JIC: Japan Infomation Communication

Famous Samurai Movies

<Introduction>

I would like to introduce you famous movie. The movie is The Last Samurai.

The Last Samurai

This movie is one of the famous movie of samurai. This movie is very exciting. I like this movie very much. The Last Samurai is an action/drama film starring Tom Cruise. It was co-produced and directed by Edward Zwick, who also co-wrote the screenplay based on a story by John Logan. It was released in the United States on December 5, 2003.The plot deals with American soldier Nathan Aldren (Tom Cruise) whose personal and emotional conflicts bring him into contact with samurai in the wake of the wake of the Meiji Restoration in the Empire of Japan between 1876 and 1877.

This information was found here.

…Filmmakers

EDWARD ZWICK

He(Director / Producer / Screenplay) began directing and acting in high school and trained as an apprentice at the Academy Festival in Lake Forest, Illinois.  While studying literature at Harvard, he continued writing and directing for the theatre.  Upon graduation, he was awarded a Rockefeller Fellowship to study in Europe with some of the major innovative theatre companies.

This information was found here.

MARSHALL HERSKOVITZ

He(Producer / Screenplay) became interested in filmmaking while studying at Brandeis University, where he wrote a screenplay of Beowulf as his senior thesis in 1973.
After graduation he wrote, produced, and directed a short film entitled In Footsteps, which gained him acceptance to the American Film Institute in 1975, at which he earned an MFA in 1978.

This information was found here.

PAULA WAGNER

PAULA WAGNER (Producer) partnered with Tom Cruise to form Cruise/Wagner Productions in 1993. Their first feature under the C/W banner was the worldwide box office sensation Mission: Impossible, in 1996.  In 2000, they duplicated that success with the highly anticipated sequel, Mission: Impossible 2.

This is information was found here.

Cast

  TOM CRUISE

TOM CRUISE (Captain Nathan Algren/ Producer) made his film debut in 1981 with the critically acclaimed film Taps and has subsequently experienced a distinguished and distinctive career.
He last starred as "pre-cog" specialist John Anderton in Steven Spielberg's futuristic thriller Minority Report, the latest of　his many intriguing, ground-breaking and diverse films.  He has collaborated with some of the film industry's most respected directors and actors, including Barry Levinson and co-star Dustin Hoffman in the Academy Award-winning Rain Man; Martin Scorsese in The Color of Money, opposite Paul  Newman; Oliver Stone's Born on the Fourth of July; Cameron Crowe's Jerry Maguire and Vanilla Sky; Ron Howard's Far and Away; Sydney Pollack's The Firm; and Neil
Jordan's Interview with the Vampire, to name just a few.

This information was found here.

KEN WATANABE

KEN WATANABE (Katsumoto) began his career on stage, with the Tokyo-based theater troupe Madoka.  While working with Madoka, he was selected to portray the role of hero in the play Shimodani Mannen-cho Monogatari, directed by Yukio Ninagawa.  His performance attracted critical and popular notice.

This information was found here.

HOROYUKI SANADA

   HIROYUKI SANADA (Ujio) made his movie debut at the age of five.  At 13, he began studying acting, Karate, horseback riding and Japanese traditional dance.  After graduating from Nihon University College of Art, he appeared in the historic action film Shogun's Ninja, performing his own stunts, a feat that earned him acclaim.  In 1984, his groundbreaking work in Mahjong Vagrant Life (Mahjong Horoki) boosted him to stardom.

This information was found here.

KOYUKI

KOYUKI (Taka), now one of Japan's major actresses, began her career as a model after responding to a contest in the magazine Non-No.  Subsequently, she won an exclusive modeling contract with the magazine and became a professional model in 1997.After extensive exposure in magazines and fashion shows, she began her acting career in the TV drama Koi ha Aserazu (Let's Be Patient at Finding Romance), earning widespread acclaim, and went on to roles in other television dramas, such as Beautiful Life, Antique - Seiyo Kotto Yogashiten (European Antique Cake Shop), Tentai Kansoku (Cosmic Observation) and Kimi wa Petto (You are My Pet).

This information was found here.

