Japan: Samurai’s and Geisha’s By: Jeremy Waller

History and Purpose The Samurai warrior model began around the 12th century. A samurai warrior duty was to provide faithful services to their lord (emperor or clan leader). A samurai is trained to be prepared to give up their own lives for their lord.

Samurai The word Samurai means ‘one who serves’ or ‘warrior class’. Samurai is a filled with warriors with mastery skills of archery and swordsmanship. While in this warrior class, a samurai must pledge his allegiance to their daimyo (clan leader).

The Meaning behind a sword A samurai’s most known weapon that is use in battle is called the Katana. A samurai’s sword was not just their weapon in battle, it also symbolizes their honor spiritual power to fight. Samurai’s swords have such a spiritual significance, a sword maker would have to undergo spiritual and technical training. In order for them to understand the importance, in the mastery of creating a weapon for a warrior.

Decapitation In battle, a Samurai can be victories by decapitating his opponent’s head instantly. The head of the opponent would be taken as a war trophy if the fallen warrior battled with bravery and high enough rank. In preparation, Samurai’s would burn incense in their helmets before battle, in case of decapitation. So their heads would have a descent smell for their opponents victory.

Seppuku In Japan, suicide was part of the part of the Samurai warrior model. If defeated in battle, a samurai would take their own live in order to save their honor. This method is called Seppuku, or in other terms “belly-slitting”. In this ceremony, a defeated Samurai would wear a Kimono and have witnesses watching. He would then grab a dagger by the middle of the blade and plunge it into his stomach, cutting across horizontally. After this act takes place the warrior bleeds to death.

Geisha The word Geisha symbolizes two words, “gei” for culture and “sha” person. Most geisha never marry, but some may form a liaison with a regular client; while prominent Japanese men maintain a geisha for secretarial work.

Dressing Geisha dress in kimonos (the robe) and wear getas (the wooden sticks holding the hair). The hair is worn up for the exposure of the neck. In Japan, a women’s neck is the most beautiful part of their body. Geisha dress in white make up with painted bright red lips.

Career Geishas usually work in exclusive teahouses and restaurants for the purpose to entertain gentlemen. Geishas who are even single were subordinate to men.

Traditional talents Geishas are skilled in Traditional Japanese arts, which takes many years of training in order to be a professional. The nihon-buyoh (Japanese dance) Playing music with a stringed instrument called the shamisen Servant of a tea ceremony Flower arrangement in a garden

Works cited www.answers.com www.japaneseswords4samurai.com/ Fodors (2008) Exploring Japan. Auckland: Fodors Norbury, Paul (2006) Japan customs & etiquette. Kuperard Rowthorn, Chris (2007) Lonely Planet Japan. Lonely Planet Publications