Vocabulary words
Short, sharp definitions of Medieval Japanese terms which are easy to understand.
Feudal system - An order of society in which people are given different levels of power according to their job and status.
Emperor - The supreme ruler over Japan. He was looked up to by all of his people, but held little power.
Shogun - Probably the most important and powerful figure in society. He was in charge of military and all the decisions made in this field. He was ranked under the emperor, but held more power.
Daimyo - A great leader who was the most powerful under the shogun. His job was manage a large area of land he was in charge of as well as serving the shogun. The daimyo also paid samurais to protect and work for them.
Samurai - A japanese warrior (similar to a knight) who worked for the daimyo. They brought justice and order to the community and protected their people.
Ronin - In most simplest terms, a ronin is basically an 'ex-samurai'.
Peasant - A worker who provided food for the community. Eg. a farmer or fisherman.
Artisan - A worker skilled in a certain trade. Eg. clothes-making or swords-making.
Merchant - Considered the lowest class in society. Their job was to trade and sell goods.
Seppuku - Suicide with honour. It was commonly practised by samurais after the death of their daimyo, or if they had caused disgrace in any way.
Bushido - Meaning 'Way of the warrior', Bushido was a strict code of conduct the samurai followed.
Warlord - A military commander.
Feudal system - An order of society in which people are given different levels of power according to their job and status.
Emperor - The supreme ruler over Japan. He was looked up to by all of his people, but held little power.
Shogun - Probably the most important and powerful figure in society. He was in charge of military and all the decisions made in this field. He was ranked under the emperor, but held more power.
Daimyo - A great leader who was the most powerful under the shogun. His job was manage a large area of land he was in charge of as well as serving the shogun. The daimyo also paid samurais to protect and work for them.
Samurai - A japanese warrior (similar to a knight) who worked for the daimyo. They brought justice and order to the community and protected their people.
Ronin - In most simplest terms, a ronin is basically an 'ex-samurai'.
Peasant - A worker who provided food for the community. Eg. a farmer or fisherman.
Artisan - A worker skilled in a certain trade. Eg. clothes-making or swords-making.
Merchant - Considered the lowest class in society. Their job was to trade and sell goods.
Seppuku - Suicide with honour. It was commonly practised by samurais after the death of their daimyo, or if they had caused disgrace in any way.
Bushido - Meaning 'Way of the warrior', Bushido was a strict code of conduct the samurai followed.
Warlord - A military commander.