Samurai were members of the military class and elite warriors in feudal Japan. They adhered to a code of honor called Bushido and were highly skilled with weapons like bows, spears, and famously, the curved Japanese sword called a katana. Over time, the importance of samurai declined as Japan transitioned from its feudal era in the late 1800s. Samurai and their bushido code have become popular subjects in Japanese films and those of directors like Akira Kurosawa and Quentin Tarantino.
A brief introduction to manga & anime, looking at history, types and an explanation of some of the more popular genres From a presentation I made in 2008
Japanese popular culture is a highly interwoven industry, showing a level of interdependence and cooperation Hollywood would be jealous of.
Local Otaku,our member Keith Goode (www.austinotaku.com) will discuss one aspect of this culture, namely Anime; providing a brief history, reviewing of some of the stylizations and niches, and showing how it fits into the grand design of Japanese popular culture.
What have been some of the most popular animes?
What's popular now?
What is Anime?
Anime is the Japanese word for Animation. In Japan, the animation industry is much more towards the forefront than it is in the United States, and shows covering virtually every genre can be found in the form of television shows. Much like any other entertainment medium, anime can range from the very silly to the very serious, and is not necessarily intended for children or any specific age group.
Please join us for this unique discussion and slideshow presentation.
A brief introduction to manga & anime, looking at history, types and an explanation of some of the more popular genres From a presentation I made in 2008
Japanese popular culture is a highly interwoven industry, showing a level of interdependence and cooperation Hollywood would be jealous of.
Local Otaku,our member Keith Goode (www.austinotaku.com) will discuss one aspect of this culture, namely Anime; providing a brief history, reviewing of some of the stylizations and niches, and showing how it fits into the grand design of Japanese popular culture.
What have been some of the most popular animes?
What's popular now?
What is Anime?
Anime is the Japanese word for Animation. In Japan, the animation industry is much more towards the forefront than it is in the United States, and shows covering virtually every genre can be found in the form of television shows. Much like any other entertainment medium, anime can range from the very silly to the very serious, and is not necessarily intended for children or any specific age group.
Please join us for this unique discussion and slideshow presentation.
Leadership is a vital quality to develop for anyone who wants to be active in the creation of their future - personal, familial, social, organizational, societal, political and global. Leadership is a being function: you are a leader, not based on specific actions but based on the quality of your presence and being.
And through the 7 virtues code of samurai we can learn more how a Japanese warrior Samurai is trained for both skill of war and skill of philosophy (The Pen and the sword). Now we can also implement this way of Samurai in modern time for business man character building.
After World War II ended in 1945, Japan made a new start toward economic reconstruction as a democratic and pacifist state. Thanks to its highly educated and abundant labor force and to the concentration of capital and resources in certain key industries, such as electric power and steel, Japan succeeded in recovering from the ruins of war and achieving industrialization during the 1950s and 1960s.
Leadership is a vital quality to develop for anyone who wants to be active in the creation of their future - personal, familial, social, organizational, societal, political and global. Leadership is a being function: you are a leader, not based on specific actions but based on the quality of your presence and being.
And through the 7 virtues code of samurai we can learn more how a Japanese warrior Samurai is trained for both skill of war and skill of philosophy (The Pen and the sword). Now we can also implement this way of Samurai in modern time for business man character building.
After World War II ended in 1945, Japan made a new start toward economic reconstruction as a democratic and pacifist state. Thanks to its highly educated and abundant labor force and to the concentration of capital and resources in certain key industries, such as electric power and steel, Japan succeeded in recovering from the ruins of war and achieving industrialization during the 1950s and 1960s.
2. What is a Samurai?
Samurai were members of the military class and Japanese warriors.
They used a lot of different tools in battle such as bows and arrows or
spear, but their most famous weapon was the sword.
Samurai lead their lives according to the ethic code of “bushido,”
which stressed loyalty to one’s master and heritage, self discipline,
and respectful ethical behavior.
After defeat some samurai would choose to commit “seppuku,” by
cutting their abdomen rather than being captured or dying
dishonorably.
3. History
Heian Period (794-1185): Due to an increase of land ownership, private
warriors were hired to protect properties, these became the samurai
class.
Muromachi Period (1333-1573): Japan was made of up dozens of
independent states that constantly fought one another, so there was a
high demand for samurai.
Azuchi-Monoyama Period (1573-1603): Emperor Hideyoshi, who united
all the fighting factions, forced samurai to decide between a life on the
farm and the life of a warrior. He also forbade anyone except samurai to
carry a sword.
Edo Period (1603-1868): Samurai stood at the top of the social hierarchy.
However, in 1615, when peace prevailed in Japan, their importance
declined.
In 1868 when Japan’s feudal era came to an end the samurai class was
abolished.
4. Katana
The Japanese samurai sword is made of a specialized Japanese
steel called, “Tamahagane.”
The blade’s curvature and material make it extremely sharp and
reduces drag to make it easier to cut with.
5. Seven Virtues of
Bushido
Rectitude- morally correct behavior or thinking.
Courage- the ability to do something that frightens one.
Benevolence- well meaning and kind.
Respect- feeling of deep admiration for someone.
Honesty- free of untruthfulness.
Honor- high respect.
Loyalty- giving or showing firm or constant support.
6. Samurai in Popular
Culture
Samurai began to be depicted in films. The most famous director was
Akira Kurosawa. He directed such titles as “Seven Samurai,” (1954)
and “Rashomon,” (1950) which became popular with Western
audiences.
7. More Films
Other directors include Masaki Kobayashi who directed the films
“Samurai Rebellion,” (1967), for which we will watch a clip, and
“Harakiri,” (1962) and Kihachi Okamoto who directed “Samurai
Assassin” (1965) and “Sword of Doom,” (1966).
8. Tarantino and the
Samurai
Quentin Tarantino, the director of such classics as “Pulp Fiction” and
“Reservoir Dogs,” took on the samurai in his 2003 film “Kill Bill,” and
its 2004 sequel. Let’s watch a clip.
WARNING: There is some violence in this clip.
9. Discussion Questions
Time for some work! Whee!
Please get into groups and answer the following questions:
Find instances in the book where Samurai are
mentioned. What do Samurai have to do with Papa’s
past and his family?
Think about the presentation and the seven virtues of
Bushido. Does Papa abide by these virtues? Find
examples in the book of how he does and how he does
not.
Think about the Katana and Papa’s cane. Does he use it
as a weapon, if so how and when?