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Samurai
The word samurai (侍, samurai?) Is generally used to de
scribe a variety of warriors of ancient Japan, but its real meaning is that of a military elite that ruled the country for hundreds of years.The origin of the samurai is dated in the tenth century and was strengthened at the end of Genpei Wars in the late twelfth century, when military rule was instituted under the guise of the Shogun, by which the Emperor of Japan fell to a mere shadow spectator of the political situation. His crowning moment came during the Sengoku period, a time of great instability and ongoing power struggles between the various clans exist, so this stage in the history of Japan is referred to as "period of warring states." The country's military leadership would continue at the hands of this elite institution to the Tokugawa shogunate in the seventeenth century by a powerful landowner samurai (called daimyo) called Tokugawa Ieyasu, who, paradoxically, becoming the highest authority to be appointed as Shogun, fought to reduce the privileges and status of the warrior class, a process that eventually culminated in their disappearance when the emperor returned to his role as ruler during the Meiji Restoration in the nineteenth century.
Historically, the image of a samurai was more related to that of an archer on horseback with a swordsman, and it was not until relative peace reigned when the sword acquired the importance that relate to today. In today's society, fantasy and reality of the samurai have become interlocked and idealized and their stories have been the basis of both novels, such as movies and cartoons.
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Etymology
Although there is no certainty the exact origin of the word
samurai (侍, 'samurai'?), Most historians agree that stems from a variation of the verb, in old Japanese, saburau which means "serve", so that the term derived saburai becomes "those who serve."The first record was found of the word samurai in the eighth century and was not applied with a martial character, but is used to refer to domestic servants who care for the elderly. The word eventually led to a military aspect and its meaning as we know it today originated with the gunkimono (军 记 物, 'gunkimono'?), A series of war stories of the twelfth century through which it has been possible to study the behavior methodology and appearance of the military elite.
The terms bushi (武士, 'bushi'?) And samurai (侍, 'samurai'?) Have been used interchangeably, but the difference is that the bushi word simply means "warrior" regardless of position or rank, while Samurai word refers to members of a military elite.
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History
Background
Kofun Era
During the Kofun period (250 - 530), the aristocratic class was composed of mounted warriors, who were buried with their weapons, armor, bronze mirrors and jewelry were often mounds that usually take the form of a keyhole. These graves were known as kofun (古坟, 'kofun'? Lit. "Ancient tomb" or "ancient tomb). It was also common place shaped clay figures of servants, animals and soldiers. These figures were known as haniwa (埴 轮, 'haniwa'?) And replaced them human sacrifices. The study of haniwa found, we can deduce that these aristocrats are the direct ancestors of those who will later be known as samurai, a term that was not officially coined to refer to the elite warrior class until the twelfth century.
During this period, Japan was closely related to war situations in Korea and China. During the year 400, an army of infantry came to the rescue of the Kingdom of Paekche, but suffered a major defeat at the hands of chivalry of the kingdom of Koguryo. This made them rethink seriously about how they developed their tactics of war. Although Japan and horses were used for work in the field, the training of these animals for war intensified, and the training of the riders. In 553, Paekche again sought the support of Japanese troops, but called for archers and cavalry, which shows the importance of these elements played in the wars of the time.
Asuka Era
In 602, Prince Kume led an expedition to Korea accompanied by 120 to 150 local chieftains, who held the title of Kuni or Miyatsuko. Each was accompanied by a personal army, depending on the richness of each soil. These troops formed what would become the prototype of a samurai army centuries later.
Armed conflicts continued to occur in China and Korea. At 618 the Tang Dynasty took power in China and joined the Korean kingdom of Silla to attack Paekche. The Japanese army sent three expeditions (in 661, 662 and 663) to help the kingdom of Paekche. During these expeditions were one of the worst defeats in its ancient history, losing 10,000 men and large boats and horses. Japan began to worry about an invasion by the new alliance between Silla and China. In 670 it was ordered a census of the population to recruit for the military elements. You can fortify the northern coast of Kyushu, fixed guards and beacons built on the shores of Tsushima Island and Iki Island.
The Japanese have forgotten the external war to the death of Emperor Tenji in the year 671. In 672 his two successors disputed the throne in the War Jinshin. After the victory of Emperor Tenmu in 684, he ordered all civilian and military officials dominated the martial arts. The successors of Emperor Tenmu culminated in the year 702 military reforms Taihō Code (大 宝 律令, Taihō-ritsuryō?), Which was achieved by a large army and stable under the Chinese system. Each heishi (soldier) was assigned to a second (regiment) during part of the year and the rest was devoted to farming. Each soldier was equipped with bows, a quiver and a pair of swords.
Establishm
ent of the imperial systemDuring this time, in the eighth century, the rulers of Yamato was ordered to put on record the myths as a form of legitimacy facing the population. The most important of these legends is that concerning the creation of Japan attributed to the kami Izanagi and Izanami. According to legend, these two would have been born three major kami, Amaterasu, the sun goddess and mistress of the heavens, Susanoo-god of the oceans, and Tsukuyomi-goddess of darkness and the moon. One day, discussed Amaterasu and Susanoo, Susanoo was so drunk, destroying everything in its path. Amaterasu was so frightened that he hid in a cave, refusing to leave, so that the world was deprived of light. In order to make her leave, a female kami, Ame-no-Uzume, made an obscene dance which was accompanied by laughter from the multitude of gods who were gathered in assembly. At the time Amaterasu asked what was happening, he said there was a more powerful kami so left the cave and gradually came closer to a mirror placed in front of her. She was so surprised to see his own reflection, which was blinded for a while and was just then took advantage to capture and illuminate the light returned to Earth, so that the mirror was part of the imperial regalia of Japan.
The second element of the three crown jewels of the Japanese is described later in the same legend. Susanoo was banished by the harm caused and as he wandered through the land of Izumo, heard that an eight-headed serpent called Yamata-no-Orochi, frightened villagers. Susanoo killed the snake getting drunk on sake and cut off their heads. In its tail was found a sword, he decided to give it to her sister in peace. This sword is the second icon from the imperial insignia.
The third and final logo is a jewel-shaped curve, which Amaterasu gave her grandson Ninigi when he was sent to the underworld to rule. The jewel in turn passed to his grandson, Emperor Jinmu, the first Japanese emperor. Thus, sponsored in popular belief, the rulers of Yamato legitimized the process by which Japan would be ruled by an imperial system, strongly supported by the Shinto belief.
Nara Era
With the birth of the State Unified Silla disappeared the threat of invasion from Korea to Japan, so that the Court of Nara focused on the Emishi (虾 夷, 'Emishi'? "Barbarians") living in northern Japan with whom had had several altercations. In 774 a major revolt broke out, known as the War of the Thirty-Eight Years, where Emishi used a system of guerrilla warfare and a curved blade sword, which had better performance when mounted, unlike the straight sword Army Court of Nara. It was not until 796, through Sakanoue Tamuramaro not, they succeeded finally overcome. Sakanoue received the title of Seii taishogun (征 夷 大 将军, 'Seii taishogun'? "Great General Calm of the Barbarians"), an expression which is then used to designate the leader of the samurai.
The system of recruitment of peasants ended in 792, recognizing that the main military force came from the chiefs and their soldiers, not peasants who had no proper training and discipline to the battlefields. This measure is reflected in the proclamation of a decree specifying that all kondei ("strong men") would be purely warriors, not commoners. Also had to belong to the same lineage of local landowners. The latter should have his service two grooms.
