The samurai were a class of warriors in medieval Japan. They upheld a strict code of honor and were known for their bravery, loyalty, and skill in combat. Learning about the samurai is a valuable educational experience for students as it offers insights into the culture and history of Japan. Here are some ways to teach students about the meaning of samurai:
1. Begin with the History
To gain an understanding of samurai, it is essential to start with the history of Japan. Japan’s feudal era began around the 12th century and lasted until the mid-1800s. During this time, Japan was ruled by powerful military leaders known as shoguns. The samurai emerged as the warrior class in Japan and became famous for their skill in swordsmanship and their unwavering loyalty to their lords.
2. Samurai Code of Conduct
Samurai philosophy was heavily influenced by Zen Buddhism and the teachings of Confucius. They followed a strict code of conduct called Bushido, which means “the way of the warrior.” This code of conduct emphasized honor, loyalty, duty, courage, and self-control. Samurai were expected to be honest, brave, and respect authority. They were trained to value their lives less than their honor.
3. The Samurai Armor
Samurai were widely recognized for their distinctive armor, which was often crafted from leather, iron plates, and silk cord. The full-body armor was adapted to protect the samurai from blades, but at the same time, it was designed to be relatively light and provide flexibility in movement. You may want to show some pictures of the samurai armor to your students.
4. Samurai Weapons
The samurai were highly skilled in martial arts and trained extensively in swordsmanship. They used two types of swords namely Katana and Wakizashi. The Katana was the longer sword, and the Wakizashi was the shorter sword worn together as a pair called Daisho. Samurai were also trained to use bows and arrows and spears.
5. Samurai in Literature and Pop Culture
Lastly, teaching about the samurai extends beyond history lessons. You can also introduce your students to the samurai’s influence on literature and pop culture. The most famous Japanese novel that features samurai is The Tale of Genji, authored by Lady Murasaki Shikibu. Also, some movies and TV series like “The Last Samurai” and “Samurai Jack” represent an excellent point of entry for students to appreciate the samurai ethos.