…Story˜…

Captain Nathan Algren (TOM CRUISE) is a man adrift.  The battles he once fought now seem distant and futile.  Once he risked his life for honor and country, but, in the years since the Civil War, the world has changed.  Pragmatism has replaced courage, self-interest has taken the place of sacrifice and honor is nowhere to be found - especially out West where his role in the Indian Campaigns ended in disillusionment and sorrow.Somewhere on the unforgiving plains near the banks of the Washita River, Algren lost his soul. A universe away, another soldier sees his way of life about to disintegrate.  He is Katsumoto (KEN WATANABE), the last leader of an ancient line of warriors, the venerated Samurai, who dedicated their lives to serving emperor and country.  Just as the modern way encroached upon the American West, cornering and condemning the Native American, it also engulfed traditional Japan.  The telegraph lines and railroads that brought progress now threaten those values and codes by which the Samurai have lived and died for centuries.But Katsumoto will not go without a fight.The paths of these two warriors converge when the young Emperor of Japan, wooed by American interests who covet the growing Japanese market, hires Algren to train Japan's first modern, conscript army.  But as the Emperor's advisors attempt to eradicate the Samurai in preparation for a more Westernized and trade-friendly government, Algren finds himself unexpectedly impressed and influenced by his encounters with the Samurai.  Their powerful convictions remind him of the man he once was.Thrust now into harsh and unfamiliar territory, with his life and perhaps more important, his soul, in the balance, the troubled American soldier finds himself at the center of a violent and epic struggle between two eras and two worlds, with only his sense of honor to guide him.

posted by Rika Tanaka

Ikusa~battle of Japan~

There were a lot of battles(war) and occurrence in Japan. Today, I will introduce 4 . I wrote about 5 famous samurai. So I am going to write battle(war) and occurrencethat is related to each samurai.

Honnoji no Hen

On June 2, 1582, happened Honnoji-no-hen, the disturbance at Honnoji. Oda Nobunaga became an overlord of the most of Daimyo (feudal lords) of whole Japan with his gifted strategic ability and promptness in action and established a short regime of the Shogunate government with the ambitions to reunify the country. But it was cut short when he was killed by one of his vassals, Akechi Mitsuhide. Mitsuhide's tomb is still said to have cracks because of his immoral behavior. But Nobunaga was the one who ordered to burn down Mt. Hiei, another esoteric Buddhism mecca and also was trying to burn down Mt. Koya. So Mitsuhide can be said to be the saver of Mt. Koya. This occurrence is really popular and attract many Japanese history fans.

This information was found from here.

When Hideyoshi got to know the Honnoji Incident, he pursued Akechi Mitsuyhide. And finally he won the Akechi Mitsuhide in Yamazaki no Tatakai. And some years later. He became a governer of Japan.

Sekigahara no Tatakai(Battle of Sekigahara)

  In 1598 Hideyoshi died leaving two main rivals for power, Ishida Mitsunari and Tokugawa Ieyasu. Their struggle was to be finally decided in a small mountain valley in central Japan. The politics leading up to the battle can be illustrated with a few name changes by the plot of the novel 'Shogun' which has a loose historical basis. Fog lifted from the battlefield at 8am on 21st October 1600, with each commander having about 60,000 men. Tokugawa matchlock gunners (Teppo-tai) caused great damage as the battle continued, the enemy gunners also returned fire filling the valley with smoke and the screams of the dying. By 10am despite their efforts the Tokugawa forces were slowly being driven back, Mitsunari now signalled Kobayakawa Hideaki with his 15,000 fresh troops to attack but nothing happened, the Mori clan had abandoned him. Hideaki forces did not attack their former allies either but sat on the side lines waiting until Ieyasu forced his hand by directing some musket fire on the Mori clan troops. Finally Kobayakawa attacks bringing with him four other generals who decide to change sides and the turncoats fall upon Ishida's rear deciding the battle. By the end of the battle 40,000 had died and Ieyasu was master of Japan, 3 years later to become Shogun.

This information was found from here.

Dannoura no Tatakai

In 1185 Japan was torn by a long civil war between two powerful clans. Heike or Taira family, up until then the ruling Japanese clan, was gathered around the seven year old emperor Antoku. The other, Genji or Minamoto clan, became as powerful in the preceding decades and was threatening to take over the right to ascension to Japanese throne.The final battle between the two clans was fought off the coast of Dannoura, in Japanese sea, on August 24, 1185. Heike warriors were outnumbered by one to three. The Taira had no place to flee and nothing to lose. They fought bravely. But after some of the Taira followers had switched sides during the battle, the fate had turned against them. Finally one of the renegades had revealed to the enemy on which ship the emperor Antoku could be found. After a fierce and grim battle, the forces of the Minamoto prevailed.Defeated, many Heike noblemen committed suicide by jumping into the sea and drowning themselves. Among them was also Kiyomori’s widow and grandmother of the child emperor Antoku. She took the child in her arms and leaped into the sea where they both drowned. To a Japanese, a graceful death is preferable to a life in shame.

This information was found from here.

In this battle, it is said that Yoshitune  skipped between a ship and ships and also beat many enemies.

The battle of Ganryujima

  In April 14th, 1612, Musashi  had his most famous duel with Sasaki Kojiro. Musashi came late and unkempt to the appointed place — the remote island of Funajima(Ganryujima) in Yamaguchi prefecture. The duel was short and Musashi killed his opponent with a bokutou that he had carved from an oar while traveling to the island. Musashi was late in order tiirritated and timed the hour of his arrival to match the turning of the tide. The tide carried him to the island then it turned by the time the fight ended. After battle, Musashi ran away and got on his boat. Because of tide, Musashi could run away from companion.