The Samurai in the Heian
By 860, you can see most of the features of the Samurai: horsemen skilled in the use of the bow, and the use of curved blade swords. These horse soldiers enjoyed the total confidence "Chrysanthemum Throne" and were responsible for the safety of the cities and to combat the riots to happen.
During the ninth century Japan suffered a severe economic decline due to various pests and famines. In the early tenth century there were numerous disturbances, riots and rebellions by the situation that existed. The government took the decision to grant extensive powers to local governors to raise troops and take action against the growing rebellion in accordance with what they saw fit, which gave the governors a huge political power. It is during this period that is documented for the first time the word "samurai", "those who serve" in a purely military context.
The first big test of stability of the system took place during the year 935 by a revolt led by Taira no Masakado Takamochi descendant of the Prince, whom the imperial authority had been sent to quell unrest in Kanto and he received the nickname "The Peacemaker '. At first the Heian court held that the incident involving Masakado was just a local incident until he came to proclaim "new emperor." Because of this, it sent a provincial army to quell their rebellion, killing beheaded in 940. At this time, due to their social origin, these warrior leaders begin to define a local aristocracy.
During this period, the most important political lineages were the Taira, the Minamoto and Fujiwara. Minamoto Yoriyoshi was involved in a major conflict of the era called the War Zenkunen or "war in the first nine years." This conflict lasted from 1051 to 1062, the first war that lived in the country since the fighting against Emishi. The incident began when Abe Yoritoki not descended from the clan member Emishi and Abe, the Court gave no taxes raised, so Yoriyoshi was sent to deal with it. Yoritoki Yoriyoshi and had reached a peaceful settlement but an internal conflict in the clan Yoritoki Abe took place and was killed. With this fact declaring war between Abe no Sadato, Yoritoki son, and the Minamoto. It was not until 1062 when Yoriyoshi Abe could beat the Battle of Kuriyagawa the head of the rebel leading up to Kyoto in triumph. Minamoto no Yoshii, Yoriyoshi son, stood next to his father throughout the conflict, gaining a reputation for military prowess. This earned him the nickname Hachimantarō or "the first born son of Hachiman, the god of war."
In the year of 1083 an armed conflict break out again in the Minamoto tha
t would be involved, now Gosannen war or "war of the last three years," caused by differences between the leaders of the ancient clans and Kiyowara Minamoto allies. After a fierce battle of three years in which the Court refused to assist the Minamoto, they were able, however, finally come out victorious. When Yoshii attended Kyoto in order to find a reward, the Court refused, and even scolded him back taxes he owed, which begins with a clear gap between them. Meanwhile, their rivals, the Taira, increasingly enjoyed a better relationship with them because of their exploits in the West. The rivalry between the Minamoto and Taira clans grew and became increasingly evident. In 1156 there was a conflict between two clans, when Minamoto no Yoshitomo joined Taira no Kiyomori against his father Minamoto no Tametomo Tameyoshi and his brother, during the Rebellion Hōgen. The battle was brief and final Tametomo Tameyoshi was executed and was punished with banishment.In 1160 there was another confrontation known as the Heiji Rebellion, where Kiyomori Yoshitomo faced. Taira clan's victory was so decisive that the Minamoto clan members fled to try to save themselves. The Taira were persecuted and Yoshitomo was captured and executed. Members of the original branch of the Minamoto family, there were only a few, being almost completely destroyed. Kiyomori Taira in 1167 received the title of Emperor Daijō Daijin (Great Minister), which was the highest rank that could grant the emperor, so he became the de facto ruler of the country.
Genpei Wars
Genpei Wars were a series of civil wars staged again by the most influential clans of the country's political scene: the Taira and Minamoto. These wars took place between 1180 and 1185. In 1180, the country exploded in two separate rebellions and starring two different generations of the Minamoto clan, in Kyoto by veteran Yorimasa Minamoto and the Izu Province by the young Minamoto no Yoritomo. Both revolts were put down with relative ease, first forcing Kantō Yoritomo to escape, while Yorimasa was defeated at the Battle of Uji, where he committed seppuku before being captured.
After two years during which both sides staged minor skirmishes, the Taira decided to deal with Minamoto no Yoshinaka, Yoritomo's cousin, in 1183, to prevent it could help him. Yoshinaka defeated the Taira in the Battle of Kuriko his army and he
aded toward the place where Yoritomo. Yoshinaka's armies and finally found Yoritomo at the Battle of Uji in 1184. Yoshinaka lost the battle and tried to flee but was caught in Awazu, where he was beheaded. With this victory, the main branch of the Minamoto focus its efforts to defeat its main enemies, the Taira. Yoshitsune led the army of the clan on behalf of his elder brother Yoritomo, who was in Kamakura. Finally, at the Battle of Dan no Ura rose Minamoto victory. His brother Yoritomo considered a threat and a rival, so that his men chased Yoshitsune until he won the Battle of Koromogawa in 1189, where the latter committed suicide.Minamoto no Yoritomo in 1192 proclaimed himself Shogun, a title which until then had been temporary. This was instituted as a permanent fixture shogunate, which lasted about 700 years until the Meiji Restoration. With the new position of shogun, the emperor became a mere spectator of the political and economic situation of the country, while the samurai become the de facto rulers.
Kamakura Shogunate
After just three shoguns of the Minamoto clan, the country returned to live a civil war. The Hojo clan had usurped the regency to the Minamoto. For this reason, in 1219 the Emperor Go-Toba, seeking to restore the imperial power that they enjoyed before the establishment of the shogunate, Hōjō accused of outlaws. The imperial troops were mobilized, resulting in Jōkyū War (1219 - 1221), which culminate in the Third Battle of Uji. During this, the imperial troops were defeated and exiled Emperor Go-Toba. With the defeat of Go-Toba's government confirmed the country's samurais.
Mongol invasions of Japan
After Kublai Khan claimed the title of Emperor of China
, decided to invade Japan for the purpose of submitting to his rule. This would be the first time that the samurai could measure the forces of foreign enemies. On the other hand, the latter did not feel any interest in Japanese traditional form of warfare.The first invasion took place in 1274, when Mongolian troops landed on Hatake (now Fukuoka). The sounds of drums, bells and war cries frightened the horses of the samurai. During this battle the Japanese troops faced a very different technique in the use of the bow that were used, since the Mongols were shooting at long distances and at the same time generate "clouds of arrows" unlike the solitary shot and a short carried away by the Japanese archers. Another big difference between the two forms of combat was the use of catapults by the Mongol army. During the evening of that same day, a strong storm inflicted serious damage to the invading fleet so they decided to return to Korea to rearm its military. After the withdrawal of the enemy, the Japanese took a series of preventive measures, such as building walls in the vulnerable points of the coast as well as the implementation of a guard.
Samurai Mongol incursions on ships during the invasion of 1281.
