The True Role Of The Samurai In Japanese Society

During the middle ages, many separate and different groups incorporated feudalism into their governing systems. Feudalism was very different from most forms of monarchy and totalitarianism, as it was decentralized. Instead of having a large amount of focused power on autocratic leaders, it was fragmented to many individuals. Many areas of Europe implemented feudalism, in addition to Japan. As expected, both systems were very similar in structure and functionality, yet both used different social pyramids. In the Western European feudalism, the warriors were known as knights, in the Japanese feudalism, the warriors were known as Samurai. The Samurai had extreme value to the Japanese society and were rightfully respected and treated.

The main and obvious role of the …show more content…
There was a lot of culture and significance built up around the Samurai in Japan. The Samurai as a whole had respect for all those weaker than them. They showed modesty to their accomplishments and bravery to their challenges. Just as knights in Europe followed the unwritten code of chivalry, the Samurai in Japan followed the unwritten code of Bushido. The code provided basic moral values and ethics to the Samurai, as they were all expected to follow it. Going with the respect of the Samurai, they were positioned on the higher end of the social pyramid. A common ritual known as the Samurai was Seppuku; a ritual suicide. If a Samurai betrayed their commander, they would be expected to commit Seppuku. This added to the factors of loyalty and respect among the