Tag: Bushido

  • Japan’s Five Great Castles: Legacy and Innovation

    Japan’s Five Great Castles: Legacy and Innovation

    The Importance of Castles to the Japanese People Soaring majestically over the Japanese landscape, castles are far more than mere fortresses or historic structures.They are potent symbols of Japan’s history, culture, power, and artistry, captivating people both domestically and internationally across the ages.Numerous castles dot the nation, each holding its own unique story.This article delves…

  • What is Bushido?: The Spirit of Bushido Seen in Modern Japan

    What is Bushido?: The Spirit of Bushido Seen in Modern Japan

    What is the Spirit of Bushido? Bushido is an ethical framework that emerged in feudal Japan as a code of conduct for the samurai, the warrior class.The word “Bushi” (武士) refers to the warrior themselves, while “Do” (道) signifies a way of life or philosophy.Its origins are believed to date back to the Kamakura period,…

  • What Were the Genkō (Mongol) Invasions of Japan? A Historical Overview

    What Were the Genkō (Mongol) Invasions of Japan? A Historical Overview

    An Epic Tale of Samurai vs. Nomadic Horsemen Have you ever heard about the first time Japan faced a full-scale foreign invasion?That moment came in the 13th century when the mighty Mongol Empire twice attempted to conquer the island nation in events known as the “Mongol Invasions” or “Genko”.Against the backdrop of a nomadic horse-riding…

  • What Is the Ako Roshi (47 Ronin) Story and Its Lesson on Loyalty?

    What Is the Ako Roshi (47 Ronin) Story and Its Lesson on Loyalty?

    Exploring the Modern Japanese Psyche Through the Tale of the Ako Roshi There is an indispensable story for deeply understanding the spirit of the Japanese people.It is the tale of the Ako Roshi, also known as the “Chushingura” (The Treasury of Loyal Retainers), who upheld unwavering loyalty to avenge their lord and met a tragic…

  • How Are Women Portrayed in the “Shōgun” Series? A Look at History and Culture

    How Are Women Portrayed in the “Shōgun” Series? A Look at History and Culture

    Mariko and Ochiba, Glimmers of Strength The drama “SHOGUN” is currently a hot topic.While its profound human drama and breathtaking visuals are often discussed, let’s shift our focus this time to two women who enrich this story: Mariko and Ochiba no Kata. Set in Japan’s Warring States period, amidst swirling ambitions and schemes of men, how do these…

  • How Did the Title “Shōgun” Influence the Samurai Class in Japan?

    How Did the Title “Shōgun” Influence the Samurai Class in Japan?

    Unraveling the Historical Tapestry Behind the Drama For Japanese viewers, the historical backdrop of “SHOGUN” — the Sengoku, Azuchi-Momoyama, and Edo periods — is familiar territory, learned in history classes.However, international audiences may not possess this foundational knowledge, potentially missing out on the rich historical context that enhances the drama.This article aims to bridge that…

  • How Does “Shōgun” Depict Samurai Loyalty and Brotherhood?

    How Does “Shōgun” Depict Samurai Loyalty and Brotherhood?

    The Essence of Bushidō: Loyalty Above All What does it mean to live and die by a code?In SHŌGUN, loyalty is not just a virtue – it is the foundation of existence.As I watched this epic unfold, I was struck by the powerful depiction of Lord Toranaga and his retainers, whose unshakable dedication to their master…

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Takeshi.K

A creator sharing the beauty of Japan with the world. I run a design firm and SHIBUMIWORKS, an apparel brand featuring Japanese traditional patterns and kanji. This blog explores Japanese culture, food, history, and travel.

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