writing an informative essay about samurai

The Samurai History in Japan Essay

Socio-economic challenges that kobushin samurai faced, how katsu used or abused his status as a samurai to survive, the realities of the urban life, dilemma of the low ranking samurai in the tokugawa regime, works cited.

Samurai faced a number of challenges, which were both economic and social. In the 19 th century, Samurai was the respected royal class of Japan. However, its power faded so fast due to the public mistrust. This was mainly because of the stagnation of income owing to the fact that the society was undergoing change.

Members of the Samurai were unable to achieve their economic interests because of poor returns and oppressive policies. The daimyos and the shogun could not increase taxes because rice farmers were reluctant to appreciate the role of the samurai in society. This affected the Samurai in the sense that the populace lost trust to an extent of refusing to submit taxes, which were in a form of food.

The shift from agriculture as an economic activity to merchant trade affected many people since some individuals became poorer. They could not even sustain their families. This meant that they could not pay taxes to the Samurai. The daimyos had no option, but to increase tax rates for peasants. This complicated everything because the community experienced social disorder.

The rates of crime went up because of frustrations. Katsu noted that the peasants threatened to organize demonstrations, forcing the Samurai to change the strategy as regards to adjusting the tax rates upwards (71). The social position of the Samurai and its economic chances were insidious, which resulted in the internal and external conflicts.

This affected the existence of Kobushin because it was brought down. The royal class attained adequate power that placed it in the top position, with high culture and high social rank. This social position affected economic chances of the Samurai because the higher the social position, the better the chances for attaining high economic positions.

Another challenge that faced the Samurai was the issue of change because the leadership could not handle change. The role of the peasant was always to provide foodstuff and offer taxes in a form of food. However, there was a new trend whereby the society was changing from agricultural society to the merchant society.

The economic activity was changing because the community was adopting trade and quitting agriculture. Before the community changed its economic activity, merchants were viewed as the necessary evil because only unavailable products could be acquired from them. The society was growing at unprecedented rate because the challenges of urbanization were being felt for the first time.

People had to shift from mechanistic societies to what were referred to as organic societies. This was not an easy task (Vaporis 33). The Samurai was not allowed to engage in trade or any other activity that would benefit it economically. The society had become complex since everything relied on economics meaning that those with economic power controlled everything in society.

The Tokugawa laws stated that the Samurai had to offer guidance to the society, but not engaging in profit making activities. Merchants became very rich because the new social and economic trends favored them.

Some peasants benefited directly from the new laws because they engaged in trading activities with the merchants. The power of the Kobushin Samurai was at risk because its social status did not allow it to engage in trade. The society was changing at the rate that few people had anticipated meaning that traditional ways of doing things could no longer hold.

Katsu had to abuse his status to survive because the society was changing so fast. The new dynamics of society demanded that every person adjusts his or her views to conform to the new trends. During Katsu’s era, there was a tremendous growth of agricultural production. Moreover, the population grew at an alarming rate because there was a reported seventy percent growth.

Tokugawa policies supported land reclamation, which supported agricultural production in various parts of the country. There was adequate peace because of the disarming of peasants and local leaders, which boosted development in various parts of the nation. It is reported that the land cultivated was increased by over one hundred percent meaning that there was surplus production.

Katsu could not sit back and watch the changes taking place without getting involved. Tokugawa regime introduced the use of fertilizers and modern farming techniques that improved people’s living standards. Katsu could not be a part of the changes because of his status in society.

He had to keep off from all economic activities that would make him rich. However, he changed his position when he decided to be a thief because the book reports that he stole and lied to many people to achieve his interests in society. He allowed himself to mingle with people of all characters including beggars, thieves, priests, merchants, gamblers, and the holy.

According to the samurai culture, this was unacceptable because the member of the royal class was expected to conduct him or herself in the manner that befits their status. In other words, Katsu was willing to do virtually everything to ascend to a higher economic status, including spoiling his own reputation and that of his family.

Instead of living in accordance to the culture of the Samurai, Katsu involved himself in activities that were contrary to the provisions of the traditional culture. For instance, he participated in producing goods that would generate profit. This was not allowed because it was considered exploitation.

Members of the ruling class were not expected to exploit the poor by disposing cheap goods at an exorbitant price (Yoda 89). Katsu posited that he engaged himself in the making of lanterns, care parts, and umbrellas. Moreover, he accepted to take up cheap jobs that were contrary to his culture such as car painting, gate keeping, and plastering.

Katsu commented that he was willing to live in accordance with the provisions of the culture, but he would not be able to live a comfortable life. Living a pious life would not bring any greatness to his family hence he decided to engage in activities that contravened the culture.

Urbanization was one of factors that forced Katsu to readjust his view as regards to the traditional culture. The emergence of cities posed serious challenges to both the mighty and the working class. The city life presented new opportunities, as well as challenges to individuals. Katsu was forced to adopt a new way of life whereby he would interact with individuals perceived to be impure.

Katsu lost greatly due to the emergence of the cities because he was always paid in fixed stipends, which were disbursed in terms of rice. The stipends were paid based on an individual’s social position in society. Urbanization contributed to the increase of prices of commodities, which was not commensurate to the increase in production.

The new trends of the city demanded that people pay out their bills in monetary terms meaning that the samurai was to exchange the rice received with money. This would not be enough because the living costs had gone up yet taxpayers could no offer more taxes. The Samurai existed at the mercy of the moneychangers and the merchants who had taken over the economic systems of various towns, including Osaka and Edo.

In the market, there was an unstable price for rice, meaning that moneychangers could decide the price at which they could buy the major product. The economy was growing so fast, yet the Samurai was not allowed to engage in farming and commerce. This was a challenge because the leadership of the city was becoming weaker and weaker while traders, who were ranked low socially, were the economic powerhouses.

The emergence of the cities presented new challenges to the Samurai in a number of ways because they were forced to engage in activities that were forbidden culturally. Contacts between people were official meaning that individuals did not meet just to talk about the social problems. For instance, an individual needed an appointment with any of the merchants to discuss any issue.

The role of the Samurai was diminishing because the city had complex challenges that demanded effective forms of administrations. For instance, the Samurai was expected to act as an example to other members of society regarding morality.

Other members of society would follow the ways of the Samurai in terms of observing cultural rules and regulations. Moreover, other forms of crimes emerged due to the urbanization, for instance, prostitution, muggings, kidnapping, and carjacking emerged as new forms of crimes that would not be prevented. Even the Samurai was not spared.

The Samurai was expected to follow the culture that was so strict on its members, whereby each individual was supposed to keep off from activities that would hurt the members of society. During the Tokugawa regime, it was very difficult to convince people to live in accordance with the values of the Samurai’s culture because of the changes that were taking place in society.

The changes were taking place rapidly. The Tokugawa regime tried to disseminate information regarding the life of the Samurai through promotion of education and increasing literacy. The Samurai belonged to the royal class whose major aim was to defend the community during war. To the Samurai, death was considered normal because it was inevitable.

To preserve unity in Japan, involvement of the Samurai was crucial because it was respected all over. It became extremely difficult to convince people to appreciate the role that the Samurai played in the Japanese society. This was the dilemma of governmental officials because they found it difficult to abolish the role of the Samurai.

There was divided loyalty among government officials as regards to the role of the Samurai. Some believed that the Samurai had no role to play since its members had abandoned the fundamental ideals that characterized the royalty.

Some Tokugawa officials noted that the Samurai motivated the soldiers because they were regarded as the highest family in the land. To be a good soldier, an individual had to forfeit all other things and concentrate on serving the nation. Therefore, the role of the Samurai was important.

Katsu, Kokichi. Musui’s Story: The Autobiography of a Tokugawa Samurai . Tucson: The Univ. of Arizona Press, 1995. Print.

Vaporis, Constantive. “To Edo and Back: Alternate Attendance and Japanese Culture in the Early Modern Period.” Journal of Japanese Studies, 23.1 (1997): 25–67. Print.

Yoda, Tomiko. “A Roadmap to Millennial Japan.” South Atlantic Quarterly, 99.4 (2000): 629–668. Print.

Chicago (A-D)
Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2019, December 12). The Samurai History in Japan. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-samurai-essay/

"The Samurai History in Japan." IvyPanda , 12 Dec. 2019, ivypanda.com/essays/the-samurai-essay/.

IvyPanda . (2019) 'The Samurai History in Japan'. 12 December.

IvyPanda . 2019. "The Samurai History in Japan." December 12, 2019. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-samurai-essay/.

1. IvyPanda . "The Samurai History in Japan." December 12, 2019. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-samurai-essay/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "The Samurai History in Japan." December 12, 2019. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-samurai-essay/.