The picture of grave of Nobunaga is from here.

The picture of battle of Sekigahara is here.

The picture of the battle of dannoura is from here.

The picture of ganryujima is feom here.

posted by Hideki Tanaka

The Meaning Of Samurai

I will explain the meaning of samurai.

The word of "Samurai" came from the word of "Saburau". "Saburau" means to serve people. In other words,"Samurai = A government official". They needed to have military arts and military science, and they obeyed their master being based on an idea of Bushido. They could kill themselves for their master. In the age of civil strife, regardless of weather they serve people or not, they were called "Bushi = Samurai".

history

By the end of the eighth century, the Japanese warrior fighting in the northern extents of Honshu essentially fit the historical model of the classical Japanese warrior. By this time, the government had come to depend on the men of the Kanto to such an extent that courtiers no longer personally took up arms. The term "samurai", meaning "those who serve" came into use (although with derogatory meaning when used by pretentious courtiers). Warriors continued to fight on horseback, with bow and arrows as their primary weapon, but also with a newly designed sword. The Emishi had been found to be fighting with curved swords. These seemed much better suited to slicing cuts inflicted from horseback, and so the Japanese tachi, which had previously been modeled on the continental sword, was revised for the same effect.

photo and material by http://www.judoinfo.com/samurai.htm

Etymology

The word samurai has origins in the pre-Heian period, being derived from the classical Japanese verb saburau, meaning to serve and attend. It was not until the early modern period, namely the Azuchi-Momoyama period and early Edo period of the late 16th and early 17th centuries that the word saburai became replaced with samurai. However, by then, the meaning had already long before changed.

During the era of the rule of the samurai, the earlier term yumitori ("bowman") was also used as an honorary title of an accomplished warrior even when swordsmanship had become more important. Japanese archery (kyujutsu) , is still strongly associated with the war god Hachiman.

this material :http://www.jref.com/glossary/samurai.shtml#Etymology

◎yumitori movie◎

◎kyujutsu movie◎

posted by Reiko Sato

Origins of Samurai

<Origins of samurai>

 

The ancient samurai warriors once had a key role in Japan. Over the years their existence has slowly diminished leading to their extinction. Although the samurai are no longer existent, they have left an unforgettable legacy that continues to effect the lives of people in modern Japan.

The traditions and customs of the samurai still have an impact on the daily lives of the Japanese people. Whether it be through the martial arts, the peaceful arts, or their core beliefs, and how the styles of swordsmanship, the samurai continue to influence life to this day. Furthermore, the samurai’s ethics are prominent in Japanese society as well as business. The romantic ideal of the samurai still inspires children and adults through countless mediums. Finally, the idea of Bushido exists in society today as the Japanese business ethics illustrate honor and duty to Japan.

   

The beginning of the samurai’s beliefs date back to 660 BC. During this year, Jimmu Tenno became the head of a confederation of clans. Tenno, known as "The Divine Warrior", led his people from Kyushu to conquer the Kinki region. Tenno settled in Yamato, which led to the rise of the Yamato Dynasty. The Yamato clans sent numerous military campaigns to Korea and China. These campaigns led to the introduction of Korean and Chinese culture which includes, the technology and martial arts of feudal Japan. The primary conduit of these influences came by way of the returning warriors. The martial arts beliefs acquired from these expeditions would form the basis of the samurai warrior ethic.

The people called a samurai in this time were people as social position was comparatively high among samurais. When it was the Muromachi era, the definition of the samurai changed to some extent, and the person who obeyed Ashikaga school seems to have been called "a samurai". Government of Muromachi falls with the extinction of the the Ashikagas before long and enters for the age of civil strife when we had large and small fights in each place.

In other words even the person of any kind of social position was able to attend by the work in the battlefield because strong soldiers of the strength were always demanded. It is it with a war-torn country military commander from the child of "Dousan Saito" and the farmer who became a war-torn country daimyo from a loafer, and it is "Toyotomi Hideyoshi" who unified the world that is above all famous. When it was the Edo era,I stabbed samurai more than headquarters of a shogun and, under the Shogunate, said with "samurai".

This picture can get this website.

 

The Japanese samurai warriors came into existence in the 12th century when two powerful Japanese clans fought bitter wars against each other - the Taira and the Minamato. At that time the Japanese shogunate, a system of a military ruler, called the shogun was formed. Under the shogun the next hierarchy were the daimyo, local rulers comparable to dukes in Europe. The Japanese samurai were the military retainers of a daimyo. And finally you may have heard of ronin. Ronin are samurai without a master. This is what happened to the 47 Ronin in the famous story of Chushingura after their lord was forced to commit suicide.

This picture can get this website.

