The Age of the Warrior

1. The Age of the Warrior 10th Century Feudal Japan Ms. Burke | World Cultures

2. Warring States Period • c. 1400 – 1600 • Also known as the Sengoku Period • During this period, the Emperor was the figurehead ruler • Ceremonial, cultural, and religious power • Political power rested with the Shogun • Daimyo began fighting over power/land/wealth and the Shogun (their lord) lost control over them

3. Warring States Period • CHANGES IN JAPAN: • Trade with China began to grow • Economy developed • Use of money increased • Before – it was the barter system • Agricultural developments • All levels of the social structure wanted independence • Earthquakes and famines triggered armed rebellions b y farmers • They were tired of the heavy taxes

4. Warring States Period • Ended with a series of three warlords • Oda Nobunaga • Toyotomi Hideyoshi • Tokugawa Ieyasu • These men gradually unified Japan • Japan then entered into several centuries of peace under the Tokugawa Shogunate

5. Samurai Warriors • Samurai were also known as bushi and followed the “Way of the Warrior” or bushido • Rigid value system of discipline and honor • Lived and died in service to their lords • Male and female! • 10% of population

6. Nakano Takeko • 1847 – 1868 • Female warrior • Was injured in battle and asked her sister, Yuko, to behead her • Monument to her at Hokai Temple and honored

7. 4 Characteristics of Bushido 1. Frugality • No matter his wealth, the samurai lived simply with few comforts 2. Loyalty • The samurai unquestioningly followed and defended his warlord or emperor

8. 4 Characteristics of Bushido 3. Martial Arts Mastery • The samurai was an artist with his weapons, which include: • Katana: curved single-edged sword

9. Katana Worn in a samurai’s sash Usually 70 cm in length Made of Japanese steel – Tamahagane Polishing the blade takes between 1 – 3 weeks Banned in 1945, but people were allowed to start remaking them in 1953

10. 4 Characteristics of Bushido 3. Martial Arts Mastery • The samurai was an artist with his weapons, which include: • Yumi: long wooden bow with bamboo arrows

11. 4 Characteristics of Bushido 3. Martial Arts Mastery • The samurai was an artist with his weapons, which include: • Yari: steel-bladed spears

12. 4 Characteristics of Bushido 4. Honor Unto Death • If the samurai was defeated, badly wounded, or disgraced in battle, he could only restore his honor through the ritual of seppuku • Seppuku: suicide by slicing open own abdomen

13. End of the Samurai Emperor Meiji officially abolished the samurai in 1868

18. Shizoku • After the samurai were abolished in 1868, they became the Shizoku • Were not allowed to wear a katana (sword) in public • Could not execute anyone who disrespected them in public • The Shizoku were outlawed in 1947