. On the other hand, knights began at age 4 or 5 with learning to ride a pony. Then, he would be sent to serve as a page to his father’s lord at age 7 or 8. There, he practiced with wooden and blunted swords. They also practiced with riding a horse and religious practice. At age 14, they could become a squire. Squires were obligated to fight other men, and help his master knight. If a squire had approval from the knight, they could become a knight themselves. This shows that knights and samurai had a similar training when they were younger. Document E proves that they had to live a similar lifestyle. Samurai followed bushido, which was the way of the samurai. Bushido said that they had to serve their master, be loyal to their friends, and devoting himself to his duty. Knights were obligated to follow chivalry, which said to do no bad deed, be loyal to the king, to give mercy to those who want it, and to be courteous to women. Therefore, samurai and knights both had similar
As learners of Europe and Japan, the question “ who would win a battle-a samurai or knight” is commonly kept in mind. A samurai and knight are similar in many ways. A samurai would mostly win the battle because they have better weapons, armor, and training. While knights and samurai have many similarities, in a one on one battle, the advantage would be to the samurai and this can be seen in weapons, armor, and training.
Do you know someone in the military? A loved one, a friend, do you know what they go through? I may not, but I do know about the harsh training and war that occurred for the Samurais and Knights. In Europe and Japan the empires were falling and Clans were taking over Japan. The government came up with an idea to create feudalism. There was an agreement in both Europe and Japan that exchanged land for protection. The similarities between Samurai and Knights were greater than the differences. This can be shown by looking at the three most similar areas: social position, training and armor, and life, honor, and death. The Samurai and Knights has their differences, but were the similarities greater than those differences.
As can be seen above, European knights and Japanese Samurais shared lots of differences including training, armor, weaponry, true values and rules. This is because they both came from different countries, and have different lifestyles, cultures, and religions, which influenced them to develop
...th wore helmets, armor, and worked for their leader, the shoguns or daimyo for the samurai, and for the knights their lord(s). Lastly, they both had peasants. The peasants both had to pay their taxes and had no power. Feudal Japan and Feudal Europe both had a certain social class order for power and how the people lived and worked.
Hard and soft, day and night, girl and boy. These are all differences but one that is not mentioned is samurai and knights. Japanese emperors and the imperial court was challenged by the rise of clans. Like Europe, Japan found itself in pieces. In turn, nobles trained warriors who, in exchange for farmland or food and lodging, swore to be loyal to the nobles and to defend them. The warriors from Europe were called knights. The warriors from Japan were called samurai. From 1000 to 1600 CE in Japan and Europe, samurai and knights were the muscle and the soul of the warrior class. Critics may argue samurai and knights are very similar but in reality, they have more differences. They different because of their loyalty and honor, and their training
Samurais take the #1 spot for their combat adroitness, they were the champions in the fields of battles. Samurais were not only skilled warriors of battle, moreover they were influential leaders for their armies. The only weapons and armor the samurais took into battle were only two swords, leather plated armor, a helmet, and bow with proper training. Unlike other nations, anyone could become a samurai, no one was obligated to stay with families or to continue jobs their parents did. One of the biggest things samurais followed was there code of conduct, called Bushido “the way of the warrior.” Along with other individuals with authority, samurais had much authority as well; They had to keep peasants in check, check up on the harvests, and most importantly, keep their Daimyo(Lord) save from invaders at all costs. When disrespecting or showing cowardness to their Daimyo, it lead to bringing great shame and dishonor to the samurais whole family. When samurais become dishonorable they often end up leaving and becoming a ronin. Ronin’s were mainly mercenaries that carried out assassinations, spy missions, and sabotage. Although samurais have already come to an end, many still worship their fallen ancestors, some still study the basic practices of samurais to always keep a basic understanding of the training they went through. Along with well skilled warriors, some showed their level of skill not on the battlefield, rather on a piece of
Musui’s Story is the exciting tale of a low class samurai’s life towards the end of the Tokugawa era. Although one would normally imagine a samurai to be a noble illustrious figure, Musui’s Story portrays the rather ignominious life of an unemployed samurai. Nonetheless, this primary account demonstrates the tenacity of samurai values and privileges present at the end of the Tokugawa shogunate. The social status of samurai had been elevated to such a state that even someone like Musui was easily able to gain influence in everyday affairs with his privileges. Not only that, but he had retained his values as a warrior and still kept great pride for his arts in weaponry.
The samurai are a type of warrior class in Japan similar to the European knights. They were not only used as soldiers for combat in war but they also replaced the court government in terms of managing the local government. They pledged to keep the peace and stay loyal to their master. This is how they were used for most of history until the end of the Tokugawa period. Their rise all begins in the Kamakura period.
The Japanese medieval age consists of the Kamakura and Muromachi periods (from approximately 1185 to 1600). During this time, the political power was switching from the imperial family to a militaristic government. In addition, civil wars (from 1156 to 1568) were increasing throughout Japan. This change of centrality in society’s focus from court to warriors shifted the perception and style of Japanese literature.
...e respect, honor, and loyalty make this difference for me, but there is something to be said about the comparison. I find that the knights are very efficient, great warriors, and are very similar to samurai’s in a lot of ways. They both wear armor, they both train from a young age, and both are taught about honor, loyalty, and respect; but samurais are taught more effectively in their training, and the Japanese concepts were better. So to answer the essential question of this essay, I would say that there is certainly a large amount of similarities between the two warriors, but if you would consider the samurai’s skills that are better, or enhanced; to be differences, than I would have to conclude with no. The ‘differences’, are far too great in my opinion to say that the similarities are so great that they are almost the same, because they are very different indeed.
There are many historical aspects of the Japanese, but the most interesting is the history of the Samurai. In Japans history war played a large role in the country. Controlling clans fought for parts of the land and overall control of the country. These clans were powerful families that resided in the country and who all wanted power and control of Japan for themselves. The families that would be in control were known as Shoguns. These shoguns would have warriors that fought for them if any of the other clan families would try to attack him in order to overthrow him and take his power from him. The Samurai followed a code that developed from Chinese beliefs when in battle. The Samurais code was known as the Bushido. This code was also known as “The Way of The Warrior” which was the main belief s...