Feudalism and Seppuku in Japanese Society

1. AIM: How did feudalism shape Japanese society? Do Now: Based on this document, what is seppuku and why would a samurai perform it? In the world of the warrior, seppuku was a deed of bravery that was admirable in a samurai who knew he was defeated, disgraced, or mortally wounded. It meant that he could end his days with his wrongdoing wiped away and with his reputation not merely intact but actually enhanced. The cutting of the abdomen released the samurai’s spirit in the most dramatic fashion, but it was an extremely painful and unpleasant way to die, and sometimes the samurai who was performing the act asked a loyal comrade to cut off his head at the moment of agony.

2. Japanese Feudalism • Feudalism: self-sufficient political/social structure of Japan. • Emperor – figurehead, no real power. • Shogun – local rulers with power & land. • Gave some of their land to the daimyo in exchange for loyalty. • Daimyo – large landowners. • Gave some of their land to the samurai in exchange for protection. • Samurai – warriors. • Gave protection to the lower class in exchange for food & services. • Bushido Code – “the way of the warrior” • Rules that the samurai had to live by. • Peasants, artisans & merchants. • Made up 4/5 of the population.

5. Aim/Goal: How did the Tokugawa Shogunate impact the history of Japan? Do Now: Give a definition of the following: Bushido Samurai Feudalism Tokyo Mt. Fuji

6. Order and Unity Under the Tokugawas • After the Mongol invasion, there was much fighting in Japan. • In 1600 a new daimyo, Tokugawa Ieyasu becomes the new Shogun. This shogunate rules until 1868.

7. What would the Shogun say?

8. Centralized Feudalism • Tokugawa wanted to end the warfare • Created a unified orderly society: • Daimyo and families had to live in Tokyo the Shogun could have access to them. • Needed permission to marry or repair their castles. • Only samurai were allowed to serve in the military or have a government job • Follow the traditions of bushido.

9. Edo Castle

10. Zen Buddhism flourishes under the Tokugawas • Buddhist monks taught the samurai about the religion. • Zen: meditation/devotion to duty • Zen shaped Japanese culture. • Men learned to express devotion to nature • People could seek enlightenment • Meditation and ritual • Valued: peace, simplicity and love of beauty

11. Zen Buddhist Temple • Zen monks were the leading scholars and artists of feudal Japan. This temple was a Zen monastery and a peaceful retreat for visiting shoguns seeking advice. • How does the setting of this temple reflect Zen values?

12. Primary Source Document • Perfect Serenity: Kenko, Zen Buddhist priest • “If we were never to fade away…but linger on forever in the world, how things would lose their power to move us! The most precious thing in life is its uncertainty. The May fly waits not for the evening, the summer cicada knows neither spring nor autumn. What a wonderfully unhurried feeling it is to live even a single year in perfect serenity. If that is not enough for you, you might live a thousand years, and still feel it was but a single nights dream We cannot live forever in this world.” • How do Kenko’s words reflect what you know about Buddhist beliefs?