From Deseret News archives:

The way of the Samurai

Published: Thursday, Dec. 4, 2003 10:10 a.m. MST
 |  E-MAIL | PRINT | FONT + - 
To be a samurai was to lose yourself in the service of your master. The word samurai itself means "one who serves." In battle, the samurai were known for absolute loyalty and courage, even in the face of impossible odds.

To the samurai, "bushido" (the code of the warrior) put honor and loyalty before wealth, life and family.

Tom Cruise's new movie "The Last Samurai," opening in theaters today, offers a glimpse into the samurai lifestyle in 1868, the beginning of Japan's modern era. The movie depicts the end of the old feudal culture that brought about the samurai in the 12th century and the birth of modern Japan.

"If you think of saving your life you had better not go to war at all." — samurai quote

"When the stomach is empty it is a disgrace to feel hungry." — samurai quote

Training

Story continues below
A young samurai would not only be trained in martial arts (archery, fencing and jujitsu) but also caligraphy, ethics, history and literature. Physical hardship was thought to build character. It was not unusual for apprentices to be taken on extended marches through the snow, barefoot. Improving fighting skills was a constant project. A samurai would apprentice himself to a number of masters of different fighting techniques to sharpen his skills. A samurai was taught to be continuously vigilant and ready to fight. Samurai would burn incense in their helmets so their heads would smell sweet if decapitated.


Fighting

The samurai style of fighting employed flexible fluid movements over brute force (jujitsu). Fencing techniques evolved into modern-day kendo.

Rules of engagement

(single combat)

Before engaging an enemy, a samurai would recite his name, ancestry and deeds of heroism. Upon defeating an opponent, he might compliment him on his bravery before decapitating him. Heads were often taken as battle trophies.

5 percent of the Japanese population were samurai.

The privileges of the samurai were revoked in 1871.

Clothing

Kamishimo: A two-piece garment worn over the kimono when traveling or in bad weather.

Kimono: Typically made of silk. A piece of cloth 2 feet by 20 feet was required to make one garment.

Mon: Japanese family crest.

Shaved forehead: Made wearing helmet more comfortable.

Clean shaven: Facial hair common before Edo Period (1603-1867).

Top knot: Well-oiled hair.

Footwear

Waraii: Sandal made of straw and hemp.

Comments

You can be the first to comment on this story.

Image
Robert Noyce, Deseret Morning News

A new blade would often be tested on the body of a beheaded criminal. A good blade could slice a body in half.

previousnext

Latest comments

innocuous...thanks online dictionary

Religion in politics is tiresome

"STOP, right there!!! Mike Richards, I am liberal. I am LDS. I do not...

Utes won't respond to Hall

I just don't get it. Why do football fans get so worked up about a game and...

Religion in politics is not the problem. Disrespect for religion is the...

Utes won't respond to Hall

I'm with you.. I will be paying ANY price to have a seat in RES next year.....

Thanks Max, for defending your family and religion from the modern-day mob....

Max Hall issues apology

I was at the game in Provo on Saturday night. It is sad that Max Hall's...

Hall reprimanded by MWC

It's fun to sit back and watch as BOTH BYU and Utah fans make fools out of...

Alta rejects canyon subdivision

Dear Alta Extremist, " Some day a property owner is going to get sick &...

Hall reprimanded by MWC

Too bad that Bronco , Holmoe , and the University didn't gave the guts to do...

Advertisements