"Musui’s Story" by Katsu Kokichi
History of the Hagakure: The Book of the Samurai
The Growth of Japanese Culture in the Tokugawa Period
Samurai: Precepts and Ethical Codes
Samurai Versus Knight: Popularity of Concepts Analysis
A Samurai's Life in "The Twilight Samurai" Film
History Fukuzawa Yukishi: From Samurai to Capitalist
An Aspect of Politics and Culture of Meiji in Japan
The Japanese Samurai's Conduct
Seven Samurai (1954) by Akira Kurosawa
Taiwan before the Seventeenth Century: Aboriginal People and Chinese Contacts
Boycotting American Goods Movement
Emperor Huizong of Song and His Art of Painting and Calligraphy: Plying the Brush to Create a New Style
The Qin and Han Dynasties through the Lens of Sima Qian: A Look at the History of China
Japanese Invasion of China in 1942

Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History Essays

Fudō Myōō (Achala-vidyārāja)

Armor ( yoroi ) of ashikaga takauji (1305–1358), helmet ( zukinnari kabuto ).

Department of Asian Art , The Metropolitan Museum of Art

October 2002

The military elite dominated Japanese politics, economics, and social policies between the twelfth and nineteenth centuries. Known as bushi or samurai, these warriors, who first appear in historical records of the tenth century, rose to power initially through their martial prowess—in particular, they were expert in archery, swordsmanship, and horseback riding. The demands of the battlefield inspired these men to value the virtues of bravery and loyalty and to be keenly aware of the fragility of life. Yet, mastery of the arts of war was by no means sufficient. To achieve and maintain their wealth and position, the samurai also needed political, financial, and cultural acumen.

In contrast with the brutality of their profession, many leaders of the military government became highly cultivated individuals. Some were devoted patrons of Buddhism, especially of the Zen and Jōdo schools. Several were known as accomplished poets, and others as talented calligraphers. During the Muromachi period (1392–1573), a number of shoguns exerted a profound cultural influence by amassing impressive collections of painting, enthusiastically supporting Nō and Kyōgen theater, and sponsoring the construction of beautiful temples and gardens in Kyoto. Powerful warriors of the succeeding Momoyama era (1573–1615) inherited this repertoire of interests and added to it a love of grandeur and splendor. The massive walls, vast audience chambers, and soaring keeps of their great castles became the central symbols of the age. Glittering with the abundant use of gold and dynamic in design, the paintings of this period exuded power and monumentality. On a more intimate scale, the development of the tea ceremony was closely intertwined with samurai culture in the late medieval period. During the Edo period (1615–1868), the cult of the warrior, bushido , became formalized and an idealized code of behavior, focusing on fidelity to one’s lord and honor, developed. The samurai of this period inherited the traditional aesthetics and practices of their predecessors and, therefore, continued the seemingly paradoxical relationship between the cultivation of bu and bun —the arts of war and of culture—that characterized Japan’s great warriors.

Department of Asian Art. “Samurai.” In Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History . New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2000–. http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/samu/hd_samu.htm (October 2002)

Additional Essays by Department of Asian Art

Department of Asian Art. “ Mauryan Empire (ca. 323–185 B.C.) .” (October 2000)
Department of Asian Art. “ Zen Buddhism .” (October 2002)
Department of Asian Art. “ Chinese Cloisonné .” (October 2004)
Department of Asian Art. “ Chinese Gardens and Collectors’ Rocks .” (October 2004)
Department of Asian Art. “ Landscape Painting in Chinese Art .” (October 2004)
Department of Asian Art. “ Nature in Chinese Culture .” (October 2004)
Department of Asian Art. “ Han Dynasty (206 B.C.–220 A.D.) .” (October 2000)
Department of Asian Art. “ Kushan Empire (ca. Second Century B.C.–Third Century A.D.) .” (October 2000)
Department of Asian Art. “ Qin Dynasty (221–206 B.C.) .” (October 2000)
Department of Asian Art. “ Rinpa Painting Style .” (October 2003)
Department of Asian Art. “ Jōmon Culture (ca. 10,500–ca. 300 B.C.) .” (October 2002)
Department of Asian Art. “ The Kano School of Painting .” (October 2003)
Department of Asian Art. “ Woodblock Prints in the Ukiyo-e Style .” (October 2003)
Department of Asian Art. “ Traditional Chinese Painting in the Twentieth Century .” (October 2004)
Department of Asian Art. “ Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) .” (October 2002)
Department of Asian Art. “ Northern Song Dynasty (960–1127) .” (October 2001)
Department of Asian Art. “ Period of the Northern and Southern Dynasties (386–581) .” (October 2002)
Department of Asian Art. “ Southern Song Dynasty (1127–1279) .” (October 2001)
Department of Asian Art. “ Tang Dynasty (618–907) .” (October 2001)
Department of Asian Art. “ Yayoi Culture (ca. 300 B.C.–300 A.D.) .” (October 2002)
Department of Asian Art. “ Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368) .” (October 2001)
Department of Asian Art. “ Art of the Pleasure Quarters and the Ukiyo-e Style .” (October 2004)
Department of Asian Art. “ Scholar-Officials of China .” (October 2004)
Department of Asian Art. “ Kofun Period (ca. 300–710) .” (October 2002)
Department of Asian Art. “ Shunga Dynasty (ca. Second–First Century B.C.) .” (October 2000)
Department of Asian Art. “ Lacquerware of East Asia .” (October 2004)
Department of Asian Art. “ Painting Formats in East Asian Art .” (October 2004)
Department of Asian Art. “ Asuka and Nara Periods (538–794) .” (October 2002)
Department of Asian Art. “ Heian Period (794–1185) .” (October 2002)
Department of Asian Art. “ Kamakura and Nanbokucho Periods (1185–1392) .” (October 2002)
Department of Asian Art. “ Momoyama Period (1573–1615) .” (October 2002)
Department of Asian Art. “ Neolithic Period in China .” (October 2004)
Department of Asian Art. “ Muromachi Period (1392–1573) .” (October 2002)
Department of Asian Art. “ Shinto .” (October 2002)
Department of Asian Art. “ Seasonal Imagery in Japanese Art .” (October 2004)
Department of Asian Art. “ Shang and Zhou Dynasties: The Bronze Age of China .” (October 2004)
Department of Asian Art. “ Shōguns and Art .” (October 2004)
Department of Asian Art. “ Art of the Edo Period (1615–1868) .” (October 2003)

Related Essays

Art of the Edo Period (1615–1868)
Momoyama Period (1573–1615)
Muromachi Period (1392–1573)
Zen Buddhism
Yamato-e Painting
Art of the Pleasure Quarters and the Ukiyo-e Style
The Decoration of Arms and Armor
The Japanese Blade: Technology and Manufacture
Japanese Incense
The Japanese Tea Ceremony
Japanese Weddings in the Edo Period (1615–1868)
Kamakura and Nanbokucho Periods (1185–1392)
The Kano School of Painting
Lacquerware of East Asia
Netsuke: From Fashion Fobs to Coveted Collectibles
Painting Formats in East Asian Art
Rinpa Painting Style
Shōguns and Art
Techniques of Decoration on Arms and Armor
Japan, 1000–1400 A.D.
Japan, 1400–1600 A.D.
Gilt Copper
Medieval Art
Momoyama Period
Muromachi Period

Online Features

82nd & Fifth: “Stubborn” by Sinéad Vilbar

--> Samurai Essay Sample

Samurai is a term that was developed in the twelfth century, after Taika reforms in Japan. It was such a popular term in both lower and upper classes of warriors but generally, which was developed to refer to class of individual warriors with an outstanding expertise, who fought in favor of their masters. One interesting thing among them is the fact that, they strongly believed if they die on line of duty, rather than surrendering to defeat, they will be very much honored (Ravina, 23). Though it is very important for every male child to be a great warrior, I think one should put some limits in this when I imagine that, during this time, if a samurai did not measure up to required standards by their masters, the only way out was to conduct a holy ritual of suicide.

The Samurai have come along way. The very first time this group was formed they used to fight on foot or use horses with bows as their defense tools. Coming to think of it, you will agree with me that, it must have been very cumbersome exercise carrying bows in the battle fields. As time went on, they graduated from the rank of bows to that of carrying swords. History holds that, Samurai is one group of warriors who honor swords very much and for that matter, they are well known for their unique character of using two swords, one long and the other short. Each sword here has got it purpose. One used for hacking and the other piercing (Friday, 22).

Back ground of Samurai formation.

The formation of Samurai, also known as Bushi was aimed at providing wealth security to the feudal lords. The rules were very simple with no bargain option, which held that, each samurai was to be loyal to his landlord. Most of these warriors were either relatives or deeply depended on their masters. The samurai became powerful after famous Hein Dynasty proved to be incompetent to control the rural areas of Japan. Meaning that, it could only control the capital city. This saw the Samurai rise swiftly and replace the Hein in the vacant position.

The main theme of this paper is to make the reader understand that, from the analysis of the Samurai history, success does not call for globalization only, but also some incorporation of ancient teachings, as it gives business People hints on how they can be successful in their businesses. So many people who have mastered the Samurai principles need not to worry about learning the latest managerial theories as ancient leadership methods have proven to be very essential in moving today’s world business activities.