A samurai is the person who serves a daimyo frankly.　Originally they were said the person whom they appointed noble defense with a weapon.
　In the Edo era, they have the scary special privilege, even if kill a lesser warrior, a merchant, the farmer who committed rudeness attended.
　There seems to want to be the bad samurai whom I abuse the special privilege inside, and perform "street murder".

Reference

http://kamurai.itspy.com/nobunaga/samurai.htm

http://iroha-japan.net/iroha/B07_work/07_samurai.html

posted by  Rika Tanaka

Samurai Clothes

■ At First, I will explain about the basic clothing item in a samurai's everyday wardrobe. That was the kimono  which for men normally consisted of an outer and innner layer.

Heavier kimonos were worn in the winter, while lighter examples (those made of finer silk, for instance) were worn in the summer. In fact, there was a ceremonial day where winter kimonos were exchanged for their summer counterparts, traditionally on the 1^st day of the Fourth Month (by our reckoning, in the first week of May). A samurai's kimono would normally be made of silk, a material considered superior to cotton and hemp not only for its feel and appearance but for it's relative coolness in the hot Japanese summer. (Incidentally, kimono makers traditionally reckoned on one roll of silk measuring about two feet by 20 yards for one kimono). Naturally, the quality of a kimono a given samurai might wear largely depended on his personal station and income, though, at least prior to the Edo Period, there were no hard and fast rule in this regard. Hojo Soun, for instance, touches on the matter of clothing in his 21 Articles, "Don't think your swords and clothing should be as good as those of other people. Be content as long as they don't look awful. Once you start acquiring what you don't have and become even poorer, you'll become a laughingstock."¹ Exceptionally bright colors and outlandish patterns were typically avoided or sneered upon as a show of immodesty or conceit. On the same token, women of samurai families tended to wear kimono layers and colors dependant upon the station and/or power of their husband. Samurai children, however, were dressed rather flamboyantly, and a more subdued appearance was one of the results of the coming-of-age ceremony. Older samurai tended towards shades of gray or brown, in keeping with their dignified age.

■Under the kimono. they had on the fundoshi. Fundoshi has two kinds of uses.

 

One was essentially a wrap that, for lack of a better description, resembled a diaper (familiar to anyone who has witnessed or seen footage of some of modern Japan's more esoteric festivals); the other type (more often worn under armor) was a long piece of material worn down the front of the body. A loop slung around the neck fastened the top of the loincloth while the other end was pulled up around the other side of the abdomen and tied around the front of the lower waist with cords. Samurai had the option of wearing socks, called tabi, which included a space to separate the big toe from the other toes (to facilitate the wearing of sandals). Tabi worn in an everyday capacity were normally white and were tailored to the season.

photo by here.

■Footwear. they generally used sandals(waraji) and wooden clogs (geta). photo by here

Sandals were made from various sorts of material, including straw, hemp, and cotton thread. Clogs were generally associated with the lower classes (geisha, for instance, and kabuki actors are often depicted wearing geta) though samurai wore them from time to time. The Tale of the Heike, for instance, mentions that the powerful Taira Kiyomori wore clogs, though it was considered sufficiently unusual to find its way into puns composed by his rivals. Bearskin boots were at one time popular, especially with armor, but by the 16^th Century had come to be considered archaic.

For rainy days, samurai, like everyone else, wore raincoats made out of straw (kappa) and availed themselves of folding umbrellas (which looked rather like Victorian era parasols, complete with decoration).

■Between the 12th and  17th Century, the hitatare stiyle of dress became popular. This was not the common kimono.

         

hitatare was a two-piece costume, though comparably flowing and ample (Yoroi hitatarewas a snugger version for use under armor). This costume, for a possible frame of reference, is what most of the samurai wear in Japanese movies set prior to the Edo Period (the oft-mentioned Kagemusha, Ran, Throne of Blood, Heaven and Earth, ect・. Generally worn when in some 'official' capacity, the hitatare were normally adorned with the crest (or mon) of their immediate family or clan, or, in the case of relatives or direct retainers of the lord, the crest of the daimyô or shugo. Decorative bows also often adorned hitatare, normally worn on the breast.

■By the Edo Period, the hitatare gave way to the kamishimo.                                             

The kamishimo consisted of a two-piece costume worn over a kimono. This is probably the most well known samurai dress. The upper piece was called the kataginu, and was essentially a sleeveless jacket or vest with exaggerated shoulders. Alternatively, a long sleeved coat, the haori , could be worn, especially when traveling or in bad weather. The lower piece was the hakama: wide, flowing trousers somewhat like those found in the older hitatare. The kamishimo would normally be composed of the same material, and was more likely to reflect the status of its wearer than not. The Edo Period was an extremely status-conscious time in Japanese history and this was nowhere more the case then among the samurai. Style was, as always, important, but subject to much greater regulation.

photo by here. 

posted by Reiko Sato

Samurai's daily life

Samurai’ daily life

All samurais were not always living a hardly strict life in military barracks. But there was also a lower class of samurai, that did their daily job, a very normal work, for example as supervising the food resources of a clans. Daily life of a samurai was far from exciting battles of honour, but could include tasks such as fishing, and repairing of a boa

Also all samurais were not rich but some of them had a very low wages and had to do a side job while working for their clan as a samurai. Some of them had to farm a land to provide a food for their family. This was especially true often in the days of famine. This was wonderfully described in Yoji Yamada's famous movie called Tasogare Seibei (Twilight Samurai).       