The second invasion attempt took place in 1281. Th
e samurai carried out raids on enemy ships from small ponds that only had the capacity to carry twelve warriors in an effort to prevent the landing of troops on the coasts. After a week of fighting, an imperial envoy was sent to ask Amaterasu, the sun goddess, to intercede for them. A typhoon swept through the Mongol fleet that sank almost in its entirety. This gave rise to the myth of the Kamikaze (神 风, lit. "Divine Wind"?), Considered as a sign that Japan was chosen by the gods and, therefore, they are responsible for their safety and survival. The few survivors decided to retire and thus the country would never face a large-scale invasion until several centuries later.Restoration Kenmu
In the early fourteenth century, the Hojo clan faced
a new imperial restoration attempt, now under the figure of Emperor Go-Daigo. When Hōjō heard of this, sent an army from Kamakura, but the emperor fled before they arrived, taking with him the imperial insignia. Emperor Go-Daigo fled to Kasagi between warrior monks who welcomed him and prepared for a possible attack.After attempts at negotiation by Hōjō with Emperor Go-Daigo to abdicate and the refusal of it, decided to take the throne to another member of the imperial family. However, due to Go-Daigo had taken the imperial regalia, they could not perform the ceremony. It is at this moment that the figure becomes important Masashige Kusunoki and popularity, not only for his military prowess but by the unconditional support offered to the emperor. This example in the end serve as a reference and model for future Samurai. Masashige fought for Emperor Go-Daigo from Yamashiro (castle in the mountains). Although his army was not very large, the topography of the place was offered an extraordinary defense. The castle finally fell in 1331, so Masashige decided to flee to continue after the fight. The emperor was captured and taken to the headquarters of the Hōjō located in Kyoto and later be exiled to the island of Oki. The Hojo attempted to end the army led by Masashige, who built another castle in Chihaya even with better defenses than the previous, so the Hojo were detained. The strong defense of Masashige motivated Go-Daigo to return to the scene again in 1333. On hearing the Hōjō his return, decided to send one of his top generals after: Ashikaga Takauji. Ashikaga at that time decided it would be more beneficial for him and his clan allied with the faction of the emperor. For this reason, decided to launch the attack along with his army headquarters at the Hojo Rokuhara.
The blow dealt to the betrayal of Ashikaga had serious consequences for the regents, his army being severely undermined. The power of the Hojo clan finally died out in the same year of 1333, when a warrior named Nitta Yoshisada supporters joined the imperial and increased its strength. Nitta and his army went to Kamakura and defeated the Hojo.
Ashikaga shogunate
After helping the emperor to return to the throne, Ashikaga Takauji expected to receive a substantial reward for his services. However, because it considered that it offered was not enough, decided to rebel. The Ashikaga were descendants of the Minamoto clan, so they could access the imperial throne. For this reason, the emperor decided to act quickly and sent an army against Takauji, following him to Kyushu. Takauji was never defeated and returned to the scene in 1336. Masashige The emperor sent troops to confront rebels in Minatogawa (now Kobe), resulting in a decisive victory for Takauji. In this situation, Masashige decided to commit seppuku. At this time the shoguns appointed his own emperor, so for the next fifty years there would be two imperial courts, the Southern Court in Yoshino and the Northern Court in Kyoto. This conflict became known as Nanbokuchō (南北朝, 'Nanbokuchō'? Literally, "Cortes South and North).
It was not until 1392 and thanks to the diplomatic skills of one of the greatest rulers in the history of Japan, the Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, the two lineages were reconciled. Yoshimitsu was also a great promoter of the arts. This was reflected in the Kinkaku-ji (金 阁 寺, 'Kinkaku-ji'? Temple of the Golden Pavilion), which ordered the building during his tenure.
Sengoku period
After a brief period of relative stability, it created a political vacuum during the shogunate of Ashikaga Yoshimasa, grandson of the famous Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. Yoshimasa used to spend all his time to art and cultural issues, so completely disregarded the economic and political situation in the country. Because of this, opportunistic landowners began an internal struggle for power and land, taking to themselves the title of daimyo (大名, 'daimyo'? Lit. "Big names"). This period of Japanese history, between 1467 and 1568, is known as the Sengoku Period (戦 国 时代,, Sengoku jidai?) Or "warring states period." It is precisely in this climate of instability and armed conflict, in which the Samurai have their greater participation.
Among the most important figures of this period we have to Takeda Shingen and Uesugi Kenshin, whose legendary rivalry has inspired several literary works. The armies of Shingen and Kenshin fought the famous Battle of Kawanakajima. Although some of them were mere skirmishes, the Fourth Battle of Kawanakajima was very important.
This excessive internal struggle with the desire to gain more power and land, was only a matter of time before a powerful daimyo tried to get to Kyoto to seek to overthrow the shogun, what happened in 1560. Imagawa Yoshimoto marched to the capital accompanied by a great army with the aim of overthrowing the then leader. However, did not deal with the troops of Oda Nobunaga, a secondary daimyo who outnumbered twelve to one in the number of soldiers. Yoshimoto, confident of its military power, used to celebrate the victory even before finishing the battle. Oda Nobunaga was able to attack by surprise during one of his famous celebrations in the Battle of Okehazama. When Yoshitomo left his shop because of the scandal that was struck and killed on the spot. Nobunaga then became a secondary character to a prominent figure of the period. In 1568 Nobunaga went to Kyoto and removed the Shogun. This marked the beginning of what is known as Azuchi-Momoyama period.
Azuchi-Momoyama period
Oda Nobunaga was famous for introducing and training soldiers ashigaru (足 軽, light feet?) In the use of muskets. This would radically change the way the war was made in Japan. The most representative battle is the Battle of Nagashino, the Oda forces defeated the legendary and feared Takeda cavalry by using firearms. From this time his employment is again typical of the battlefield and was considered a vital factor for victory.
Nobunaga was very close to unify the country, but in 1582 he was betrayed by one of his leading generals, Akechi Mitsuhide and forced to commit seppuku in the temple Honna. This event is known as the "Incident Honna-ji." Toyotomi Hideyoshi, one of Nobunaga's top generals, avenged the death of his master by defeating Mitsuhide at the Battle of Yamasaki, rising with the authority of the deceased Nobunaga. After the Battle of Shizugatake, Toyotomi continued with the task of unifying the country. However, because of his humble origins, was never appointed to the title of shogun.
It defines the role of samurai
Hideyoshi, who finally is defined figure of the samurai, as orders and defines the guidelines for training, discipline and specialization of the troops. Ashigaru soldiers were trained in the use of the naginata as the musket. An edict proclaimed in 1588, known as "sword-hunt", sought to formally separate samurai soldiers and peasants, so they confiscated their weapons. Another edict of 1591 ends to separate and distinguish between the social classes of the samurai and the peasants. Unlike the historical type of recruitment done in the past, where peasants took up arms for some periods of the year and the remainder devoted to their work in the field, emphasizes the expertise of the members of the military.
Hideyoshi invasions of Korea
Hideyoshi, and as a leading figure in the country, called the principal daimyo to two invasions of Korea. The first invasion began in 1592 and only twenty days after the landing of Japanese troops in the Korean coast, and had taken Seoul. Korea requested support from the Ming dynasty, the rulers of China, to which they responded by sending a large army. The samurai then faced adverse conditions and were met with fierce resistance from both civilians and irregular, among whom were Buddhist monks, warriors, peasants and even women. After several defeats on land and water, Hideyoshi decided to withdraw its troops.
However the first failure, Hideyoshi held a second invasion in the year 1598. In this campaign, showed a higher resistance than the first time. Hideyoshi died as troops were in Korea. These, upon hearing the news, they decide to return immediately to Japan, finally abandoning the idea of conquering that nation.
Tokugawa Shogunate
Before his death, Hideyoshi was named the "Council of Five Regents" in order that they were to govern until his death and Hideyori his son was old enough to take over the country. Tokugawa Ieyasu had served first under the command of Oda Nobunaga and then under the orders of Hideyoshi himself. Had also been named one of "five regents." This character began to challenge the government itself, which culminated in the Battle of Sekigahara. In this event, Tokugawa and his "Army of the East" were victorious. Tokugawa was a descendant of the Minamoto clan, and he was named Shogun in 1603, by Emperor Go-Yōzei.