Leadership is very important element in every organization, as it helps in foreseeing the management .One way through which Samurai was successful is through having good leadership skills (Blomberq, 14). It is very interesting to see the way in which warrior ship system was integrated into leadership system. One key factor that contributed to this is the issue of obedience and excellence training they were being offered by their leaders. The Samurai sought success by first understanding their needs and that of their society, a factor that enabled them to know the kind of strategy and tactics they will apply. This is very important teaching because it helps us in the business world to analyze the growth of the business, and come up with best strategy since you can know numerous times the business strategies applied in past fallen due to poor execution.

Through the leadership qualities of Samurai, we can say that, many people today have been able to adopt principles and examples which in turn are integrated into learning materials. This is such a wonderful thing for it enables creativity and confidence buildup. A good example can be said to be Japanese business system, which allows the employees to spend adequate time in different department so as to enable them get better understanding of the business(Friday,40).

Samurai involvement in Religious Movements

One of the most memorable moments in the History of the Samurai and their involvement in the religious movement is that of June 2008, where Sarah Palin shocked many people by cutting down her state schedule state business and indeed flew from Juneau to Mat-suValley to attend religious events organized by the Wasilla Assembly of God. It was during the event when some young males were given Samurai swords. The Samurai always believed that, if the sword ceremony is conducted in the church, then God’s favor is always going to be on their side and that, they can always be assured of victory if they go into fight with their enemies. Governor Palin assures the gathering of this belief when she says that, she has managed to be who she is due to the teachings she has attained from that church.

Another reason as to why the Samurai got involved into religious ceremony is clearly noticed when Mary Glazier in her speech at the “opening of the gate of Heaven on earth crusade” says that, God’s plan is to displace the leaders who are sinful and replace them with the church. This means that, for the Samurai to be successful warriors they had to get involved in the church activities (Ravina, 56).

Another interesting discovery is that of the Shingaku.This was a religious group in Japan, back in the eighteenth and nineteenth century. This group is said to have had a very high influence on capitalism development as well as high power to make business a more appeasing sector for the Japanese.

However, it is very important to note that, Samurai involvement with religious movement came as a result of introduction of early Christian churches. These churches are said to have been very friendly to the women, who after becoming Christians later on converted their husbands, and as we saw earlier on in our discussion, the samurai were mostly the people who needed financial support very much, and these churches were so willing to care for the less fortune in the society.

It is very impressive to notice that, Samurai leaders were such brilliant people. I personally like the fact that, they used religious movements so as to develop good relationship with the people. A factor that worked to their advantage as they never posed a threat to the security of the people. This was very different from many other cult organizations, which during that time used to terrorize the people in the society (Friday, 70).

We always believe that, there is a supreme power that controls and guards us in our daily activities and that, we should always honor it and adhere to its teaching. The same case also applied to the Samurai. They always believed that, there was a supernatural power that was guiding them in their lives and the only way to respect it is by getting involved in the religious movements and as a matter of fact, when the sprits are happy, they will give them anything they ask for in prayers (Blomberq, 38).

So many historians and political scientists in the eighteenth century were very amused by the samurai involvement in the religious movements, only for them to come and realize that, the Samurai leaders strongly believed that, marital competence was only attainable through application of unique strategies which were only made available by some religion groups. This resulted as the foundation of holy war and other strategies based on beliefs and spiritual ideologies.

The biggest fear of any political leader is to be voted out by a smarter leader, and as a result his popularity among the supporters diminishes. This was one of the major reasons as to why the Samurai leaders opted to join religious movements, for fear of revolution that could have been caused by the upcoming movements (Ravina, 58).

In conclusion we can say that, the history of the Samurai has contributed too much towards the development of commerce industry in Japan. Today Japan is one of the biggest producers of automobile thanks to the Samurai ancient teachings. After clearly reading the rich history of the Samurai, so many of us get to learn that, religion is very significant in shaping the success of an individual, and that it calls for God’s intervention to attain what we desire in our lives.

Related essays

Mulatto Girl Beauty
London’s Greatest Landmarks
The Little Black Dress

Authorization

Our Specialization

Plagiarism-Free Papers
Free revisions
Free outline
Free bibliography page
Free formatting
Free title page
24/7/365 customer support
300 words per page

Home — Essay Samples — Geography & Travel — Japan — The Significance of the Samurai in Japanese History

The Significance of The Samurai in Japanese History

Categories: Japan Japanese Culture

About this sample

Words: 512 |

Published: Aug 10, 2018

Words: 512 | Page: 1 | 3 min read

Cite this Essay

Let us write you an essay from scratch

450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours

Get high-quality help

Verified writer

Expert in: Geography & Travel Arts & Culture

+ 120 experts online

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

No need to pay just yet!

Related Essays

2 pages / 1093 words

4 pages / 1843 words

1 pages / 538 words

5 pages / 2324 words

Remember! This is just a sample.

You can get your custom paper by one of our expert writers.

121 writers online

Still can’t find what you need?

Browse our vast selection of original essay samples, each expertly formatted and styled

Related Essays on Japan

Feudalism was established in Europe by the 800s CE but appeared later in the 1100s in japan. European feudalism ended by the growth of a stronger political states in the 16th century, but Japanese feudalism held on until the [...]

In the annals of history, Japan's imperialist policies stand as a complex and transformative chapter that had far-reaching implications for the nation and the world. This essay will meticulously dissect Japan's imperialist [...]

Japan is a nation with a rich cultural heritage that has intrigued and fascinated people from around the world. Its unique customs, traditions, and artistic expressions have contributed to its global appeal and influence. In [...]

When it comes to choosing a place to visit, there are countless options available, each with its own unique history, culture, and attractions. In this essay, I will be exploring one such place: the city of Kyoto, Japan. Kyoto is [...]

That is a true story that came about in Japan in 1988. A 17-year vintage female named Furuta Junko was kidnapped after which tortured with the aid of four boys with a very inconceivable manner and in the end demise after [...]

“As long as there are sovereign nations possessing great power, war is inevitable.” December 7th, 1941. This was one of the most important attacks in the United States’ history. This is the date that the Japanese attacked the US [...]

Get Your Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!

We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

Instructions Followed To The Letter
Deadlines Met At Every Stage
Unique And Plagiarism Free

Browse Course Material

Course info.

Prof. Hiromu Nagahara

Departments

Global Studies and Languages

As Taught In

Ancient History
Asian History

Learning Resource Types

Inventing the samurai, final essay, tokugawa japan and the past, present, and future of samurai.

Since the late 19th century, many Japanese and non-Japanese observers have come to think of Tokugawa Japan as synonymous with Japan’s “pre-modern” past, for better and for worse.

In your third and final essay, you are asked to explore one aspect of Tokugawa Japan and analyze it by considering the entire breadth of the histories and ideas we’ve covered in class during the semester. In other words, you are asked to dig deeper into one key theme or aspect of Tokugawa Japan (everyday life, politics, culture, religion, etc.) and compare it to the previous periods in Japanese history. If relevant, you may also consider the subsequent evolution of your chosen topic in the modern era (1868–).

Your essay should focus on a single, book-length or similarly substantial primary source. The primary source can either be a larger portion of one of the assigned sources we have discussed in class or may be an entirely new source. The primary task for this paper is to analyze the selected primary source using contextual information provided by in-class lectures, discussions, assigned readings, and at least one additional chapter- or article-length scholarly source. Your primary source and outside secondary source(s) should be chosen in consultation with the instructor.

If you are taking this class as a Japanese-language option subject (21G.554), you are required to incorporate at least one Japanese language primary or secondary source into this essay. The source should be chosen in consultation with the instructor. When you submit your final paper, you are also required to submit a translated abstract (300–500 words) of your source.

Major Steps

Step 1: Conceptualize and decide on the main subject of your research.

It might be helpful to start by looking through the assigned texts in the syllabus.
Look through the Table of Contents in Japan Emerging, and take a quick look at any chapters that sound interesting. [Preview with Google Books ]
Look through the list of entries in Samurai: An Encyclopedia of Japan’s Cultured Warriors . [Preview with Google Books ]
Talk to your instructor!

Step 2: Decide on the main source that you will analyze.