It is to be noted however, that a samurai was not only a samurai when he was at work, but was samurai 24 hours per day. Samurai had to follow his ethic, called Bushido.

Ancient Japanese life was hard, especially for the farmers. Farmers worked outside all day and then in the evening they made sacks and ropes from straw. The largest group in Edo, Japan, were farmers. Farmers were needed because they grew the country's rice. Rice was very important. Wealth was sometimes decided by how much rice your land could grow. Growing rice took time and all of the family participated in the work. The rice needed watering (even though the rice fields were flooded), weeding, and harvesting. If there was bad weather and the rice would not grow, then there was no food. Growing rice was hard

　　　　 　

Family

Women were always brought up to believe that they were inferior to men. Throughout a women's life she would have to serve three masters; her father, husband, and son. (Imagine serving your son!) Some women became poets or novelists. Some were praised for scholarship or holy lives. [Ho Sokawa Jako was recognized for climbing onto a roof to spy on an enemy and sketching a plan of their camp.] But in general, women were considered to be inferior to men.

The family group was more important than any individual. People considered the well being of the family group. Daughters would either marry a suitable husband or stay single. The family's responsibilities were passed down from father to eldest son. Elders were respected for their age and experience, which was said to bring on wisdom. The women's job in the family was to take care of the children. The children had toys. Their favorites were the spinning top and kite. The family would make offerings and say prayers, by candlelight or lantern. They wanted to help bring the good spirits to their home and to honor their dead ancestors, which shows how important family life was to the ancient Japanese.

Women were supposed to do all of the housework unless they had servants, which were hard to afford.  Wives served their husbands at meals, though they didn’t eat with them.  The ancient Japanese had a lot to do in their daily lives.

Although Samurai was the most powerful in Japan, they were not the most high ranking. The emperor was the highest, then the Shogun and Samurai although they were not always equal. First there were the Daimyo (lords), then the lower class samurai which were the private soldiers, then the ordinary soldiers (Ashigaru). Below them were the peasants (because they gave rice to feed Japan), then the Buddhist priest, monk, and nuns (If they were samurai rank). Craft workers and merchants were at the bottom of the social scalee.

←Ashigaru's　armor

Japanese Classes in society

　　

Entertainment
Going to plays and listening to music were popular things to do in ancient Japan.  There were quite a few kinds of Japanese drama.  They developed from religious dances at temps and shrines, or from slow stately dances performed at the emperors court. Noh is the oldest form of Japanese drama.  It developed in the 1300’s from rituals and dances that had been performed from centuries before.  It was well liked by the Samurai.  Noh drama was about very serious topics.  The plays were mostly tragic.  When Shamisen music, dramatic chanting and hand held puppets were combined, puppet plays began.  The puppets were so big that it took three people to move them around a stage.  A complete contrast to Noh was Kabuki plays.  They were quick moving, loud, flashy and dramatic.  Audiences admired the skills of the actors as much as how smart the plots were.

Shamisen information from here.

Noh video from here.              

                           

Public baths were very popular to the ancient Japanese because there was no other way to bathe.  Public baths were baths where people could relax, chat and clean themselves.  Soap was expensive so to clean they used rice bran instead.

This picture from here.

To be a samurai a person had to be born or adopted into a Samurai family. Samurai were not allowed to use their left hand. At seven a boy went to school to learn how to share. At age ten he went to school to learn to fight. The school day was twelve hours long. A boy learned fighting techniques and stories of battles. He also learned mental discipline, good manners, and respect for elders. From 13-15 he officially became an adult, after taking part in a Genbaku ceremony. He was given a new hair do and a full suit of armor, and was trained by a fighting master. He fought in front of an audience, and it was a disgrace if he appeared weak or afraid. A person could not just become a Samurai, but had to have Samurai parents by birth or by adoption.

More Information about Samurai's society here

　　　

Edo period's all system is here!!    

Posted by Mai Sakata

Katana (Samurai's sword)

Samurai sword (Katana)

Katana is the symbol of samurai and samurai’s power and pride. When little boy in samurai family become 5years old, he is given his own little sword from father and expected to become a good samurai. When he become 15 years old, it is Gennpuku that coming of age day, he permitted to have real two sword and he have to own his swords every time.