Siege of Osaka
The last real threat to the government of Ieyasu was the figure of Hideyori Toyotomi, who was now a young daimyo who occupied the Osaka Castle. Many samurai who opposed Ieyasu united around Hideyori claiming he was the rightful governor of the country. Ieyasu ordered him to leave the castle, so they began to recruit supporters. The Tokugawa, under the leadership of Ōgosho (大 御所, shogun cloistered?) Shogun Ieyasu and Hidetada led a large army to the castle in what is known as "The Winter Campaign of Osaka." The siege began on 19 November, when Ieyasu led three thousand men through the Kizu River, destroying the fort that was there. A week later, the people of Imafuku attacked with 1,500 men against a defense force of 600. With the help of an army equipped with muskets, shogun forces won another victory. Other small forts and villages were attacked before the siege of Osaka castle itself begin on 4 December.
The Sanada-maru was an enclave defended by Sanada Yukimura and 7,000 men, aligned with the Toyotomi. Shogun's armies were repeatedly repelled, and Sanada and his men launched a number of attacks against siege lines, breaking three times. Ieyasu then resorted to artillery, carrying 300 guns, along with other men to dig under the walls. On 22 January, the winter siege ended. Toyotomi Hideyori called to prevent a rebellion, and agreed to the fill in the castle moat and outer walls collapsed.
After Hideyori began to dig again the castle moat, the castle was besieged, in what is known as "Summer Siege of Osaka." Finally, after the decisive Battle of Tennōji 1615, the castle fell under the army of the Tokugawa and the defenders were killed, including Sanada Yukimura, Hideyori, her mother and Kinimatsu Yodogimi, the son of Hideyori of just eight years. Hideyori's wife, Senhime (granddaughter of Ieyasu) was returned to his family safe. With Toyotomi finally exterminated, and there were no threats to the rule of the Tokugawa Japan. It was this last battle in which Ieyasu participate actively.
Samurai action against
From the time Ieyasu established the Tokugawa shogunate, initiated a process to remove social and legal status of the samurai class. Similarly, established the social class of the soldiers ashigaru as a range lower than that of the samurai. During this period, most samurai lost their direct possession of the land and they raised two choices: lay down their arms and become farmers or to move to the main city of the fief and become paid servants of the daimyo. Only a few samurai remained in the outer provinces of the north as direct vassals of the shogun. These samurai were known as "the 5,000 hatamoto."
Edo period samurai armor. Emphasizes his weapon, a Kanab.
In 1650, the shogunate issued a law which forbade duels be
tween samurai. In 1690 the practice was formally banned in martial arts. With this scenario, the skill in the use of the bow, spear and sword suffered a severe decline.With the measures taken by the government, many samurai were devoted to the field and making crafts. Some became ronin (浪人, 'ronin'? Lit. "Wave man '), ie masterless samurai. Many others have embarked on trafficking, smuggling and theft of goods in ports and at sea, which also ended in the year 1639 with the edict of "Closed Borders." By this edict sought to control and prevent the influence of foreigners, mainly Catholic missionaries, considered by the government as "subversives."
Complaints to the figure of the samurai during this period were common, as evidenced by the following quote from Ogyu Sorai (1666-1728):
They walk around town with that menacing and are opening the way to pushing.
With their strength, they repress people and create disorder in society [...] Just studying war stories and methods of warfare. Perhaps they believe that the world is only Warrior to show off some professional skills.
[Ogyu Sorai]
Another criticism of the samurai character is described by Murata Seifu (1746-1811):
[...] The sword hanging from his belt is the only thing that reminds you are samurai.
[Murata Seifu]
Meiji Restoration
The mandatory openness that suffered Japan after Commodore Perry appeared in Edo Bay in 1853 disrupted the country's political situation. Several nationalist groups began to pressure the government in an effort to keep out of the borders to foreigners. The slogan Sonnō jōi (尊王攘夷, 'Sonnō jōi'? "Revere the Emperor, Expel the Barbarians") became a political movement to overthrow the Tokugawa shogunate under the pretext of revenge for the "warmth" with which he responded to the "foreign threat." For the first time in many centuries, the Emperor of Japan, under the figure of the Emperor Komei, took a leading role in national politics, joining the diverse group of samurai relegated to the political. The pressure inside the country led to the shogun to take the decision to break relations with foreigners. This prompted traders from various European countries were killed and consequently triggered a series of hostilities, including the bombardment of Shimonoseki.
Death to both the emperor and the shogun were virtually simultaneous. The successor to the late Tokugawa shogun Iemochi, Tokugawa Yoshinobu, took office in mid-1866. Meanwhile, Mutsuhito, the second son of Emperor Komei, who died in 1867, became the new Emperor Meiji. Yoshinobu tried in vain to make the necessary adjustments to avoid a clear conflict with the pro-imperialist forces, which had the Chosu and Satsuma clans as leaders. However, increasing the possibility of inner conflict, decided to resign in 1868. This ended the Tokugawa bakufu or shogunate.
Forces that sought to restore the figure of the shogun took up arms, so that a civil war known as Boshin War took place between 1868 and 1869. Again, both samurai and ronin made their appearance on both sides, until finally the pro-imperialist forces up the win. Now with the war won, the Meiji Emperor began to modernize the country. It reopened on foreign trade, bought weapons, ships and copied the military organization of the European powers. It abolished the privileges of the samurai class, so the nationalists, who had initially supported the emperor and the philosophy of Sonnō jōi, felt betrayed.
The Last Samurai
The abrupt and massive changes as in Japanese culture, as in the case of clothing, they found the samurai as a betrayal of jōi, part of Sonnō jōi, which had served to justify the expulsion of the Tokugawa shogunate. Saigo Takamori, one of the older leaders in the Meiji government was particularly concerned about the growing political corruption. After a series of disputes with the government, resigned and retired to the Satsuma domain. There he established schools where all students taking a training and instruction in tactics of war. News about Saigō academies were received with great concern in Tokyo. The government had to face some small but violent samurai revolts in Kyushu, and the number of supporters it had in the Satsuma region was alarming.
On February 12, 1877, Saigo met with their landlords and Kirino Toshiaki Shinohara Kunimoto and announced his intention to go to Tokyo for talks with the government. His troops began to advance, and the February 14 advanced arrived in Kumamoto Prefecture. General Tateki Tani, commander of the Kumamoto Castle, it had 3,800 soldiers and 600 policemen at his disposal. Since many of his men were of Kyushu and many in turn originating from Kagoshima (Saigō hometown) decided not to risk defections and betrayals and remained on the defensive.
Representation of the Battle of Shiroyama.
On 19 February at 13:15 the first shots were made by th
e defenders of the castle, at the time Satsuma units tried to force entry to it. On 22 February the main army arrived and attacked Satsuma Kumamoto Castle in a pincer movement. The battle continued until evening and Imperial forces who had come to meet him were dropped. Even with the win, the Satsuma army could not take the castle and realized that conscripts that made up the imperial forces were not as inefficient as they had supposed at first. After two days of fruitless attack, Satsuma forces dug around the castle and tried to besiege. During the siege, many of the ex-samurai Kumamoto defected to the side of Saigo, increasing its forces around 20,000 men. Meanwhile, on March 9, Saigo, Kirino and Shinohara were stripped of their offices and official titles from Tokyo. However, Saigo argued that there was a traitor, but just wanted to take away the emperor the bad influences of wrong and corrupt advisers.
