The samurai is a significant figure in Japan's history, akin to the knight in Europe.
There's a mix of history and myth surrounding samurai culture.
Aim of the presentation: to explore the samurai from a historical perspective.
Mention of collaboration with the Herald of History.
Terminology
Samurai and Bushi:
Two primary terms referring to warriors in Japan.
Samurai: Derives from "saburau" (to serve).
First mention in the 10th century in the Kokinsho.
Became pronounced as "samurai" around the 16th-17th centuries.
Bushi: First appeared in Shoku Nihongi (8th century).
Bushi denotes a warrior class member, while samurai refers to military elites.
Historical Context
Emergence of Samurai
Samurai as members of the military elite.
Initially, warriors were aristocratic horse riders in the Kofun period.
First samurai emerged during the Heian period (794-1185).
They were originally mounted archers; the use of saber became common later.
Samurai in Society
By the Edo period (1603-1868), samurai represented 5% of the population (approx. 600,000 to 1 million).
Tokugawa Ieyasu's policies converted samurai to administrative roles in a time of peace.
Samurai values and culture persisted in society despite the reduction of their military role.
The Concept of Bushido
Bushido: The way of the warrior; emerged in the 17th century.
Initially, it began as various forms of warrior conduct and evolved into a moral code, influenced by Zen Buddhism, Shinto, and Neo-Confucianism.
Key texts:
Gorin no Sho (Treaty of the Five Rings) by Musashi (1645).
Hagakure by Tsunetomo (early 18th century).
Bushido: The Soul of Japan by Nitobe Inazo (1900), outlining the 7 virtues of bushido: uprightness, courage, benevolence, politeness, honesty, honor, loyalty.
Seppuku
Seppuku: Ritual suicide by disembowelment, practiced by samurai to restore honor.
Evolved over time; relevant in military failures, punishments, or loyalty to a lord.
The ritual became formalized, involving specific customs and an assistant (kaishakunin) to mitigate suffering.
Officially banned in 1868, but instances continued into the 20th century.
Life of a Samurai
Life experiences vary by era; Muromachi samurai faced constant war, while Edo samurai lived peacefully.
Samurai status passed down through generations.
Education included both physical training and moral/cultural education.
At around 12-20 years, young samurai participate in genpuku (coming-of-age ceremony).
Practice of wakashudo (relationship between older and younger samurai) was encouraged.
Samurai Equipment
Initially favored weapons: bow (yumi) during the Heian period.
Armor types:
O-yoroi (heavier armor for cavalry)
Do-maru (lighter armor for better mobility).
By the 14th century, the sword (daisho: katana and wakizashi) became primary.
Use of various weapons: naginata (polearm), yari (spear), and firearms, illustrating pragmatism in combat.
Conclusion
The samurai's legacy persists beyond their military function.
Historical complexities often contradict common stereotypes.
Acknowledge the idealization of samurai culture during peaceful times.
Acknowledgments
Thanks to Will for video editing; mention of the Herald of History for collaboration.
Presenter: Laurent Turcot from "History Will Tell Us".