It's True: The Suicide Ritual Of Samurai Japanese Warrior

The Most Amazing facts about Japanese Warrior culture and the Bushido code of the Samurai.

The Japanese Samurai Warrior class dominated Japan from the Heian Period (1185 AD) until the Meiji Restoration in 1868.

The Japanese Samurai Warriors were an army created in order to protect the noble class from military clans who were fighting between themselves for power.

During that time in the history of Japan, the warriors gained power and turned from a military class created to protect, to a noble class highly respected.

The warrior's culture had a strict code of loyalty to the feudal lord. These warriors lived within a strict code–the Bushido code of the Samurai. Bushido comes from the word 'Bushi' – a warrior in Japanese.

The Bushido code was about following any order given by the Daimyo (lord) immediately, and without asking any questions. The warriors swore loyalty to their lord in a very dramatic ceremony.

The 'contract' was signed with the warrior's blood and the document was burned, then the ashes were mixed into water and drank.

The ideal warrior was supposed to be honorable, loyal and brave. So brave in fact, that he was expected to commit 'seppuku' – the Ritual of suicide when the battle was lost.
According to the Bushido code surrender is unthinkable.

In the early part of the Tokugawa period (1603–1867), it was almost impossible to become a Samurai Japanese Warrior since the Shoguns declared it a closed class in their attempt stabilize social order.

The Downfall Of The Japanese Samurai Warriors

In spite of the widespread Romantic and very dramatic image, the Japanese Warrior spent most of his time doing civil servant duties like collecting money from the farmers.
Despite their high social rank, some of them had to pursue another trade to make a living.

The social and demographic changes in Japan like the development of the cities turned the strict Bushido code into somewhat out of date.

During the Meiji Restoration of 1868 the feudal system was eliminated, and by starting a compulsory military service the warriors were left without a position.

You can learn a lot about this time in Japan from 'The Last Samurai' movie. It was a time when the imperial army was established.
The Last Samurai movie focuses on the rebellion of the Japanese Samurai Warriors, who rejected the Westernized policy and use of guns.

Wounded by the Samurai, Tom Cruise learns to respect the Samurai Culture and participates as a consultant in the failed attempt to save the Bushido code.

Continue Reading:

Samurai sword history

The Bushido code of the Samurai

Samurai Japanese Warrior to the History of the Samurai

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