The main contingent of the Imperial Navy under the command of General Kuroda Kiyotaka and with the assistance of General Hiroshi Yamakawa, arrived in Kumamoto in support of the occupants of the Castle on 12 April. This made the Satsuma troops, who were now in complete disadvantage, fled. After a constant chase, samurai Saigo and others were pushed back to Kagoshima, where he would conduct the final battle, the Battle of Shiroyama. The Imperial Army troops commanded by General Yamagata Aritomo and marines commanded by Admiral Kawamura Sumiyoshi forces Saigō exceeded sixty to one. The imperial troops spent seven days to build and develop systems of dams, walls and obstacles to prevent them escaping. Five warships joined the power of artillery and reduced Yamagata rebel positions. After Saigō rejected a letter requesting their surrender, Yamagata ordered a frontal attack on September 24, 1877. By 6 am, only 40 rebels were still alive and Saigo was mortally wounded. His supporters argue that one of them, Beppu Shinsuke acted as Saigō Kaishakunin and helped to commit seppuku before he could be captured. After the death of Saigo, Beppu and the last samurai standing raised their swords and went downhill to the imperial position, until the last of them fell by the Gatling machine gun fire. With these deaths, the Satsuma rebellion came to an end.
Saigo Takamori was labeled as "tragic hero" by the people on February 22, 1889 and the Emperor Meiji pardoned Saigo post mortem in 1891. Today is considered by some historians as the real last samurai.
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Family ties and loyalty to the daimyo vassals were extremely strong, and it was these factors that governed the structure of a samurai army. Anyone born in a house of warriors were trained from childhood to make it a worthy representative of his ancestors. On the other hand, alliances between clans represented the weakest links and across repeated episodes in history where a clan betrayed his "ally" to the moment of the battle.
Until the mid-sixteenth century, the common organization of a samurai army was almost the same: the end of campaigns, the army was dissolved and the vast majority of samurai ashigaru and some returned to their farm work. It was not until the Sengoku period daimyo that some sufficient resources maintained a standing army and sought a degree of specialization in the army, including infantry.
The hierarchical structure depended on factors such as birth, life and social servitude and military. At the apex of the pyramid were the daimyo and next to their close relatives and family were servants of the family for life, which served his master for many years, the next step was provided by the subjects, whether they had joined to their service or were forced after the defeat of their old masters. The Sengoku period ashigaru were on the top step and were divided into three sections according to the gun handle, and were muskets, spears or bows. There was also ashigaru dedicated to serving the various samurai, others were standard-bearers and some others were assigned to drums.
Recruitment
For much of the Sengoku period, it was expected that every samurai was ready to appear on the battlefield with their weapons, armor and riding at the time of any conflict. You wanted each one to provide troops in the service of his master in line with the wealth of the manor to which they belonged. Thus the recruitment of the necessary troops fell to the samurai. The latter were carrying samurai or other laborers who left their land to become ashigaru.
When we had to assemble the army, notifying them of the date and place where would review. Each ashigaru gathered their weapons and armor waiting for the bell to horagai (shell trumpet), drum or bells, which indicate the time to leave. At the point agreed upon, the samurai was reviewing them. From that point would march together to perform at the castle and join the rest of the army.
Japanese castle
One aspect of vital importance throughout the history of the samurai were the castles. The first fortifications in Japan were hardly what people associate with "castles" because they were developed almost exclusively with wood. Relied much more on the natural defenses and the topography of the site (such as rivers, lakes, etc.). That anything created by man, and preferred to put on top of the mountains. This type of construction, known as kōgoishi and chiyashi, not built for the long term, so that the natives of the archipelago built these fortifications and were subsequently abandoned.
Yamato's inhabitants began to build cities at the beginning of the seventh century, expanding the palace complex is surrounded on four sides by walls and impressive gates. Wooden fortifications were built along the country to defend the territory of the Emishi, the Ainu and other groups. Unlike their predecessors, these buildings were relatively more durable and were built during peacetime.
Towards the end of the Heian period the birth of the samurai class dramatically influenced the construction of castles. This was because not only is planning his position with the idea of defending the country from external attacks, but since that time, various clans had to take care of each other. The beginning of the form and style of what today are considered stereotypical "classic" Japanese castles emerged at this time. The so-called jōkamachi (城 下町 'jōkamachi'? Lit. "Town under castle") also appeared, grew and developed. Despite the progress in construction, most of the castles of the period remained the same shape of the wooden fortifications centuries ago, only a bit longer and more complex. Similarly sought to place them on top of the mountains, so this castle is known as Yamashiro (山城, "Yamashiro '?" Castle mountain "). It was not until the last 30 years of this period of war where drastic changes would be developed.
Unlike Europe, where the widespread use of the g
uns ended the era of castles in Japan, the introduction of firearms, ironically, was an incentive for improvement and development. Azuchi Castle, whose construction was completed in 1576 was the first example of new types of castles. These new buildings were built larger and situated on a large base of rock known as musha-gaeshi (武者 返し 'musha-gaeshi'?). Thanks to these rules the castles to better resisted the earthquakes common in Japan. Also designed with a concentric arrangement and also had a high central tower. Additionally, castles began to be built on flat surfaces, instead of heavily forested mountains. Such was the importance of these new castles, both the Fushimi-Momoyama Castle Hideyoshi, as Nobunaga's Azuchi castle gave its name to this short period, Azuchi-Momoyama period, "during which these castles to use flourished military.When siege weapons were used in Japan, were more frequently seen trebuchets or catapults Chinese style and were used almost exclusively as anti-personnel weapons. No records had been set goal of destroying the walls, and this was seen as "more honorable" and tactically advantageous to the defender out of the castle to fight the battle. When the battles were not resolved in this way, the efforts summarized in preventing the castle to receive supplies. This could take years, which involved surrounding the castle with a large enough force until it obtained the surrender. An example of this was the siege that Nobunaga made the castle guarded by the Ikko Ikki, a kind of warrior monks who endured no less than eleven years, the constant attack.
Azuchi Castle was destroyed ten years after the completion of its construction, but began a new era in how to build castles. Among the castles built in subsequent years was Hideyoshi's Osaka Castle, completed in 1583. It incorporated the new features and philosophy of building Azuchi Castle, but bigger, better positioned and stronger.
Some powerful families not only controlled a castle but a series
of castles, where the chief was called Honjo and castles Shijō satellite. Although castles were generally Shijō every sense of the word, they were often wooden buildings or land. Usually, fire lights, taiko drums or shells were used for communication between the castles at great distances. Castle Odawara Hojo family and its satellite network was one of the most powerful examples of system-Shijō Honjo, the Hōjō controlled much land, that a hierarchy of sub-satellites had to be created.The castles of the Edo period became luxurious residences of the daimyo and their families. They also served to protect against internal insurgencies or survey of the villagers. To counter the power of the daimyo, the Tokugawa shogunate enacted a series of regulations limiting the number of castles have one, with few exceptions, which stopped its construction. Throughout history many castles would be destroyed, either as part of the Meiji Restoration or bombing during World War II. In reality, very few of the current Japanese castles are the original and reconstructed castles dominate the steel and concrete in modern times.
When the Tokugawa Shogunate issued the edict of sankin kotai or "Presence Alternative", it was stipulated that women and children of each daimyo had to stay in the Yashiki (屋 敷, manor house?). The latter were located on the outskirts of Edo Castle, and its proximity was governed by the range of each family, the most senior and trusted were closer to the castle. Yashiki This system was soon adopted by the daimyo in their own respective province under the same system.
