Readings on Japan's Tokugawa and Meiji (11/5) Pt 1

[Anonymous]

Session #8-2

[Anonymous]

Session #8-3

[Anonymous]

I really enjoyed reading about the "Principles of Warriors". It was interesting to read how when the are "off duty" a warrior who is in public service can not just lounge around. They are constantly finding ways to better themselves either through reading or practice of a skill. They are always on and must exemplify being a warrior. This is similar to someone who is a political of cultural figure in today's society. No matter where they go, the camera is always focused on them and they must set an example for others. I recall about 15 years ago when Charles Barkley participated in a shoe commercial stating that he was not a role model. The whole issue of role models and how one had to conduct himself or herself during their leisure time was a hot topic. These warriors in Japan had to be on their A game on a consistent basis and I wonder if it played a toll on their personal life.

[Anonymous]

The topic of Samurai warriors is a very popular one with young people. The symbolism and discipline that is depicted in their history along with the philosophy has a great deal of appeal. It's also important, however to teach students about the brutality, sexism, and misery that many people experienced during this period of history in Japan. I find that it's helpful to give them a "day in the life" perspective for various social groups such as women, peasants, and, yes even the samurai themselves. We must keep in mind that these individuals were essential to maintaining the rigid hierarchy in place for hundreds of years.

[Anonymous]

An interesting Biography written about the woman, Nao. I guess I am most stuck on her having 11 children! Did her adopted son write this biography? Is this his interpretation of her life, just like his preaching were an interpretations of her beliefs.

[Anonymous]

ihuang: Your comment about Samurai warriors being on their "A game" and always seeking to improve is reminiscent of the Confucius beliefs. It reminds me of the quote: One stops living when one stops learning. (something to that effect). I'm curious as to know how Confucian beliefs and other Chinese schools of thoughts influenced Japan. I know a lot of China's history is borrowed or interwoven into Japan's culture.

[Anonymous]

I think one of the more interesting facts presented by Prof. Yamashita and the readings was that hierarchy and social class runs deep... even to the waste of the individual. I can't believe how people would pay more for a lord's feces for fertilizer compared to the lower classes (like peasants). Ok, it kinda makes sense. You are higher in the social hierarchy so you should be eating better and getting more nutrition. Therefore, your poo should have more nutrition for fertilizing plants. This sounds so ridiculous to me but so does the idea of the caste system and the immobility of social classes.

[Anonymous]

I think my students will enjoy reading the "Principles of Warriors". An interesting discussion topic would be: Why were Samurai expected to keep themselves occupied even when off duty? Also, we can compare modern soldiers to Samurai and discuss how our expectations of modern-day soldiers are similar/different from the Samurai.

[Anonymous]

I was deeply interested in the sidebar article on rickshaws. It mentioned that rickshaws were invented in Japan. This puzzled me at first because after living in Hong Kong, I thought the rickshaw was a Chinese invention. My wife keeps reminding me that the Chinese did not invent everything . Professor Yamashita even pointed out that the rickshaw was created in Japan. What surprised me later in this seminar is when Clay informed the class that the rickshaw was invented in China. This only adds more fuel to the fire as to who really invented the rickshaw. Perhaps they both societies created them around the same time, but we will never know who officially invented the rickshaw.

[Rob_Hugo@PortNW]

Dear Colleagues,

Professor Samuel Yamashita, a premier historian in Japanese history from Pomona College, will be lecturing on the Tokugawa and Meiji periods of Japan on Monday, 11/5. You can access the readings below.

Best,
Yingjia
edited by yhuang (Ying Jia) on 10/31/2012

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