1450 - 1750 // Rise of the Samurai
The ancient samurai warriors played a key role in the Edo period of
Japan. There existence over the years would soon come to an end and
inevitably their extinction. Although they cease to roam the lands of
Japan forever, they have left behind a legacy, so unforgettable that it
continues to make an impact on the modern Japanese people. The
samurai’s martial arts, core beliefs, virtue, and there style of
swordsmanship is still present in the Japanese. Represented by the
iconic blades the katana (long blade) and wakizashi (short blade) the
samurai’s code of bushido would be the foundation of Japanese people
demeanor, and a ronin (a samurai without a lord) would write a famous
book about swordsmanship that would be utilized as a back bone for
business strategies of Japan.
A great symbol of the samurai’s honor would be represented by the two swords they wielded all the time. These swords were known as katana (long) and wakizashi (short). The first swords the samurai brandished with were based off swords used by medieval knights, but later the desire for a sturdier, sharper sword would lead to the development of curved swords seen today. It was believed that the sword was one with their soul, so touching a samurai’s sword without permission was deemed insulting, and offensive. Ideally, the long katana was often used for fighting, while the wakizashi, only for tight spaces or a last resort. It was only till the 17th century a famous ronin, Miyamato Musashi, created a dual wield concept that would take ages to master.
Miyamato Musashi also wrote the Book of Five Rings the unmistakably precise guide to swordsmanship, but it has been studied intensively for the business strategies it holds. "The book analyzes the process of struggle and mastery over conflict that underlies every level of human interactions" (The Book of Five Rings). Practicality, trust, respect, solidity, substance, loyalty, courage, simplicity, brevity, calmness, tolerance, patience, perseverance, and wisdom are qualities this book teaches to Japanese businessmen.
The chivalrous code known as Bushido, which translates into the “Way of the Warrior”, was fashion by the Japanese who based it off the Chinese warrior concept “The way of horse and bow”. The core belief of the samurai, bushido, basically gave insight on one major thing the “freedom of fear”. This taught Samurai to be fearless, and approach death with honor. The samurai were loyal to only one person, their master, and their oneself. The philosophy Bushido instilled into samurai’s would also embody the soldiers and people of Japan.
Without the Samurai Japan would not be the same as it was today. Whether it be from their code of honor, martial arts style, their beliefs, or even their romantic ideal that inspires children and families of Japan. The valiant samurai would be commended for the legacy they left for their future generations. The discipline they endured and equipped and their honor which they would die for would make them one of men’s greatest people of all time.
A great symbol of the samurai’s honor would be represented by the two swords they wielded all the time. These swords were known as katana (long) and wakizashi (short). The first swords the samurai brandished with were based off swords used by medieval knights, but later the desire for a sturdier, sharper sword would lead to the development of curved swords seen today. It was believed that the sword was one with their soul, so touching a samurai’s sword without permission was deemed insulting, and offensive. Ideally, the long katana was often used for fighting, while the wakizashi, only for tight spaces or a last resort. It was only till the 17th century a famous ronin, Miyamato Musashi, created a dual wield concept that would take ages to master.
Miyamato Musashi also wrote the Book of Five Rings the unmistakably precise guide to swordsmanship, but it has been studied intensively for the business strategies it holds. "The book analyzes the process of struggle and mastery over conflict that underlies every level of human interactions" (The Book of Five Rings). Practicality, trust, respect, solidity, substance, loyalty, courage, simplicity, brevity, calmness, tolerance, patience, perseverance, and wisdom are qualities this book teaches to Japanese businessmen.
The chivalrous code known as Bushido, which translates into the “Way of the Warrior”, was fashion by the Japanese who based it off the Chinese warrior concept “The way of horse and bow”. The core belief of the samurai, bushido, basically gave insight on one major thing the “freedom of fear”. This taught Samurai to be fearless, and approach death with honor. The samurai were loyal to only one person, their master, and their oneself. The philosophy Bushido instilled into samurai’s would also embody the soldiers and people of Japan.
Without the Samurai Japan would not be the same as it was today. Whether it be from their code of honor, martial arts style, their beliefs, or even their romantic ideal that inspires children and families of Japan. The valiant samurai would be commended for the legacy they left for their future generations. The discipline they endured and equipped and their honor which they would die for would make them one of men’s greatest people of all time.
