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.

1. SAMURAI
By Teacher Number Two

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?