Katana is not only weapon. In many shrine or temple or house there is worship of Katana exists.

  (香取神社 the shrine which dedicating the sword.)

and infomation from book ''Bushido'' by Inazo Nitobe

                      

,,

Tatara (Iron manufacturing)

It is not easy to make Katana because Katana's material is not only steel. Tamahagane the special  forged steel. It is very rear and hard to make it. Artisans put iron sand and chachol into kiln and burn them up to make hard flexable ideal steel, stepping the pump 3 days and night. This process is unique to japan different from europian or continental process.

Finally artisans beats many times to unite cover steel and core steel. Beating the material makes it stronger and stromger.

These process inherited over 1000years and today Hitachi Kinzoku Material Ltd protecting the culture of this manufucturing process.

other referenced HPs

UCHIDA ENGENEERING the manufucture of steel

,,

Can Katana slash the bullet?

In many movie or manga, Expert samurai slash the bullet and beat the gunman. But can that be possible? Most famous pople who can cut off the bullet is Ishikawa Goemon the 13th in TV animation LUPIN THE 3rd.

In Japanese TV program ‘’Trivia no izumi’’ Someone set the sword vertical and shoot the gun to it. Katana surely cut the bullet off. It was very impressed me, but I think Katana is forged steel , and bullet is only lead. Is it hard to slice a bullet? I don't think so....

   

posted by Kotaro Tanemura

Bushido

 

Bushido, literally translated "Way of the Warrior," developed in Japan between the Heian and Tokugawa Ages (9th-12th century). It was a code and way of life for Samurai, a class of warriors similar to the medieval knights of Europe. It was influenced by Zen and Confucianism, two different schools of thought of those periods. Bushido is not unlike the chivalry and codes of the European knights. "It puts emphasis on loyalty, self sacrifice, justice, sense of shame, refined manners, purity, modesty, frugality, martial spirit, honor and affection"

Bushido comes out of Buddhism, Zen, Confucianism, and Shintoism. The combination of these schools of thought and religions has formed the code of warrior values known as Bushido.

From Buddhism, Bushido gets its relationship to danger and death. The samurai do not fear death because they believe as Buddhism teaches, after death one will be reincarnated and may live another life here on earth. The samurai are warriors from the time they become samurai until their death; they have no fear of danger. Through Zen, a school of Buddhism one can reach the ultimate "Absolute." Zen meditation teaches one to focus and reach a level of thought words cannot describe. Zen teaches one to "know thyself" and do not to limit yourself. Samurai used this as a tool to drive out fear, unsteadiness and ultimately mistakes. These things could get him killed.

Shintoism, another Japanese doctrine, gives Bushido its loyalty and patriotism. Shintoism includes ancestor-worship which makes the Imperial family the fountain-head of the whole nation. It awards the emperor a god-like reverence. He is the embodiment of Heaven on earth. With such loyalty, the samurai pledge themselves to the emperor and their daimyo or feudal landlords, higher ranking samurai. Shintoism also provides the backbone for patriotism to their country, Japan. They believe the land is not merely there for their needs, "it is the sacred abode to the gods, the spirits of their forefathers . . ." (Nitobe, 14). The land is cared for, protected and nurtured through an intense patriotism.

  Confucianism gives Bushido its beliefs in relationships with the human world, their environment and family. Confucianism's stress on the five moral relations between master and servant, father and son, husband and wife, older and younger brother, and friend and friend, are what the samurai follow. However, the samurai disagreed strongly with many of the writings of Confucius. They believed that man should not sit and read books all day, nor shall he write poems all day, for an intellectual specialist was considered to be a machine. Instead, Bushido believes man and the universe were made to be alike in both the spirit and ethics.

Along with these virtues, Bushido also holds justice, benevolence, love, sincerity, honesty, and self-control in utmost respect. Justice is one of the main factors in the code of the samurai. Crooked ways and unjust actions are thought to be lowly and inhumane. Love and benevolence were supreme virtues and princely acts. Samurai followed a specific etiquette in every day life as well as in war. Sincerity and honesty were as valued as their lives. Bushi no ichi-gon, or "the word of a samurai," transcends a pact of complete faithfulness and trust. With such pacts there was no need for a written pledge; it was thought beneath one's dignity. The samurai also needed self-control and stoicism to be fully honored. He showed no sign of pain or joy. He endured all within--no groans, no crying. He held a calmness of behavior and composure of the mind neither of which should be bothered by passion of any kind. He was a true and complete warrior.

  These factors which make up Bushido were few and simple. Though simple, Bushido created a way of life that was to nourish a nation through its most troubling times, through civil wars, despair and uncertainty. "The wholesome unsophisticated nature of our warrior ancestors derived ample food for their spirit from a sheaf of commonplace and fragmentary teachings, gleaned as it were on the highways and byways of ancient thought, and, stimulated by the demands of the age formed from these gleanings a new and unique way of life"

                              These images were found here.

