Japan: Samurai’s and Geisha’s

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

2. 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.

3. 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).

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

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

10. 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

11. 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