FeudalSystem.2011

The Japanese Feudal System Standard 7.5.3 Ch 5 Medieval Japan

The Shogun military ruler of a warrior government set up in Japan in 1192  Shogun means “great general”  supported by nobles called daimyo who were his vassals  Minamoto Yoritomo: -- 1192 became first shogun 

Armor worn by first Shogun

Daimyo powerful military lord loyal to shogun  daimyo gets land and protection from shogun in return for their loyalty 

all daimyo were potential challengers for power unless kept under shogun’s control  some daimyo owned much land 

Samurai means “those who serve”  samurai were soldiers who serve the daimyo in return for land 

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Bushido:

-- code of conduct for samurai -- Loyalty, Honor, Courage, Refinement, and Excellence.

Samurai Armor

Samurai Warrior in Armor

Samurai Bushido • The Samurai is obedient to his lord. • It is a Samurai's right to protest against bad judgments or orders from his lord and death is the final protest Samurai can make. • The Samurai is ready to die at any time. • There is no such thing as failure, only death or success. • To die in the service of one's lord is the greatest service a Samurai can render. • Dishonor to lord or family is also dishonor to the Samurai. • All debts, both vengeance and gratitude, are repaid. • Cowardice is dishonorable.

Seppuku 

Seppuku, also known as hara-kiri, is a form of

ritual suicide used by samurai. It can be given by a lord as punishment or chosen by an individual for a number of reasons. A samurai must request permission from his feudal superior in order to commit seppuku.  Samurai convicted of significant crimes are usually ordered to commit seppuku. This is a privilege of their caste, or social class, allowing them to commit suicide rather than face shameful execution.

Samurai Sword