Seppuku

The earliest reliable reports about seppuku are from the 11th century, when several powerful family clans fought for supremacy in feudal Japan. But the habit of committing suicide on the battlefield to avoid being captured by the enemy is certainly much older.

The way of ritual seppuku came up probably during the period of the civil wars in the 15th and 16th century. With the final unification and pacifying of Japan under Tokugawa Ieyasu, 1543-1616, and the establishment of the Tokugawa Shogunate, Seppuku was no longer officially supported. It was even forbidden by two decrees - in 1603 and in 1663. But the practise continued to exist nevertheless. It was again officially abolished by the Meiji government in 1868.

The latest known case is from 1970, when Yukio Mishima, a well-known but rather nationalist writer in Japan, committed suicide in seppuku manner. The act caused worldwide attention in the Western media.

Seppuku was considered a privilege for samurai and the nobility. Feudal Japanese history is full of cases of defeated enemies, who were 'forced' by their conquerors to commit suicide. This was considered as a grace. The looser received a chance to keep his honor.

If the circumstances allowed it, the ritual suicide was executed in a formal, procedural manner. Even spectators were not uncommon. The suicide candidate was clad in a white kimono. Before the final act, he was expected to write his death poem, formerly a practice common for the higher social classes.

Now the seppuku candidate was supposed to take a short dagger and cut his abdomen by slicing it from the left lower part of his upper body upwards in right direction. This must have been extremely painful. Then the candidate was supposed to lower his neck. This was the sign for the assistant, the kaishakunin, who stood behind him, to proceed to the last step - to blow off the seppuku candidate's head - possibly with one blow of his sword. The kaishakunin could be a person close to him, sometimes his best friend. The kaishakunin had it in his hands to shorten the suffering of the suicider by executing a strong and swift blow.

Suicide was often committed by samurai warriors and noblemen on the battlefield. Then there was no time for the above ritual and seppuku was done hastily.

                                                           This information is found from here.

                                                                                          posted by Hideki Tanaka

Famous Samurai

There were a lot of famous Samurai. But I will introduce 5 persons who have been best known in Japan.Especially, in Aduchi Momoyama periodo, there were a lot of Samurai who had big power. They battled in order to unite Japan.

Oda Nobunaga

  Japanese feudal lord, who started the unification of the country, torn by wars between the rival daimyo of the so-called Sengoku (Warring State) period (1467-1568). Working from a modest family base in the province of Owari as lord of Nagoya Castle, he destroyed opposing clans in brilliant campaigns against superior forces, being the first daimyo general to adopt the newly imported Western muskets. He gradually gained control of the region round the capital Kyoto, which he took in 1568. Now opposed by a daimyo coalition and militant Buddhist sects, he brutally destroyed the latter, razing the great Tendai monastery of Enryakuji in 1571 and massacring its occupants. To counter the sects, whose adherents he slaughtered, he encouraged Christian missionaries. In 1573 he deposed the last Ashikaga shogun, though Ashikaga rule nominally continued until 1597. With the surrender of the last great Buddhist fortress-monastery in Osaka in 1580, he became master of all central Japan. Before he could subdue the whole country, however, he was cornered by a rebellious vassal(Akechi Mitsuhide) and committed hara-kiri. His general Toyotomi Hideyoshi went on to unify Japan.

This information was found from here.

Toyotomi Hideyosi

Hideyoshi had no last name when he began to serve Oda Nobunaga; by the end of his life, he had assumed the family name, Toyotomi, or "Abundant Provider." Oda Nobunaga had attempted to unify Japan through sheer brute force; Toyotomi furthered this endeavor by concentrating on the arts of peace and administration. His goal was to establish a national structure which allowed various regional feudatories to remain independent and yet still cooperate among one another. He did not wish to establish a centralized government under his control, even though, by 1590, he was the undisputed master of Japan. He let his retainer make Osakajo. The government that he built was founded on the old feudal system of personal loyalties rather than administrative centrality. And Hideyoshi's greatest ambition, however, was a Japanese empire extending over the whole of Asia. In 1592 and 1597, he invaded Korea and seized much territory in order to prepare a jumping-off point for the conquest of China through Korea. When he died in 1598, however, all his plans died with him. Hideyoshi's imperial ambitions led him to neglect domestic politics throughout the 1590's.

This information was found by here.

Tokugawa Ieyasu 

  Tokugawa Ieyasu was the last of the three unifiers who put Japan together again after the Warring States Period. Ieyasu was the ally and retainer of the other two unifiers, Oda Nobunaga and Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Hideyoshi moved Ieyasu to a large domain with a dilapidated castle at the fishing village of Edo (which lent its name to the 250 years of peace which followed the Warring States period). Ieyasu's move to Edo was a reward for his loyal service, a means to increase Hideyoshi's control over eastern Japan, and a safely remote location for Ieyasu, a powerful, and therefore potentially dangerous, retainer of Hideyoshi. After Hideyoshi's death, Ieyasu quickly took control of the country. In 1603, he accepted the title shogun from the emperor. With the aid of excellent advisors, Ieyasu put together a system of stable government on the feudal model, using elements perfected by his two predecessors. He has deified in Nikko-toshogu.

