The introduction of modern Western ideas during the Meiji Restoration led to the decline of traditional values, including those represented by the samurai.
The samurai have long captivated the media and people worldwide, as evidenced by the popularity of movies like “The Last Samurai” and “47 Ronin,” as well as numerous anime on the subject. Their portrayal for modern audiences portrays them as courageous and strong, making it difficult to understand why their influence and power diminished.
Who were the Samurai?
The Samurai were a unique social class in feudal Japan that emerged in the 12th century and lasted until the late 19th century. The term “samurai” means “to serve,” originally referring to professional warriors who served as bodyguards and protectors for feudal lords, known as daimyo.
The Samurai were trained in various skills such as swordsmanship (which is their iconic trait), horsemanship, archery, and military tactics. They became one of the highest-ranking classes in Japanese society and enjoyed numerous privileges, including tax exemptions and the right to openly carry a sword.
The Samurai were renowned for their combat skills and unwavering loyalty. (Photo Credit: Pixabay)
The Definition of the Meiji Restoration
The Meiji Restoration refers to a period in Japan during the late 19th century when significant political, social, and economic reforms took place. This era began in 1868 with the overthrow of the Tokugawa shogunate, which had been ruling Japan since 1603. The restoration involved transferring political authority back to the Emperor, who had previously held a symbolic role under the shogunate. This event sparked a major transformation in Japanese society.
The Meiji Restoration was instrumental in modernizing Japan’s economy and society. The government actively encouraged industrial development and embraced new technologies and educational systems from the Western world.
Under the new government, the Emperor took the lead, supported by a group of advisors called the Meiji oligarchy, who primarily came from the samurai class. The Meiji oligarchy implemented policies that gradually weakened the samurai class, viewing it as necessary for Japan’s progress and modernization. They also saw the samurai class as a potential impediment to their own power and authority.
The Meiji Restoration marked a shift in power towards the Emperor. (Photo Credit: Pixabay)
What was the impact on the Samurai?
The Samurai were greatly affected by the Meiji Restoration. The political power and privileges they once held came to an end, as did the feudal system in Japan. This was done in order to establish a more centralized government. With the dissolution of feudal domains, the power of the Samurai also diminished. The Meiji policies also targeted other symbols of the Samurai, such as the ban on wearing swords in public.
The Samurai’s unique position in society and their status as masters of traditional martial arts were further diminished when a conscripted army was created. The opening of Japan to the rest of the world by the Meiji government dealt a final blow to the traditions and values of the Samurai. This led to the influx of new ideas, thoughts, and cultural expressions that gradually replaced the iconic lifestyle and image of the Samurai.
As a result, the traditions associated with the Samurai were eventually abandoned. (Photo Credit: Pixabay)
What Caused Their Decline in Economic Factors?
Their downfall was accelerated by various economic changes that they were facing. These changes included the introduction of new agricultural techniques and the growth of industry, which led to a decrease in the value of Samurai land holdings and their income. The institution was unable to cope with these issues.
Furthermore, the opening of Japan to the world brought in new technologies that made the Samurai way obsolete. For example, the introduction of modern firearms rendered traditional samurai armor and swords ineffective in warfare. This was evident in the Boshin War of 1868-1869, where the shogun’s samurai forces, armed with swords and spears, were defeated by the imperial army’s modern guns and artillery.
As a result, the samurai had to adapt to the changing times. (Photo Credit: Pixabay)
How Did the Samurai React to these Changes?
With the arrival of modernity and industrialization in Japan, the focus of the samurai society shifted towards a more scientific and bureaucratic orientation. Even in the realm of martial arts, the previous system of hereditary positions and skills was replaced by one that valued individual skill, after conscription was introduced in 1873.
Consequently, the influence of the samurai as the warrior class declined. They lost their political power and their role transformed from warriors to civil servants, professionals, and other occupations (some even turned to agriculture and commerce). Martial arts were preserved only as a hobby or sport for some.
Conclusion
The history of bushido, the code of conduct for samurai warriors, provides insight into how the loyalty, and thus the existence, of the samurai class fluctuated. The decline of the samurai class and the increasing Western influence in Japan during the late 19th and early 20th centuries led to the development of a new version of bushido that highlighted loyalty to the emperor, nationalism, and militarism. This new version was used to justify Japan’s imperial expansion and aggression towards other countries.
Consequently, the image of the samurai became ingrained in history. (Photo Credit: Pixabay)
Following Japan’s defeat in World War II, the perception of the samurai shifted towards a more individualistic and peaceful interpretation, influenced by Japan’s new role as a democratic and pacifist nation in the post-war era. The samurai started to be seen as models of discipline and morality, rather than fierce and determined warriors.
In post-World War II Japan, the samurai’s role primarily became cultural and symbolic, and their legacy now serves as an important part of Japanese identity and history, although not its future… at least until anime emerged!