Lesson 25 - Japanese Warrior Class System

The Samurai: Warriors of Medieval Japan

EQ: What was the role of the samurai in medieval Japan's military society?

• Period: 1185-1600 CE

• Definition: Feudalism was based on loyalty, land ownership, and military service

• Social Hierarchy (from top to bottom):

  • Emperor (figurehead)

  • Shogun (actual ruler)

  • Daimyo (noble landowners)

  • Samurai (professional warriors)

  • Ronin (paid soldiers)

  • Peasants (90% of the population)

  • Chonin (merchants/artisans)

  • Eto (untouchable jobs)

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Understanding Feudal Japan's Social Structure

Reorder

Please put the following classes in order

• Emperor

• Shogun/ Daimyo

• Samurai/

  Ronin

• Peasants

• Chonin/ Eto

1

2

3

4

5

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5

Seven Core Virtues:

1. Justice (gi) - Following moral conduct

2. Courage (yu) - Acting despite fear

3. Benevolence (jin) - Showing mercy

4. Sincerity (Makoto) - Being truthful

5. Respect (rei) - Showing politeness

6. Honor (meiyo) - Living honorably

7. Loyalty (chuugi) - Protecting fellow warriors

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The Way of the Warrior: Bushido Code

Match

Match the following

• Justice (gi)

• Courage (yu)

• Benevolence (jin)

• Honor (meiyo)

• Loyalty (chuugi)

Following moral conduct

Acting despite fear

Showing mercy

Living honorably

Protecting fellow warriors

• Following moral conduct

• Acting despite fear

• Showing mercy

• Living honorably

• Protecting fellow warriors

Open Ended

Choose one virtue and create a modern-day scenario that demonstrates it

• Origins: Started as armed bands protecting farmland

• Evolution: Became professional warriors serving feudal lords

• Military Skills: Highly trained in combat and strategy

• Role: Defended their daimyo's interests

• Social Status: Respected warrior class

• Discipline: Followed strict code of conduct

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​Rise of the Samurai Class

• Cultural Impact: Values still influence Japanese society

• Bushido Code: Continues to inspire leadership principles

• Military Tradition: Influenced modern martial arts

• Honor System: Shaped Japanese business culture

• Historical Significance: Symbol of Japanese identity

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​Legacy of the Samurai

Open Ended

Write a short reflection on which samurai value would be most beneficial in today's society and why. This should contain 2-3 sentences responses.