Here are some historical sources that would make a good primary subject for this assignment:

“Kirishitan monogatari” (The Tale of Christians) in George Elison, Deus Destroyed . (Harvard University Press, 1973). This volume also contains other sources, including translations of Japanese sources, on Christianity in 16th and 17th century Japan.
Donald Keene (trans.), Chūshingura (The Treasury of Loyal Retainers) . (Columbia University Press, 1971). The puppet play version of the 47-Ronin incident.
“Introduction.”
E.g. the “Story of Sakura Sōgorō.”
Stories by the Edo-period writer, Ihara Saikaku: Five Women Who Loved Love . (Tuttle Publishing, 1956.)
Mark Teeuwen and Kate Wildman Nakai, eds., Lust, Commerce, and Corruption: An Account of What I have Seen and Heard, by an Edo Samurai. (Columbia University Press, 2014). An observation of the late Edo period by a high-ranking samurai. [Preview with Google Books ]
Musui’s Story: The Autobiography of a Tokugawa Samurai. (University of Arizona Press, 1988). The autobiography of an extremely colorful, misbehaving samurai. [Preview with Google Books ]
Remembering Aizu: The Testament of Shiba Goro . (University of Hawai’i Press, 1999). [Preview with Google Books ]
The Autobiography of Baron Chōkichi Kikkawa (1918). An autobiography of a young samurai prince who became one of the first Japanese graduates of Harvard College. Originally written in English.
Nitobe Inazō, Bushido: The Soul of Japan (1907) . The book that introduced “bushido” to the Western audience. Originally published in English.
An Edo Anthology: Literature from Japan’s Mega-City, 1750–1850 (University of Hawai’i Press, 2013). A collection of Edo literature.
The Land We Saw, the Times We Knew: An Anthology of Zuihitsu Writing from Early Modern Japan . (University of Hawai’i Press, 2018). A collection of Edo-era essays ( zuihitsu ). [Preview with Google Books ]
William Elliot Griffis, The Mikado’s Empire, Vol. 2, Personal Experiences, Observations, and Studies in Japan, 1870–1874 (1876) . First-hand account of an American hired to teach in early Meiji Japan. Especially recommended chapters: Ch. 1 “First Glimpses of Japan” through Ch. 3 “In Tokio, the Eastern Capital” and Ch. 15 “The Last Year of Feudalism” in Japan.

Step 3: Find and select at least one chapter- or article-length scholarly sources that you will use to analyze your main source.

If your main source has an “Introduction” or bibliography, those might be good places to start finding suggestions for additional scholarly sources.
Look at the “Sources and Suggestions for Further Reading” sections at the end of the Japan Emerging chapter you’re interested in. It typically lists major historical and secondary sources that you might choose to read in depth.
Each entry in the Samurai: An Encyclopedia of Japan’s Cultured Warriors book also has a “further reading” section at the end that lists additional sources.
Talk to your instructor!

This essay is due during the final session and counts for 30% of the course grade.

Students will also make a presentation on this essay during the final session.