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Armor and clothing
Armor
The first armor, found by excavations in kofun, given names of tank (锻钢, "Tank"?). Were made of solid iron, armor plates were attached to each other with leather straps and were specifically designed to be used up. To protect the lower body, the warriors wore a dirndl kusazuri call. Shoulders and forearms were covered with curved plates reaching to the elbow. Since that time, the metal surface was covered with lacquer laminated to protect the climate, as would apply to later models. The unique feature was that part of town was shaped front hood, plus iron teeth at the top which was intended to hold pheasant feathers. Later we designed a type of armor laminar, which is known as Keiko (携 行, 'Keiko'?), Which in turn spawned the style yoroi (铠, 'yoroi'?), Which is the classic samurai armor. Because if the armor was made entirely of iron had a considerable weight, only pieces of the metal used in areas where more protection was needed and the rest of the armor pieces alternated iron with leather. On average, a yoroi had an approximate weight of 30 kg and provided good protection.
The armor covered the body was called do and was the basis of this defensive clothing. Over the centuries there was a "tendency to replace the armor yoroi a call do-maru. The latter emerged as the evolution of the armor of soldiers, much easier and more comfortable at the time of the fight on the ground. The armor developed in the sixteenth century is known as tosei gusoku (当 世 具足 'tosei gusoku'?) Or "modern armor." Its characteristic feature is that they were added protections for the face, thigh and sashimono, which was a small flag on the back.
Clothing
In the battlefield
Underneath the armor or your own clothes, underwear used by the samurai was known as fundoshi (褌, 'fundoshi'?), Which was a kind of loincloth made of linen or cotton. On the battlefield, the samurai used socks known as tabi, some strappy sandals or zori waraji calls and, sometimes, a pair of geta (shoes like clogs). The first section that were put Suneate (脛 当て 'Suneate'?) Or shin guards, plus a haidate or guards on the thighs. The latter became famous until the Sengoku period, when kusazuri (protections for antemuslo) decreased. Gloves were used also called yugake, along with the kote (小 手, 'kote'? Sleeves) to protect hands and arms. A uwaobi (上 帯 'uwaobi'?)-Or outer-belt kept the entire set of clothes and armor together. To protect your neck using a nodowa. You can put a hachimaki (鉢巻き, 'hachimaki'?) Around the head to receive the weight of Kabuto (兜, 'Kabuto'? Helmet).
Some samurai accustomed to use some type of mask to protect his face, which were known as Hoat. These could be full or half-mask that protected right under the eyes, and might or might not include a nosepiece. The samurai of high rank often carry also a jinbaori (阵 羽 织, 'jinbaori'? Dust) that put on the armor. These are not usually used in combat, but within the camp to take a ceremonial touch to the meeting, and to reflect the importance of character the wearer.
The kimono was essential in Japanese dress, wearing a Jimbo Wales here in Kyoto.
Normal clothes
The final evolution of armor took place during the Edo period when wars stopped so the armor then became lavish gifts and are only used in the castles. The typical was the hakama and kimono, while for more formal occasions using a jacket on the hakama called kataginu, which combined are known as kamishimo.
In situations of great importance, for example, in an interview with the shogun, daimyo would expect a dress a nagabakama, extremely long pants that dragged on the ground.
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Weapons
Cutting blade
The Nihonto, more commonly known in the West as a katana, is the weapon most closely associated with the samurai and even came to be considered during the Edo period as "the soul of the samurai." A samurai sword never left, even in peacetime. The best gift you could receive a retainer of the daimyo was part of a sword forged by a celebrated master. However, it is notable that for most of Japanese history, the main weapons were the bow and spear. It was not until the war ended the sword acquired the reputation it has today.
The soldiers first used by Yamato swords were straight, some with bulb-shaped handle and were known as "mallet-headed sword." Others, such as the so-called Korean swords "were ring-shaped handle ending with the appearance of the silhouette of an animal. These arms measured 90 cm on average.
The tachi was the classic samurai sword with the bla
de hanging down. This type of sword was to be unsheathed with both hands, so one has to allow the bow to use. Later he managed to develop the katana, which, together with the wakizashi, were known as daisho (大小, 'daisho'? Lit. "Great and small"). When a samurai wearing full armor, the katana with the blade hanging down and the wakizashi was sometimes replaced by a little, which came to be regarded as one of the most important weapons in the battlefield. It was said that a good sword should be capable of two things: cut seven bodies stacked one above the other and be sharp enough so that the dip in the water could cut a water lily floating on the surface.Representation of Ishi-jo, Yoshio Oboshi wife, one of the 47 ronin carrying a naginata.
The impressive strength of the katana was due to its curvature, which made it possible that the cut produced could even sever the bone of the opponent. Since it must grasp with both hands, the bearer of the sword had to be placed at right angles with respect to the enemy. The samurai did not use any shield for protection, because the katana was a defensive and offensive weapon at the same time. Because of its high strength, could hit the opponent's weapon to deflect the attack and immediately deliver a mortal blow. Because of all t
hese characteristics, it is no exaggeration that many historians claim that the katana is superior to swords designed for other cultures.Another type of sword was nodachi developed, known as the "sword of campaign." This had an extra-long blade and appeared in the early sixteenth century. There are few records of this weapon was used effectively in the field of battle, because, due to its weight, the carrier must have great physical strength to wield it up, especially if he behaved as he rode. Most of the records document that this type of swords were created for the purpose of serving as offerings to shrines and temples.
The naginata (a type of longsword) is the weapon mentioned in the chronicles samurai. It consisted of a curved blade mounted on a wooden handle and its appearance resembled that of the Chinese halberds. The naginata was a very versatile weapon, and that she could hit, stab or slash the enemy. The Sohei, a kind of warrior monks, were recognized by the degree of specialization reached submitted.
Another weapon was the yari appellant, a kind of Japanese releases appeared as the weapon used by infantry troops during the fifteenth century. One type of yari, yari known as mochi, also spent part of the arsenal of the samurai.
Thrown
During most of the history of the samurai, the Japanese bow (yumi cal
led) was his weapon of choice and is only used to resort to the sword to bring down the horse and melee. The samurai used to be experts in the kyūba no michi "way of the bow and the horse." The bows used at that time largely resemble those currently used in Kyudo. The arch had to be raised to the height of the rider's head in order to shoot properly. The practice of horse and led to Yabusame arc, which is practiced today. The technique of using arc horse needed a lot of practice, and you could only shoot from the left side of the rider and had a firing angle of 45 degrees. This is complicated further if the rider wearing armor. [110] During the Sengoku period archery was combined with the use of ashigaru musketeers.During 1510, the samurai knew the gun metal and that same year, bought a gun Ujimasa Hōjō Chinese. For 1548, during the Battle of Uedahara, we recorded the use of firearms, which in one way or another use was widespread among the various clans. In 1543, Portuguese traders arrived in Japan seeking a trade. Among the items exchanged were the European muskets. Since 1549, various craftsmen developed the necessary technique to play these weapons and began manufacturing muskets called Japanese Teppo (鉄 炮, 'Teppo'? Lit. "Steel barrel). For 1553 the army of Oda Nobunaga and counted with 500 musketeers, which would demonstrate their effectiveness with the right tactics as shooting round used in the Battle of Nagashino. Although many samurai opposed to its implementation due to these new conditions, any soldier was in a position to kill a single shot to a trained and skilled
martial arts master (even if it was a humble ashigaru), its implementation is spread by throughout the country and became a typical element in the conflict.Note that the use of big guns will not spread or cause the same emotional impact that was experienced with the results of firearms. There are several records that mention the use of small guns which were obtained from European vessels adapted for use on the battlefield. However, because the tactics of war consisted of the demolition of fortresses, but rather in the siege and the fight in the open field, failed to develop techniques for producing large guns.