This information was found from here.

Minamoto no Yoshitsune

Minamotono Yoshitune is still a legendary hero in the Japanese history. HeYoshitune was a Military commander of the Genji family in the late Heian period. According to traditional belief, Yoshitune was not only a genius in martial arts and a war hero carrying everything before him, but also an exceptionally handsome man. Despite the fact that Yoshitsune played a leading part in beating the Heike family, he died a violent death caused by his elder brother Minamotono Yoritomo who was jealous of his brother's reputation. Thus, as a tragic hero, Yoshitsune has long been very popular among the Japanese.

This information was found from here.

And Minamoto no Yoshitsune have a lot of legend. For example, he was taught martial art by Tengu who is aerial and legendary creature when he was young(When he was young, his name was Ushiwakamaru.). And he may have been Genghis Khan. He There is a a lot of drama which made him the hero.

Miyamoto Musashi

Musashi Miyamoto is perhaps the most widely reknown samurai warrior from Japan. Known as the "Sword Saint," his skills at sword fighting were unmatched during his time and are legendary even today. It is said that he fought over 60 duels and was undefeated. He was also involved in one of the most famous battles in Japanese history at Sekigahara, where over 70,000 people died. Musashi fought on the losing side and survived.From an early age, Musashi was inclined towards sword fighting and won his first duel when he was only 13. When he got older, Musashi set off on a pilgrimage to refine his martial art and sword capabilities. Along the way, he faced death on many occasions and won all his duels. His most famous duel was against a samurai named Sasaki Kojiro, who was a very skilled with an extra long sword. Legend has it that Musashi fashioned a wooden sword out of an oar from a boat to defeat Kojiro, striking him directly in the head with the wooden weapon. Having mastered the Japanese samurai sword, Musashi was able to extend his insight into strategy beyond martial arts. He became a master of writing, painting and a range of activities. One of his most noted accomplishments is his book, The Book of Five Rings, which is a record of his teachings on the Way of Strategy. This information was found from here.

The picture of Oda Nobunaga is from here.

The picture of Toyotomi Hideyosi is from here.

The picture of Tokugawa Ieyasu is from here.

The picture of Minamoto no Yoshitsune is from here.

The picture of Miyamoto Musashi is from here.

posted by Hideki Tanaka

Seppuku (Harakiri)

Seppuku (Harakiri) is the one way of samurai's sucide. Many japanese still think it is the noblest method of his sucide.It is not mare sucide, it is the best way to expiate the crime, apologize the mistake,

Harakiri

Harakiri or Seppuku is the way of suicide with rigid ceremony.

In

Japan

there are many stories about hara-kiri and all Japanese knows at least one or two sad stories about hara-kiri. Chusin-gura (Akou-roushi) is the most famous hara-kiri story in Japan and the most typical hara-kiri story. Make up for one’s guilt and follow lord’s death by myself. Follow lord's death is the bushido's ''Honor'' when lord died they serve him forever.

How to hara-kiri

First because of hara-kiri is sacred and noble conduct, we have to prepare.

When you kill yourself you have to wear white kimono and behind you there is a samurai who has katana called Kaisyakunin. Kaisyaku-nin is the executioner but he don’t kill convict, hara-kiri is a suicide just kill myself and Kaisyaku-nin only help your death.

It is permitted you can drink one sakazuki of sake. Sake cleanses your body and heart.

You have to tell why you kill myself or some kind of last words.

Finally you put little sword in front of you and cut your stomach with courage.

You can’t die immediately such a little sword but every body admires your brave act and kaisyakunin cut your heads off soon. Master kaisyakunin can cut your head off but leave the skin little. It is because his head can fall like bowing.

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Why?

In Japan it is believed that souls are in stomach. Samurai is the honest and brave people so their die is as brave as their life. There is the idea that ‘’Look my death style of great samurai. I can kill myself with no fear.’’ And in the book BUSHIDO japanese be give up clearly like cherry flowers. I think those idea still live in japanese's mind and it makes our heart moved.

But the word seppuku is sacred and solemn, cannot say easily. One young boxer said ``If I would lose the match, I'll seppuku myself `` but the man who say seppuku easily is not a real samurai. In fact he lost the game.

The novelist Yukio Mishima speeched his will and it refused by people, he killed myself with old style seppuku (and his companions did the same). I think he was the last samurai.

refferenced URL

Akou-city HP 　　武士の話　「切腹の話」

post by kotaro tanemura