You are leaving MIT OpenCourseWare

Search Menu
Browse content in Arts and Humanities
Browse content in Archaeology
Anglo-Saxon and Medieval Archaeology
Archaeological Methodology and Techniques
Archaeology by Region
Archaeology of Religion
Archaeology of Trade and Exchange
Biblical Archaeology
Contemporary and Public Archaeology
Environmental Archaeology
Historical Archaeology
History and Theory of Archaeology
Industrial Archaeology
Landscape Archaeology
Mortuary Archaeology
Prehistoric Archaeology
Underwater Archaeology
Urban Archaeology
Zooarchaeology
Browse content in Architecture
Architectural Structure and Design
History of Architecture
Residential and Domestic Buildings
Theory of Architecture
Browse content in Art
Art Subjects and Themes
History of Art
Industrial and Commercial Art
Theory of Art
Biographical Studies
Byzantine Studies
Browse content in Classical Studies
Classical History
Classical Philosophy
Classical Mythology
Classical Literature
Classical Reception
Classical Art and Architecture
Classical Oratory and Rhetoric
Greek and Roman Epigraphy
Greek and Roman Law
Greek and Roman Papyrology
Greek and Roman Archaeology
Late Antiquity
Religion in the Ancient World
Digital Humanities
Browse content in History
Colonialism and Imperialism
Diplomatic History
Environmental History
Genealogy, Heraldry, Names, and Honours
Genocide and Ethnic Cleansing
Historical Geography
History by Period
History of Emotions
History of Agriculture
History of Education
History of Gender and Sexuality
Industrial History
Intellectual History
International History
Labour History
Legal and Constitutional History
Local and Family History
Maritime History
Military History
National Liberation and Post-Colonialism
Oral History
Political History
Public History
Regional and National History
Revolutions and Rebellions
Slavery and Abolition of Slavery
Social and Cultural History
Theory, Methods, and Historiography
Urban History
World History
Browse content in Language Teaching and Learning
Language Learning (Specific Skills)
Language Teaching Theory and Methods
Browse content in Linguistics
Applied Linguistics
Cognitive Linguistics
Computational Linguistics
Forensic Linguistics
Grammar, Syntax and Morphology
Historical and Diachronic Linguistics
History of English
Language Acquisition
Language Evolution
Language Reference
Language Variation
Language Families
Lexicography
Linguistic Anthropology
Linguistic Theories
Linguistic Typology
Phonetics and Phonology
Psycholinguistics
Sociolinguistics
Translation and Interpretation
Writing Systems
Browse content in Literature
Bibliography
Children's Literature Studies
Literary Studies (Asian)
Literary Studies (European)
Literary Studies (Eco-criticism)
Literary Studies (Romanticism)
Literary Studies (American)
Literary Studies (Modernism)
Literary Studies - World
Literary Studies (1500 to 1800)
Literary Studies (19th Century)
Literary Studies (20th Century onwards)
Literary Studies (African American Literature)
Literary Studies (British and Irish)
Literary Studies (Early and Medieval)
Literary Studies (Fiction, Novelists, and Prose Writers)
Literary Studies (Gender Studies)
Literary Studies (Graphic Novels)
Literary Studies (History of the Book)
Literary Studies (Plays and Playwrights)
Literary Studies (Poetry and Poets)
Literary Studies (Postcolonial Literature)
Literary Studies (Queer Studies)
Literary Studies (Science Fiction)
Literary Studies (Travel Literature)
Literary Studies (War Literature)
Literary Studies (Women's Writing)
Literary Theory and Cultural Studies
Mythology and Folklore
Shakespeare Studies and Criticism
Browse content in Media Studies
Browse content in Music
Applied Music
Dance and Music
Ethics in Music
Ethnomusicology
Gender and Sexuality in Music
Medicine and Music
Music Cultures
Music and Religion
Music and Media
Music and Culture
Music Education and Pedagogy
Music Theory and Analysis
Musical Scores, Lyrics, and Libretti
Musical Structures, Styles, and Techniques
Musicology and Music History
Performance Practice and Studies
Race and Ethnicity in Music
Sound Studies
Browse content in Performing Arts
Browse content in Philosophy
Aesthetics and Philosophy of Art
Epistemology
Feminist Philosophy
History of Western Philosophy
Metaphysics
Moral Philosophy
Non-Western Philosophy
Philosophy of Science
Philosophy of Language
Philosophy of Mind
Philosophy of Perception
Philosophy of Action
Philosophy of Law
Philosophy of Religion
Philosophy of Mathematics and Logic
Practical Ethics
Social and Political Philosophy
Browse content in Religion
Biblical Studies
Christianity
East Asian Religions
History of Religion
Judaism and Jewish Studies
Qumran Studies
Religion and Education
Religion and Health
Religion and Politics
Religion and Science
Religion and Law
Religion and Art, Literature, and Music
Religious Studies
Browse content in Society and Culture
Cookery, Food, and Drink
Cultural Studies
Customs and Traditions
Ethical Issues and Debates
Hobbies, Games, Arts and Crafts
Lifestyle, Home, and Garden
Natural world, Country Life, and Pets
Popular Beliefs and Controversial Knowledge
Sports and Outdoor Recreation
Technology and Society
Travel and Holiday
Visual Culture
Browse content in Law
Arbitration
Browse content in Company and Commercial Law
Commercial Law
Company Law
Browse content in Comparative Law
Systems of Law
Competition Law
Browse content in Constitutional and Administrative Law
Government Powers
Judicial Review
Local Government Law
Military and Defence Law
Parliamentary and Legislative Practice
Construction Law
Contract Law
Browse content in Criminal Law
Criminal Procedure
Criminal Evidence Law
Sentencing and Punishment
Employment and Labour Law
Environment and Energy Law
Browse content in Financial Law
Banking Law
Insolvency Law
History of Law
Human Rights and Immigration
Intellectual Property Law
Browse content in International Law
Private International Law and Conflict of Laws
Public International Law
IT and Communications Law
Jurisprudence and Philosophy of Law
Law and Politics
Law and Society
Browse content in Legal System and Practice
Courts and Procedure
Legal Skills and Practice
Primary Sources of Law
Regulation of Legal Profession
Medical and Healthcare Law
Browse content in Policing
Criminal Investigation and Detection
Police and Security Services
Police Procedure and Law
Police Regional Planning
Browse content in Property Law
Personal Property Law
Study and Revision
Terrorism and National Security Law
Browse content in Trusts Law
Wills and Probate or Succession
Browse content in Medicine and Health
Browse content in Allied Health Professions
Arts Therapies
Clinical Science
Dietetics and Nutrition
Occupational Therapy
Operating Department Practice
Physiotherapy
Radiography
Speech and Language Therapy
Browse content in Anaesthetics
General Anaesthesia
Neuroanaesthesia
Browse content in Clinical Medicine
Acute Medicine
Cardiovascular Medicine
Clinical Genetics
Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics
Dermatology
Endocrinology and Diabetes
Gastroenterology
Genito-urinary Medicine
Geriatric Medicine
Infectious Diseases
Medical Toxicology
Medical Oncology
Pain Medicine
Palliative Medicine
Rehabilitation Medicine
Respiratory Medicine and Pulmonology
Rheumatology
Sleep Medicine
Sports and Exercise Medicine
Clinical Neuroscience
Community Medical Services
Critical Care
Emergency Medicine
Forensic Medicine
Haematology
History of Medicine
Browse content in Medical Dentistry
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Paediatric Dentistry
Restorative Dentistry and Orthodontics
Surgical Dentistry
Browse content in Medical Skills
Clinical Skills
Communication Skills
Nursing Skills
Surgical Skills
Medical Ethics
Medical Statistics and Methodology
Browse content in Neurology
Clinical Neurophysiology
Neuropathology
Nursing Studies
Browse content in Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Gynaecology
Occupational Medicine
Ophthalmology
Otolaryngology (ENT)
Browse content in Paediatrics
Neonatology
Browse content in Pathology
Chemical Pathology
Clinical Cytogenetics and Molecular Genetics
Histopathology
Medical Microbiology and Virology
Patient Education and Information
Browse content in Pharmacology
Psychopharmacology
Browse content in Popular Health
Caring for Others
Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Self-help and Personal Development
Browse content in Preclinical Medicine
Cell Biology
Molecular Biology and Genetics
Reproduction, Growth and Development
Primary Care
Professional Development in Medicine
Browse content in Psychiatry
Addiction Medicine
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
Forensic Psychiatry
Learning Disabilities
Old Age Psychiatry
Psychotherapy
Browse content in Public Health and Epidemiology
Epidemiology
Public Health
Browse content in Radiology
Clinical Radiology
Interventional Radiology
Nuclear Medicine
Radiation Oncology
Reproductive Medicine
Browse content in Surgery
Cardiothoracic Surgery
Gastro-intestinal and Colorectal Surgery
General Surgery
Neurosurgery
Paediatric Surgery
Peri-operative Care
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Surgical Oncology
Transplant Surgery
Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery
Vascular Surgery
Browse content in Science and Mathematics
Browse content in Biological Sciences
Aquatic Biology
Biochemistry
Bioinformatics and Computational Biology
Developmental Biology
Ecology and Conservation
Evolutionary Biology
Genetics and Genomics
Microbiology
Molecular and Cell Biology
Natural History
Plant Sciences and Forestry
Research Methods in Life Sciences
Structural Biology
Systems Biology
Zoology and Animal Sciences
Browse content in Chemistry
Analytical Chemistry
Computational Chemistry
Crystallography
Environmental Chemistry
Industrial Chemistry
Inorganic Chemistry
Materials Chemistry
Medicinal Chemistry
Mineralogy and Gems
Organic Chemistry
Physical Chemistry
Polymer Chemistry
Study and Communication Skills in Chemistry
Theoretical Chemistry
Browse content in Computer Science
Artificial Intelligence
Computer Architecture and Logic Design
Game Studies
Human-Computer Interaction
Mathematical Theory of Computation
Programming Languages
Software Engineering
Systems Analysis and Design
Virtual Reality
Browse content in Computing
Business Applications
Computer Security
Computer Games
Computer Networking and Communications
Digital Lifestyle
Graphical and Digital Media Applications
Operating Systems
Browse content in Earth Sciences and Geography
Atmospheric Sciences
Environmental Geography
Geology and the Lithosphere
Maps and Map-making
Meteorology and Climatology
Oceanography and Hydrology
Palaeontology
Physical Geography and Topography
Regional Geography
Soil Science
Urban Geography
Browse content in Engineering and Technology
Agriculture and Farming
Biological Engineering
Civil Engineering, Surveying, and Building
Electronics and Communications Engineering
Energy Technology
Engineering (General)
Environmental Science, Engineering, and Technology
History of Engineering and Technology
Mechanical Engineering and Materials
Technology of Industrial Chemistry
Transport Technology and Trades
Browse content in Environmental Science
Applied Ecology (Environmental Science)
Conservation of the Environment (Environmental Science)
Environmental Sustainability
Environmentalist Thought and Ideology (Environmental Science)
Management of Land and Natural Resources (Environmental Science)
Natural Disasters (Environmental Science)
Nuclear Issues (Environmental Science)
Pollution and Threats to the Environment (Environmental Science)
Social Impact of Environmental Issues (Environmental Science)
History of Science and Technology
Browse content in Materials Science
Ceramics and Glasses
Composite Materials
Metals, Alloying, and Corrosion
Nanotechnology
Browse content in Mathematics
Applied Mathematics
Biomathematics and Statistics
History of Mathematics
Mathematical Education
Mathematical Finance
Mathematical Analysis
Numerical and Computational Mathematics
Probability and Statistics
Pure Mathematics
Browse content in Neuroscience
Cognition and Behavioural Neuroscience
Development of the Nervous System
Disorders of the Nervous System
History of Neuroscience
Invertebrate Neurobiology
Molecular and Cellular Systems
Neuroendocrinology and Autonomic Nervous System
Neuroscientific Techniques
Sensory and Motor Systems
Browse content in Physics
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics
Biological and Medical Physics
Classical Mechanics
Computational Physics
Condensed Matter Physics
Electromagnetism, Optics, and Acoustics
History of Physics
Mathematical and Statistical Physics
Measurement Science
Nuclear Physics
Particles and Fields
Plasma Physics
Quantum Physics
Relativity and Gravitation
Semiconductor and Mesoscopic Physics
Browse content in Psychology
Affective Sciences
Clinical Psychology
Cognitive Psychology
Cognitive Neuroscience
Criminal and Forensic Psychology
Developmental Psychology
Educational Psychology
Evolutionary Psychology
Health Psychology
History and Systems in Psychology
Music Psychology
Neuropsychology
Organizational Psychology
Psychological Assessment and Testing
Psychology of Human-Technology Interaction
Psychology Professional Development and Training
Research Methods in Psychology
Social Psychology
Browse content in Social Sciences
Browse content in Anthropology
Anthropology of Religion
Human Evolution
Medical Anthropology
Physical Anthropology
Regional Anthropology
Social and Cultural Anthropology
Theory and Practice of Anthropology
Browse content in Business and Management
Business Strategy
Business Ethics
Business History
Business and Government
Business and Technology
Business and the Environment
Comparative Management
Corporate Governance
Corporate Social Responsibility
Entrepreneurship
Health Management
Human Resource Management
Industrial and Employment Relations
Industry Studies
Information and Communication Technologies
International Business
Knowledge Management
Management and Management Techniques
Operations Management
Organizational Theory and Behaviour
Pensions and Pension Management
Public and Nonprofit Management
Strategic Management
Supply Chain Management
Browse content in Criminology and Criminal Justice
Criminal Justice
Criminology
Forms of Crime
International and Comparative Criminology
Youth Violence and Juvenile Justice
Development Studies
Browse content in Economics
Agricultural, Environmental, and Natural Resource Economics
Asian Economics
Behavioural Finance
Behavioural Economics and Neuroeconomics
Econometrics and Mathematical Economics
Economic Systems
Economic History
Economic Methodology
Economic Development and Growth
Financial Markets
Financial Institutions and Services
General Economics and Teaching
Health, Education, and Welfare
History of Economic Thought
International Economics
Labour and Demographic Economics
Law and Economics
Macroeconomics and Monetary Economics
Microeconomics
Public Economics
Urban, Rural, and Regional Economics
Welfare Economics
Browse content in Education
Adult Education and Continuous Learning
Care and Counselling of Students
Early Childhood and Elementary Education
Educational Equipment and Technology
Educational Strategies and Policy
Higher and Further Education
Organization and Management of Education
Philosophy and Theory of Education
Schools Studies
Secondary Education
Teaching of a Specific Subject
Teaching of Specific Groups and Special Educational Needs
Teaching Skills and Techniques
Browse content in Environment
Applied Ecology (Social Science)
Climate Change
Conservation of the Environment (Social Science)
Environmentalist Thought and Ideology (Social Science)
Natural Disasters (Environment)
Social Impact of Environmental Issues (Social Science)
Browse content in Human Geography
Cultural Geography
Economic Geography
Political Geography
Browse content in Interdisciplinary Studies
Communication Studies
Museums, Libraries, and Information Sciences
Browse content in Politics
African Politics
Asian Politics
Chinese Politics
Comparative Politics
Conflict Politics
Elections and Electoral Studies
Environmental Politics
European Union
Foreign Policy
Gender and Politics
Human Rights and Politics
Indian Politics
International Relations
International Organization (Politics)
International Political Economy
Irish Politics
Latin American Politics
Middle Eastern Politics
Political Methodology
Political Communication
Political Philosophy
Political Sociology
Political Behaviour
Political Economy
Political Institutions
Political Theory
Politics and Law
Public Administration
Public Policy
Quantitative Political Methodology
Regional Political Studies
Russian Politics
Security Studies
State and Local Government
UK Politics
US Politics
Browse content in Regional and Area Studies
African Studies
Asian Studies
East Asian Studies
Japanese Studies
Latin American Studies
Middle Eastern Studies
Native American Studies
Scottish Studies
Browse content in Research and Information
Research Methods
Browse content in Social Work
Addictions and Substance Misuse
Adoption and Fostering
Care of the Elderly
Child and Adolescent Social Work
Couple and Family Social Work
Developmental and Physical Disabilities Social Work
Direct Practice and Clinical Social Work
Emergency Services
Human Behaviour and the Social Environment
International and Global Issues in Social Work
Mental and Behavioural Health
Social Justice and Human Rights
Social Policy and Advocacy
Social Work and Crime and Justice
Social Work Macro Practice
Social Work Practice Settings
Social Work Research and Evidence-based Practice
Welfare and Benefit Systems
Browse content in Sociology
Childhood Studies
Community Development
Comparative and Historical Sociology
Economic Sociology
Gender and Sexuality
Gerontology and Ageing
Health, Illness, and Medicine
Marriage and the Family
Migration Studies
Occupations, Professions, and Work
Organizations
Population and Demography
Race and Ethnicity
Social Theory
Social Movements and Social Change
Social Research and Statistics
Social Stratification, Inequality, and Mobility
Sociology of Religion
Sociology of Education
Sport and Leisure
Urban and Rural Studies
Browse content in Warfare and Defence
Defence Strategy, Planning, and Research
Land Forces and Warfare
Military Administration
Military Life and Institutions
Naval Forces and Warfare
Other Warfare and Defence Issues
Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution
Weapons and Equipment