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Fighting techniques
During the life of the samurai, reigned two opposing types of organization. The first type was based army recruits at the beginning, during the Nara period, the armies of samurai armies were based on the type of recruits to the final Chinese infantry units composed ashigaru. The second type of organization was fighting samurai horse individually or in small groups.
At the beginning of the war were fired a series of bulb-headed arrows, which buzzed in the air. The purpose of these shots was to call the kami to witness the courage samples were about to unfold. After a brief exchange of arrows between both sides, they developed a contest called ikkiuchi (一 騎 討ち 'ikkiuchi'?), Where major rivals on both sides were facing. In such duels influenced many aspects such as rank, name, position within the army, etc. After these individual battles, it gave way to more fighting, usually by sending ground troops led by samurai on horseback. At the beginning of the samurai battles, it was an honor to be the first to enter battle. This changed in the Sengoku period with the introduction of the musket. At the beginning of the use of firearms, the method of combat was as follows: at first it was an exchange of musket fire at a distance of 100 meters or so, when was the right time to move ahead was ordered and the Lancers ashigaru last samurai attack, either on foot or horseback. The army chief used to be sitting on a folding chair inside a store called open semi maku, displaying their respective mon. As shown in the symbolism so strong that it represented another way of calling the shogunate was established by Minamoto Yoritomo, the term bakufu, meaning "government from the maku."
In the midst of the war, some samurai chose to dismount and seek to cut the head of a worthy rival. This act was considered an honor. Also, by earning it respect among the military. After the battle, the samurai of high rank usually held the tea ceremony, and the victorious general surveyed the heads of the most important members of the enemy that had been cut.
It is important to note that most battles were not resolved in the manner set forth above as idealistic, but most wars are won by surprise attacks, such as night raids, fires, etc. The renowned samurai Minamoto no assured Tamemoto:
According to my experience, nothing is more advantageous when crushing the enemy that a night attack [...]. If you set fire to three sides and close the passage through the room, people fleeing the flames will be shot down with arrows, and those looking to escape these can not escape the flames.
[Minamoto Tamemoto.]
Collection heads
Cut the head of a worthy rival in the battle field was a source of great pride and recognition. There was a ritual to beautify the severed heads: First was washed and combed and once done this, blackened teeth using a dye called ohaguro. The reason for blackening the teeth was that white teeth was a sign of distinction, so applying a dye to darken it was a metaphorical way of taking away a bit of it. Finally, the heads were carefully arranged on a table for display.
During Hideyoshi's invasions of Korea, was that the number of severed heads of enemies that had to be sent to Japan, which for logistical reasons, only the nose was posted. These were covered with salt and shipped in wooden barrels. These barrels were buried in a tomb near the "Great Buddha" of Hideyoshi, where they remain today under the misnomer of Mimizuka or "mound of ears."
Military formations
During the Azuchi-Momoyama period and with the introduction of firearms combat tactics changed dramatically. Military formations had taken poetic names, among which are:
* Ganko (birds in flight) .- It was a very flexible formation that allowed the troops adapted depending on the opponent's movements. The commander was situated in the rear, but near the center to avoid problems with communication.
* Hoshi (arrowhead) .- It was an aggressive training in which the samurai took advantage of the casualties inflicted by the firing of ashigaru. Signaling elements were close to major general commander.
* Saku (lock) .- The training was considered the best defense against the formation Hoshi, as two rows of musketeers and two goalkeepers were in position to receive the attack.
* Kakuyoku (wings of a crane) .- recurrent training in order to surround the enemy. Archers and musketeers enemy troops dwindled before the melee of the samurai while the second company around them.
* Koyaki (yoke) .- It is named after the yokes used in the horse. Was used to neutralize the attack "wings of a crane" and "arrowhead" and its purpose was to the forefront to absorb the first attack and give time for the enemy to reveal his next move before the second company which could react in time.
* Gyōrin (fish scales) .- It is frequently used to deal with much more numerous armies. Its purpose was to attack a single sector to break the enemy ranks.
* Engetsu (half moon) .- Training used when the army was not yet won but you had to make an orderly retreat to the castle. While the rear was down, the lead could still organized according to circumstances.
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Martial Arts
In every child who grew into a samurai family was expected that more was also a warrior, so much of his childhood was spent practicing various martial arts. A full samurai had to be right at least in the use of the sword, bow and arrow, spear, and later in the use of firearms. Similarly, they were instructed in the use of these weapons while riding. It was also expected that could swim and dive.
During Japan's feudal era, flourished various types of martial arts, known in Japanese by the name of bujutsu (武术, 'bujutsu'?). The term jutsu can be translated as 'method', 'art' or 'technical' and the name that has each is indicative of how they run. Control methods that are developed and perfected various
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Philosophy and culture
Bushido
During long periods of instability, the samurai is faced daily with the horrors of war and the possibility of his own death, so that very likely were aware of that risk. The classical precepts of bushido (武士道, lit. "Road Warrior"?) Were first compiled in a compendium called Hagakure early eighteenth century. It appeared some practical advice applicable to the conduct samurai and the subject of death is of central importance in the work.
The main difference between Bush and European chivalry is that, at first there is a total absence of courtly love. When women do appear in the heroic samurai stories, often as a response of self-immolation, as when he committed suicide because the castle in which they were falling into enemy hands.
The major tenet of bushido lay in the aspect of strengthening the idea that the samurai had of themselves as members of an elite than the rest of society. Ashigaru often referred to as "inferiors" and foreigners as "barbarians." Bushido also encouraged the leaders-including those of the country, to participate in armed conflict. It was assumed that every commander should remain on a folding stool in the rear throughout the battle and even many actively participated in the contests. There are few characters who were not present with his army in battle, as in the case of Hideyoshi, when he sent his troops in order to invade Korea.
Zen
Buddhism was brought to Japan from China during the sixth century and since then spread throughout the archipelago. During the time of the samurai were several versions or sects of the same philosophy, although most of the soldiers chose the type Zen Buddhism Zen teaches its followers to seek enlightenment and salvation through meditation, which was achieved with great discipline. Since the ultimate goal of this philosophy is to find spiritual harmony, which leads to a "flowing between life and death", many identified warrior felt drawn to it.
Seppuku
One aspect that was very important was the desire to die for his master or his cause. This summary was seen in the practice of seppuku, ritual suicide was seen in Japanese society of the time with great respect and admiration. A clear example is the case of the famous samurai motot Torii, who, despite being in adverse conditions facing a vastly superior enemy, managed to gain enough time to flee his lord Tokugawa Ieyasu and could build an army and win large-scale finally at the Battle of Sekigahara. After resisting the siege of Fushimi Castle fourteen days, he committed seppuku to avoid the shame of defeat. The practice of seppuku also extended in the event that sought to repair a mistake, as a way of protest or as a way to follow his own master to death.
Art Benefactor
One aspect of the samurai almost unknown today are the contributions to art made some daimyo during Japan's history. Many of these families had an excellent education in literature and aesthetics in the same way they dominated warfare tactics. Some characters that stand out for their contributions to art are Oda Nobunaga and Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who began the unification of the country during the Azuchi-Momoyama period through bloody wars.
Hideyoshi was the character by which the tea ceremony became an art. The great irony is that the containers for the ceremony were brought from Korea, which Hideyoshi invaded twice. Hideyoshi hired two brothers who, under the supervision of the famous tea master Sen no Rikyu, created the raku style containers. Other daimyo who took advantage of Korean potters was the Shimazu clan of Satsuma, who became famous in the region. Another example is the contributions made to Nobunaga Oda Noh (能, 'no'?), Which used to come back often.
