Feudal japan
Feudal japanDuring the period of Japanese history known as Feudal Japan, there were many warring fiefs, or
states, with different lords. Their objective was unifying Japan. and, it couldn't have been done
without the help of samurais and ninjas. Samurais had masters and went by a code of conduct
known as Bushido. The ninjas were just thieves and hired assassins. What else can be learned
about these warriors? Some questions that might pique a person's curiosity are many. How did
they training? What requirements had to be met to become a master? How has modern day Japan
been influenced by its medieval history? Feudal Japan has had much influence on Japan's shape
into modern day.
"The kami came into existence on a plane parallel to the Prime Materia, whence Japan is
created after Izanagi (the male) 'dips his spear into the ocean and creates Japan along with
Izanami (the female). They procure a pantheon of gods, and it is through this natural divinity that
the hegemony of the Yamato House is mythically legitimized" (Lewis 1999). Here Lewis explains
the myth of how Japan was created. He uses reference in relating the relationship of man, with the
kami, or gods.
"Kobutai refers to the traditional assertion that feudal Japanese have divine roots, and but
one Imperial Line." (Lewis 1999) . This explains of how the Japanese felt about themselves, and
how proud they were of their own culture. Not only that, they felt as if to be more superior beings
than any other race on the planet. "Although the Emperor is the logical apex of this
structure.....the lower classes were not allowed to lay eyes upon him." (Staff 1999). Like all
feudal systems there were many classes. Only a few lived lavish lifestyles, while many work as
slaves.
At the top of the chain was the emperor, he spent most of his time isolated in the palace.
The emperors felt so bored that they often became monks. This allowed for more freedom and
the ability to travel beyond Kyoto, (Japanese capital). Many times the emperor was only a
symbolic representation of authority, because the real power holders of Japan were the Shoguns,
(Japan's top military oligarchy).
Next in line were the Kuge, "The Kuge ran Japan's central government....they held many
powerful positions." (staff 1999) Indeed, just as in any feudal system, they were the nobles, and
aristocrats. Their lives were based upon the government most of the time, which in occupied all
their spare time.
Just below the Kuge came the Buke. They were Japan's military class. Started around
1100, this class includes samurai, ashigaru (foot soldiers), and daimyo (governor-general). Their
main duty was to act out the duties enacted to them by the Kuges, some of which included
leadership of different geographic regions.
At the bottom of the list are the Bonge. They were the...
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