< Previous chapter

5 Inventing the samurai

Published: April 2021
Cite Icon Cite
Permissions Icon Permissions

This chapter argues that the samurai were “invented” in the Tokugawa period as a strictly defined group with a unique identity created through popular culture and codified social cultural practices. Commoners and samurai alike consumed, and participated in, warrior-related activities. People read warrior histories, military science manuals, were influenced by warrior theatre, like the 47 ronin story, and the value therein. It also describes how low-ranking warriors became more political, their education increasing connected to notions of warrior legitimacy and the relationship between warriors and the imperial institution. In so doing, the chapter, chronologically, leads readers to the collapse of the last warrior regime during the Meiji Restoration and the Boshin War.

Signed in as

Institutional accounts.

GoogleCrawler [DO NOT DELETE]
Google Scholar Indexing

Personal account

Sign in with email/username & password
Get email alerts
Save searches
Purchase content
Activate your purchase/trial code

Institutional access

Sign in with a library card Sign in with username/password Recommend to your librarian
Institutional account management
Get help with access

Access to content on Oxford Academic is often provided through institutional subscriptions and purchases. If you are a member of an institution with an active account, you may be able to access content in one of the following ways:

IP based access

Typically, access is provided across an institutional network to a range of IP addresses. This authentication occurs automatically, and it is not possible to sign out of an IP authenticated account.

Sign in through your institution

Choose this option to get remote access when outside your institution. Shibboleth/Open Athens technology is used to provide single sign-on between your institutionâ€™s website and Oxford Academic.

Click Sign in through your institution.
Select your institution from the list provided, which will take you to your institution's website to sign in.
When on the institution site, please use the credentials provided by your institution. Do not use an Oxford Academic personal account.
Following successful sign in, you will be returned to Oxford Academic.

If your institution is not listed or you cannot sign in to your institutionâ€™s website, please contact your librarian or administrator.

Sign in with a library card

Enter your library card number to sign in. If you cannot sign in, please contact your librarian.

Society Members

Society member access to a journal is achieved in one of the following ways:

Sign in through society site

Many societies offer single sign-on between the society website and Oxford Academic. If you see â€˜Sign in through society siteâ€™ in the sign in pane within a journal:

Click Sign in through society site.
When on the society site, please use the credentials provided by that society. Do not use an Oxford Academic personal account.

If you do not have a society account or have forgotten your username or password, please contact your society.

Sign in using a personal account

Some societies use Oxford Academic personal accounts to provide access to their members. See below.

A personal account can be used to get email alerts, save searches, purchase content, and activate subscriptions.

Some societies use Oxford Academic personal accounts to provide access to their members.

Viewing your signed in accounts

Click the account icon in the top right to:

View your signed in personal account and access account management features.
View the institutional accounts that are providing access.

Signed in but can't access content

Oxford Academic is home to a wide variety of products. The institutional subscription may not cover the content that you are trying to access. If you believe you should have access to that content, please contact your librarian.

For librarians and administrators, your personal account also provides access to institutional account management. Here you will find options to view and activate subscriptions, manage institutional settings and access options, access usage statistics, and more.

Our books are available by subscription or purchase to libraries and institutions.

About Oxford Academic
Publish journals with us
University press partners
What we publish
New features
Open access
Rights and permissions
Accessibility
Advertising
Media enquiries
Oxford University Press
Oxford Languages
University of Oxford

Oxford University Press is a department of the University of Oxford. It furthers the University's objective of excellence in research, scholarship, and education by publishing worldwide

Copyright © 2024 Oxford University Press
Cookie settings
Cookie policy
Privacy policy
Legal notice

This Feature Is Available To Subscribers Only

This PDF is available to Subscribers Only

For full access to this pdf, sign in to an existing account, or purchase an annual subscription.

Entertainment
Environment
Information Science and Technology
Social Issues

Home Essay Samples History

Essay Samples on Samurai

Samurai and knights: the warriors of japan and europe.

Samurai and Knights, the role where they start off young and train into strong warriors, the role who fights for their masters and fight in wars to protect their people, they who are strong, loyal, and cunning. The warriors of Japan and Europe, the samurai...

History of Asia

The Moral Concept of Japanese Samurai: What is Bushido

Bushido, ‘the way of the warrior’, is a concept immortalized through its constitutional ties to the moral values of Japanese samurai. Although bushido only appears in books in the late 16th century, the principles it entails of perfect honour and unyielding loyalty, military preparedness and...

History and Culture of Ancient China and Japan

Ancient and Medieval China and Japan had multiple cultural aspects in their history such as the political, social and economic structures. For instance, Chinese Dynasties brought forth new ideas like Confucianism, Daoism, and some ideas of Legalism. New trade routes were formed along with a...

Chinese Dynasties

Review of Japanese Culture and Unique Characteristics of Japanese People

日本 (Nippon) is a kanji character which refers to Japan and means sunrise land. Nippon the name most locals refer to their country as. However, Japan is a country found in the east of Asia. It is made up of four major islands, namely Kyushu,...

Japanese Culture

Analysis of Roots of Bushido - A Path of Samurai in The Soul of Japan by Inazo Nitobe

Bushido is, in a wide sense, a common thought and nationality of Japanese people, while in a narrow sense, it indicates that a systemized ideology based on the standard of ethical and moral values of Japanese warrior, samurai or bushi. The definition of Bushido, however,...

Stressed out with your paper?

Consider using writing assistance:

100% unique papers
3 hrs deadline option

Japan's Ancient Warriors: Samurai History

In modern Japan, we encounter this ‘honourable’ warrior through mass-media. He is often dressed in his famous armour, fighting his many battles with his trusty katana or even engaging in a brotherly fight with the warrior of the shadows, the ninja. While many may argue...

Best topics on Samurai

1. Samurai and Knights: the Warriors of Japan and Europe

2. The Moral Concept of Japanese Samurai: What is Bushido

3. History and Culture of Ancient China and Japan

4. Review of Japanese Culture and Unique Characteristics of Japanese People

5. Analysis of Roots of Bushido – A Path of Samurai in The Soul of Japan by Inazo Nitobe

6. Japan’s Ancient Warriors: Samurai History

American History
Civil Rights
Jourdon Anderson's Letter
Cuban Revolution
Christopher Columbus
Alexander Hamilton
African Diaspora
Augustus Caesar

Need writing help?

You can always rely on us no matter what type of paper you need

*No hidden charges

100% Unique Essays

Absolutely Confidential

Money Back Guarantee

By clicking “Send Essay”, you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement. We will occasionally send you account related emails

You can also get a UNIQUE essay on this or any other topic

Thank you! We’ll contact you as soon as possible.

Informative Essay — Purpose, Structure, and Examples

What is informative writing?