GastronomyRice has been since ancient times the power base of Japanese society. This was also extended to the samurai, especially after mid-fifteenth century, when the rice was part of their regular diet. The rice was cooked in various ways, either in a pan mixed with Yasai (vegetables) and nori (seaweed), steamed or only form of onigiri (rice balls). It is also used to make mochi (rice cakes) with rice flour or a mixture of rice and wheat flour. Long been a problem cooking rice in the middle of the campaigns, but Tokugawa Ieyasu devised a method for this: iron helmets provided to members of infantry and within the rice is cooked.
Besides rice was the tempura, resulting dish of Portuguese cuisine and whose name derives from "temporary" or "time", and sashimi as we know it today. During the farewell banquet shared warriors kachi-guri (dried chestnuts), konbu (seaweed) and sake. These foods are available in three bowls symbolizing heaven, man and earth. This ritual changed considerably compared to that made by the sea pirates who used to eat octopus because they can defend themselves in eight directions at once.
Pederasty
The samurai practiced a kind of similar to the Greek pederasty called wakashudo (若 众 道, 'wakashudo'? "The way of youth"), or simply shud. In this system, the nenja, the active and protective of the couple was older, and chigo or wakashu, the passive learner, was the younger, their relationship was based on the obligations and loyalty mutual.
[...] Most of which beset the field of battle, fending off enemies and accompanied their masters to the end, are the sexual partners of their masters.
[Anonymous seventeenth century.]
The wakashudo was considered by some ethicists as necessary to achieve "courtesy in speech" and "refinement of polite behavior", besides that it was expected that younger lover gave his life for another. There are countless examples of both in real life as in literature of this type of relationship that did not prevent either of the two components have sex with women. For example, it is believed that more than half of the Shogun between 1338 and 1837 had this kind of lovers. There are also a lot stories about the subject, titled as "tragic love between two enemies" Tales of the spirit of the Samurai (1688) by Ihara Saikaku, about two samurai whose love is in conflict with their duties.
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Women warriors
During the first
centuries of Japanese history, indicating the heavy burden that was matriarchal society. One example is the role and the emphasis given to Amaterasu in the creation myth of all the kami. Among the earliest Japanese chronicles, is recurrent hear about queens leading the army against enemy fortifications along the Yamato or the Korea Strait. This too was recorded in Chinese documents, where an envoy claimed that a woman, Himiko Yamatai not, was considered the highest authority governing the country. From the Heian period women stopped directly and actively involved in the battlefields. However, continued to practice martial arts and self defense techniques. The naginata was his weapon of choice because of its long range and versatility, along with the yari. These weapons were usually hung on the doors of military households in the event that an intruder is present. Another weapon in the handling of which were specialists was a short dagger called Kaikan, which was useful in close combat. The Kaiko also served as the weapon that women committed ritual suicide known as jigai. The latter differed from male seppuku, instead of cutting the belly, the cut was made in the throat.Among the most famous female warrior Tomoe Gozen highlights. It is said that after killing several enemies in one battle, the leader of the enemy forces, Uchida Iyeyoshi, tried to catch it himself. During the skirmish, Uchida tried to throw a sleeve to lower the horse. Tomoe This so enraged that he turned on his opponent and cut off his head, a trophy that later introduced her husband. It is said that in another battle, after several hours of fighting, she was one of the last seven warriors standing. According to legend, his last action was when, upon learning that her husband, Minamoto no Yoshinaka was on the verge of defeat, decided to enter the battlefield in order to provide sufficient time so that he could die honorably commit seppuku. In an effort to achieve its mission, rode to where he was the cleverest of enemy warriors and challenged him, trying to attract the attention of the rest of the combatants. It is said that actually he defeated and beheaded his opponent, however, when it came to the place where her husband, he had died from the impact of an arrow. This discouraged her so much that he lowered his guard and was killed several soldiers in the same place.
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Samurai Western
It seems that the navigator and explorer William Adams (24 September 1564-16 May 1620) was the first Englishman to arrive in Japan, besides being the first foreigner to receive the title of samurai. William Adams, known in Japanese as Anjin-sama (Anjin, 'test'; sama honorific superlative san) and Miura Anjin (三浦 按 针, the pilot of Miura ") was an English sailor who, after sinking in the ocean in the Dutch ship Liefde, arrived off Japan in 1600. Shortly after he met directly with Tokugawa Ieyasu and was questioned for several weeks. Because Williams spoke a little Portuguese, Ieyasu was able to have communication with him through his interpreter, who at that time maintained frequent contact with Spanish and Portuguese traders. Williams spoke of the "Reformation" and the subsequent wars in Europe between Protestant and Catholic countries, among other novelties to him. Williams made such a good impression on the shogun (despite the intrigues of the Jesuit missionaries, who said the English were the "bandits and thieves of all nations," so they asked that all crew were crucified as "enemies of Japan "), which allowed Ieyasu Liefde's crew return to their homes. But he remained a close adviser on matters of international trade, in addition to samurai named him hatamoto and provided a valued at 250 koku fief with 80 farmers.
It was Williams who finally built the first Western-style vessels in Japan. These ships would make trips to Mexico, Manila and Spain. Williams died on May 16, 1620 in Hirado and never returned to his native country.
The story of William Adams, is told in the novel Shogun, samurai lord of the writer James Clavell, and the same of which was made into a miniseries in the year 1980, starring U.S. actor Richard Chamberlain as the Englishman John Blackthorne and Japanese actor Toshiro Mifune, played the role of the Lord Toranaga
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Samurai in popular culture
Film
Since the film became popular, a recurring theme in Japan was that of the samurai. Although in the beginning, the issue was addressed in a more dramatic after the Second World War turned into action movies with dark and violent characters, where the directors were focused on presenting psychologically or physically scarred warriors. Akira Kurosawa, one of the most famous Japanese directors, stylized and exaggerated the death and violence in the films' epic samurai. " The samurai represented in his works were solitary figures, more concerned with hiding their abilities to flaunt them.
In Japan, the term chanbara (チャン バラ,''''chanbara?) Is used to this genre of films. This kind of movie is set regularly during the Edo period. The chanbara is also a subgenre of jidaigeki or 'period drama', which is to set a film in a historical period, not necessarily in a field or samurai sword fighting.
Currently the subject of the samurai has globalized and one of the best examples of such films are the same Akira Kurosawa, which have been internationally recognized. One of his great films, The Seven Samurai has undergone several adaptations, which highlights the film The Magnificent Seven and a "Western" by John Sturges, 1960. Another Kurosawa film, The Hidden Fortress, served as inspiration for part of the plot of Star Wars by George Lucas and the characters of Obi-Wan Kenobi, Master Yoda, C-3PO and R2-D2. Another example is the movie The Last Samurai, starring Tom Cruise, which is inspired by both the Satsuma Rebellion of Saigo Takamori and the story of Jules Brunet, a French captain who fought alongside Enomoto Takeaki Boshin War.
Cartoon
Samurai stories have been addressed extensively in the comic in his country, called manga. There, after the Second World War propaganda is replaced by entertainment (Akad Suzunosuke of Eiichi Fukui, 1954; Tenpei Tenma Taku Horie, 1957), although the great masters of this kind of stories were Sanpei Shirato, author of Ninja Bugeicho (1959), Sasuke (1961) and Kamui (1964) and Kazuo Koike / Goseki Kojima, author of Lone Wolf and Cub (1970). In other traditions are also important works featuring samurai, for example, Ronin (1983), by Frank Miller or Kogaratsu (1985) of the Belgian Bosse / Michetz.
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