Samurai Influence On Japanese Culture

Samurai or “Bushi” were the greatest warriors of pre-modern Japan. They became the highest-ranking social class of the Edo period, 1603 – 1867 (Japan-Guide, 2015). Their main forms of weaponry were bows, spears and guns. Their most important and most common was a sword. Samurai lived by the Bushido code meaning they had a great loyalty to their master, the Daimyo. They presented themselves with self-discipline, respect and ethical behaviour. The Bushido code was so strict, that the Samurai were prepared to commit sepuku (suicide) if they broke any of the sacred rules. They are still considered as Historical Heroes and are still a monumental part of Japan’s history and identity.

Samurai were usually servers of the Emperor, and if not then they

usually worked for wealthy landowners. After some time, Samurai began to grow independent from their government, and started building their own armies. During the 11 hundreds, two of the most powerful land owning clans began to rise. It was the Minamoto and Taira clans and their goal was to challenge Japan’s
central government.

They battled each other over control of Japans military power and Minamoto Yoritomo emerged victorious. It was after this battle that the Emperor merely became a praised figured of Japan whilst the Shogun took control. The samurai ruled Japan for the next 700 years. There were a few samurai at the time called Ronin. Ronin were samurai but without a master or “daimyo” and they were know to cause trouble among Japanese cities. There is a well-known story called the 47 Ronin, also known as ‘Chushingura’ (47 Ronin, 2012). Described by Japanese historians as a ‘National Legend’, the revenge of the 47 Ronin took place in Japan and is the ultimate expression of the samurai code of

honour.

The 47 Ronin is an ancient tale of 47 samurai without a Daimyo.

Its tragic story is still spoken of today in modern Japan. Described by historians as a ‘National Legend’ (47 Ronin, 2011), the revenge of the 47 Ronin took place in Japan and it was considered the ultimate expression of the Samurai code of honour. Lord Asano Naganori, the Daimyo of the Ako domain was forced to commit ritual suicide for attacking Kira Yoshinaka in the Edo castle. Calling it a ritual suicide was not considered irregular, which raises a lot of question in both Australia’s and Japans new modern systems. The loyal 47 Ronin took over a year to plan the raid of Kira’s castle and when they did it took everyone by surprise. After successfully killing Kira, all 47 samurai turned themselves into the authorities. For committing such a crude vendetta, the 47 Ronin were requested by the Shogun to commit sepuku as an act of courage and respect. Today in Japan, the Japanese people regard the 47 Ronin as ‘Cultural Heores’ and they are honoured in traditional holidays. The Gishisai festival takes place ever year on December 14th in Ako city in memory of the 47 Ronin. On that day, schools and businesses close and the streets are decorated with banners and coloured lanterns (47 Ronin,

2011).

The samurai are quite clearly no longer apart of modern Japan. Although they are no longer apart of our modern living system, their rich history is still greatly respected today. Their decedents like to respect them by enduring their old practices such as Martial arts, Peaceful arts, and Swordsman ship among others. The Samurai have managed to keep these traditions alive even after so many years (Samurai and Bushido, History, 2015). A samurai by the name of Miyamoto Mushashi wrote a book in 1643, called “The book of five rings”, the guide to swordsmanship and it’s still used and read today in modern Japan (Answers, 2007). These are very small but powerful impacts on Japans society. Swordsman ship and martial arts are one of the most popular forms of pass time in Japan and it’s also a beautiful art to learn. The Samurai warriors are one of the great treasures of Japan, their beliefs and actions have brought great pride to the Japanese people. They have given Japan a national identity and helped to define their culture, and thus enriching their sense of who they are as people.