Informative writing educates the reader about a certain topic. An informative essay may explain new information, describe a process, or clarify a concept. The provided information is objective, meaning the writing focuses on presentation of fact and should not contain personal opinion or bias.

Informative writing includes description, process, cause and effect, comparison, and problems and possible solutions:

Describes a person, place, thing, or event using descriptive language that appeals to readers’ senses

Explains the process to do something or how something was created

Discusses the relationship between two things, determining how one ( cause ) leads to the other ( effect ); the effect needs to be based on fact and not an assumption

Identifies the similarities and differences between two things; does not indicate that one is better than the other

Details a problem and presents various possible solutions ; the writer does not suggest one solution is more effective than the others

Purpose of informative writing

The purpose of an informative essay depends upon the writer’s motivation, but may be to share new information, describe a process, clarify a concept, explain why or how, or detail a topic’s intricacies.

Informative essays may introduce readers to new information .

Summarizing a scientific/technological study

Outlining the various aspects of a religion

Providing information on a historical period

Describe a process or give step-by-step details of a procedure.

How to write an informational essay

How to construct an argument

How to apply for a job

Clarify a concept and offer details about complex ideas.

Explain why or how something works the way that it does.

Describe how the stock market impacts the economy

Illustrate why there are high and low tides

Detail how the heart functions

Offer information on the smaller aspects or intricacies of a larger topic.

Identify the importance of the individual bones in the body

Outlining the Dust Bowl in the context of the Great Depression

Explaining how bees impact the environment

How to write an informative essay

Regardless of the type of information, the informative essay structure typically consists of an introduction, body, and conclusion.

Introduction

Background information

Explanation of evidence

Restated thesis

Review of main ideas

Closing statement

Informative essay introduction

When composing the introductory paragraph(s) of an informative paper, include a hook, introduce the topic, provide background information, and develop a good thesis statement.

If the hook or introduction creates interest in the first paragraph, it will draw the readers’ attention and make them more receptive to the essay writer's ideas. Some of the most common techniques to accomplish this include the following:

Emphasize the topic’s importance by explaining the current interest in the topic or by indicating that the subject is influential.

Use pertinent statistics to give the paper an air of authority.

A surprising statement can be shocking; sometimes it is disgusting; sometimes it is joyful; sometimes it is surprising because of who said it.

An interesting incident or anecdote can act as a teaser to lure the reader into the remainder of the essay. Be sure that the device is appropriate for the informative essay topic and focus on what is to follow.

Directly introduce the topic of the essay.

Provide the reader with the background information necessary to understand the topic. Don’t repeat this information in the body of the essay; it should help the reader understand what follows.

Identify the overall purpose of the essay with the thesis (purpose statement). Writers can also include their support directly in the thesis, which outlines the structure of the essay for the reader.

Informative essay body paragraphs

Each body paragraph should contain a topic sentence, evidence, explanation of evidence, and a transition sentence.

A good topic sentence should identify what information the reader should expect in the paragraph and how it connects to the main purpose identified in the thesis.

Provide evidence that details the main point of the paragraph. This includes paraphrasing, summarizing, and directly quoting facts, statistics, and statements.

Explain how the evidence connects to the main purpose of the essay.

Place transitions at the end of each body paragraph, except the last. There is no need to transition from the last support to the conclusion. A transition should accomplish three goals:

Tell the reader where you were (current support)

Tell the reader where you are going (next support)

Relate the paper’s purpose

Informative essay conclusion

Incorporate a rephrased thesis, summary, and closing statement into the conclusion of an informative essay.

Rephrase the purpose of the essay. Do not just repeat the purpose statement from the thesis.

Summarize the main idea found in each body paragraph by rephrasing each topic sentence.

End with a clincher or closing statement that helps readers answer the question “so what?” What should the reader take away from the information provided in the essay? Why should they care about the topic?

Informative essay example

The following example illustrates a good informative essay format:

How to Write an Informative Essay: Everything You Need to Know

Did you know that informative essays aren't just for school? They're also used in jobs like journalism, marketing, and PR to explain complex ideas and promote things. This shows how useful they are outside of the classroom.

So, if you're planning to write one, that's a great choice! It's interesting but can be tough. To do it well, you need to plan, research, and organize carefully. Keep your tone balanced, give clear info, and add your own thoughts to stand out.

In this guide, our essay writer will give you tips on starting and organizing your essay effectively. At the end, you'll also find interesting essay samples. So, let's jump right into it.

What is an Informative Essay

To give a good informative essay definition, imagine them as windows to new knowledge. Their main job is to teach others about a particular topic. Whether it's for a school project or something you stumble upon online, these essays are packed with interesting facts and insights.

Here's a simple breakdown from our admission essay writing service of what makes an informative essay tick:

Keeping It Real: These essays are all about the facts. No opinions allowed. We want to keep things fair and honest.
Topics Galore: You can write about anything you find interesting, from science and history to things about different cultures.
Where You Find Them: Informative essays can pop up anywhere, from your classroom assignments to the pages of magazines or even online articles.
Research: Like a good detective, informative essays rely on solid evidence. That means digging into trustworthy sources to gather reliable information.
Stay Neutral: To keep things fair, informative essays don't take sides. They present the facts and let readers draw their own conclusions.
Structure: These essays have a clear roadmap. They start with an introduction to set the stage, then present the main points with evidence, and wrap up with a summary to tie it all together.
Write for Your Audience: Keep your writing simple and easy to understand. Think about who will be reading it.
Give Just Enough Detail: Don't overload people with info. Find the right balance so it's interesting but not overwhelming.

Ready to Ignite Minds with Your Informative Essay?

Our qualified writers are here to craft a masterpiece tailored to your needs worthy of an A+

Reasons to Write an Informative Essay

Writing informative essays, whether following the IEEE format or another style, is a great way to teach and share ideas with others. Here's why it's worth giving it a try:

Make Complex Ideas Easy : Informative essays simplify complicated topics so everyone can understand them. They break down big ideas into simple parts, helping more people learn and share knowledge.
Encourage Thinking : When you read these essays, you're encouraged to think for yourself. They give you facts and evidence so you can form your own opinions about different topics. This helps you become better at understanding the world around you.
Inspire Doing : They can motivate people to take action and make positive changes by raising awareness about important issues like the environment, fairness, or health. By reading these essays, people might be inspired to do something to help.
Leave a Mark : When you write informative essays, you're leaving a legacy of knowledge for future generations. Your ideas can be read and learned from long after you're gone, helping others understand the world better.

How to Start an Informative Essay

If you're still doubting how to start with an informative essay outline, no worries! Here's a step-by-step guide to help you tackle this task like a pro. Alternatively, you can simply order essay and have it done by experts.

Choose an Exciting Topic : Pick something that really grabs your attention. Writing about what you're genuinely interested in makes the whole process way more fun. Plus, it's easier to write confidently about things you know a bit about.
Dig into Research : Spend some quality time digging up info from reliable sources. Take good notes, so you have all the facts you need to back up your essay. The better your research, the stronger your essay will be.
Set Your Essay's Goal : Decide what you want your essay to do. Are you explaining something, analyzing a problem, or comparing ideas? Knowing your goal helps you focus your writing.
Sketch Out Your Essay : Make a simple plan for your essay. Start with an intro that grabs attention and states your main idea. Then, map out your main points for the body paragraphs and plan a strong finish for your conclusion.
Kick Off with an Awesome Introduction : Start with a killer opening line to hook your readers. Give a bit of background on your topic and clearly state your main idea.
Flesh Out Your Body Paragraphs : In each paragraph, cover one key point backed up with evidence from your research. Keep it clear and simple, and don't forget to cite your sources.
Wrap Up Strong : Sum up your main points in your conclusion and restate your main idea in a memorable way. Leave your readers with something to think about related to your topic.

Informative Essay Outline

Many students don't realize how helpful outlining can be for writing an informative essay. Spending a bit of time on it can actually save you loads of time later on when you're writing. To give you a head start, here's a simple format from our term paper writing services :

I. Introduction

Start with something catchy to grab attention
Give a little background info on your topic
State your main idea clearly in your thesis statement

II. Body Paragraphs

A. Talk about your first main idea

Share evidence or facts that support this idea
Explain what the evidence means
Transition smoothly to the next point

B. Move on to your second main idea

Provide evidence or facts for this point
Explain why this evidence matters
Transition to the next paragraph

C. Address your third main idea

Offer supporting evidence or facts
Explain the significance of this evidence
Transition to the next part

III. Conclusion

Restate your thesis statement to remind readers of your main point
Summarize the key points you've covered in the body paragraphs
Leave readers with some final thoughts or reflections to ponder

IV. Optional: Extra Sections

Consider addressing counterarguments and explaining why they're not valid (if needed)
Offer suggestions for further research or additional reading
Share personal anecdotes or examples to make your essay more relatable (if it fits)

Informative Essay Structure

Now that you've got a plan and know how to start an essay let's talk about how to organize it in more detail.

Introduction :

In your informative essay introduction, your aim is to grab the reader's interest and provide a bit of background on your topic. Start with something attention-grabbing, like a surprising fact or a thought-provoking question. Then, give a quick overview of what you'll be talking about in your essay with a clear thesis statement that tells the reader what your main points will be.

Body Paragraphs:

The body paragraphs of an informative essay should dive into the main ideas of your topic. Aim for at least three main points and back them up with evidence from reliable sources. Remember the 'C-E-E' formula: Claim, Evidence, Explanation. Start each paragraph with a clear point, then provide evidence to support it, and finally, explain why it's important. Mastering how to write an informative essay also requires smooth transitions from one section to the next, so don't forget to use transition words.

Conclusion :

You may already guess how to write a conclusion for an informative essay, as it's quite similar to other writing types. Wrap up by summarizing the main points you've made. Restate your thesis to remind the reader what your essay was all about. Then, leave them with some final thoughts or reflections to think about. Maybe suggest why your topic is important or what people can learn from it.

Informative Essay Examples

Essay examples show how theoretical ideas can be applied effectively and engagingly. So, let's check them out for good structure, organization, and presentation techniques.

Additionally, you can also explore essay writing apps that offer convenience and flexibility, allowing you to work on assignments wherever you are.

7 Steps for Writing an Informative Essay

Before you leave, here are 7 simple yet crucial steps for writing an informative essay. Make sure to incorporate them into your writing process:

Choose Your Topic: If you're given the freedom to choose your topic, opt for something you're passionate about and can explain effectively in about five paragraphs. Begin with a broad subject area and gradually narrow it down to a specific topic. Consider conducting preliminary research to ensure there's enough information available to support your essay.
Do Your Research: Dive deep into your chosen topic and gather information from reliable sources. Ensure that the sources you use are credible and can be referenced in your essay. This step is crucial for building a solid foundation of knowledge on your topic.
Create an Outline: Once you've collected your research, organize your thoughts by creating an outline. Think of it as a roadmap for your essay, briefly summarizing what each paragraph will cover. This step helps maintain coherence and ensures that you cover all essential points in your essay.
Start Writing: With your outline in hand, begin drafting your essay. Don't strive for perfection on the first attempt; instead, focus on getting your ideas down on paper. Maintain an objective and informative tone, avoiding overly complex language or unnecessary embellishments.
Revise Your Draft: After completing the initial draft, take a break before revisiting your work. Read through your essay carefully, assessing how well your arguments are supported by evidence and ensuring a smooth flow of ideas. Rewrite any sections that require improvement to strengthen your essay's overall coherence and clarity.
Proofread: Once you've revised your essay, thoroughly proofread it to catch any spelling or grammar errors. Additionally, verify the accuracy of the facts and information presented in your essay. A polished and error-free essay reflects positively on your attention to detail and credibility as a writer.
Cite Your Sources: Finally, include a citations page to acknowledge the sources you've referenced in your essay. Follow the formatting guidelines of the chosen citation style, whether it's MLA, APA, or Chicago, to ensure consistency and proper credit to the original authors. This step is essential for maintaining academic integrity and avoiding plagiarism accusations.

Final Remarks

Fantastic! Now that you know how to write an informative essay and absorbed the essentials, let's recap the key points:

You've learned the basics of informative essay writing.
Ready to choose an interesting topic that connects with your audience.
You've understood how to organize your essay clearly, with each paragraph serving a purpose.
You have step-by-step guidance for writing engagingly.
You've gained valuable tips to improve your writing skills and make your essay stand out.

By applying these insights, you're set to write an engaging essay that informs and inspires your readers!

Want to Unleash the Brilliance of Your Ideas?

Claim your expertly crafted informative essay today and command attention with your brilliant insights!

How to Write a Policy Analysis Paper Step-by-Step

PRO Courses Guides New Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade Sign In
EDIT Edit this Article
EXPLORE Tech Help Pro About Us Random Article Quizzes Request a New Article Community Dashboard This Or That Game Popular Categories Arts and Entertainment Artwork Books Movies Computers and Electronics Computers Phone Skills Technology Hacks Health Men's Health Mental Health Women's Health Relationships Dating Love Relationship Issues Hobbies and Crafts Crafts Drawing Games Education & Communication Communication Skills Personal Development Studying Personal Care and Style Fashion Hair Care Personal Hygiene Youth Personal Care School Stuff Dating All Categories Arts and Entertainment Finance and Business Home and Garden Relationship Quizzes Cars & Other Vehicles Food and Entertaining Personal Care and Style Sports and Fitness Computers and Electronics Health Pets and Animals Travel Education & Communication Hobbies and Crafts Philosophy and Religion Work World Family Life Holidays and Traditions Relationships Youth
Browse Articles
Learn Something New
Quizzes Hot
This Or That Game New
Train Your Brain
Explore More
Support wikiHow
About wikiHow
Log in / Sign up
Education and Communications
College University and Postgraduate
Academic Writing

How to Write an Informative Essay

Last Updated: February 14, 2023 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Megan Morgan, PhD . Megan Morgan is a Graduate Program Academic Advisor in the School of Public & International Affairs at the University of Georgia. She earned her PhD in English from the University of Georgia in 2015. There are 12 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 242,557 times.

An informative essay educates the reader about a topic. You'll need to know a good deal about your subject and convey information in a clear, organized fashion. If it seems overwhelming at first, remember to take it step by step. Working methodically can help you write a successful paper, and you may even enjoy the process!

Selecting and Researching Your Topic

Be sure you know how your teacher wants you to cite your sources so you can keep track of what you research. Some schools provide reference software like EndNote or RefWorks, which can make collecting and keeping track of research sources easier.
Be aware of any formatting requirements. The essay prompt will often tell you things such as whether the essay needs to be handwritten or typed, and what font type and size to use. If it doesn't stipulate, the safe choice is a standard, readable 12-pt font such as Times New Roman or Arial. Avoid using "cute" or "quirky" fonts in an academic paper unless given specific permission to do so.
Know the due date! Get started early so that you have plenty of time to complete the essay.

The topic should not be too broad or too narrow. See Write an Essay for more information. There should be enough information about the topic to write about, but not so much that you can't present clear, concise information. For example, writing on "the history of animal shelters" is probably much too broad, while "the history of Sunny Days Animal Shelter in X County" is probably too narrow. A happy medium might be "the history of breed-specific animal shelters in America."
The topic should be appropriate and interesting to your audience. Think in advance about who might be reading your essay. Obviously, if this is for school, your teacher is your primary audience, but you should always have a target audience in mind. What will they want to know? What do they probably not know already that your essay will provide?
Ideally, the topic should be one that interests you. This will make the writing process that much easier, and you can pass your enthusiasm on to your reader.

For best results, try to find online sources from reputable organizations, government agencies, and universities. Google Scholar can be a good place to start.

For your informative essay, you will need an introduction, at least three main points, and a conclusion. You may want to make these sections and write notes down under the section where you expect it to go.

Make an ideas map. Put your topic in a circle at the center of a piece of paper, then write down the most important pieces of information or ideas related to it in circles surrounding the topic. Make lines connecting each idea to the topic. Next, add details around each idea, circling them and making lines to show connections. There may be lines connecting ideas to each other, as well, or between supporting details.
Make a list. If you prefer the linear format of a list, write down your topic at the top and then below it any ideas you have. Under the ideas, add extra details that support them. Don't worry about putting them in specific order - that comes next.
Free write. Free writing can help you generate ideas, even if it usually doesn't provide polished prose you'll use in your final draft. Set a short time limit, such as 15 minutes, and then write whatever comes to mind about your topic. Don't stop to edit or change spelling, and keep writing even if you aren't sure you have anything to say. The important thing is to write for all 15 minutes.

Making an Outline

Step 1 Plan an introduction with a hook.

Don't worry about getting your thesis just right at this point - that comes later. If you don't feel ready to write the thesis out, jot down some notes in the introductory part of your outline. At the very least, you need some idea of what you want to say in your essay.
While it may seem odd to summarize your essay before you've begun, writing your thesis at the beginning of your outline will help you organize your ideas and select the most important details that you want to present.

Step 2 Use one major supporting detail per paragraph in the body of your essay.

The number of details you use depends on the paper length: if you're writing a five-paragraph essay, then you have three paragraphs for the body, so you'll need three main ideas.
Make sure you choose the most important details, and that they are all distinct from one another.
Details used to support your thesis are also called "evidence."

Step 3 Add in supporting details for each paragraph in the body.

Make sure you have enough supporting details for each paragraph. If you don't have enough to say about the paragraph's main topic, consider changing the topic or combining it with another paragraph. Alternatively, you can research a bit more to find additional supporting details for the paragraph.

Step 4 Restate your thesis in your conclusion.

Writing Your Essay

Do not worry about spelling errors or mistakes. Remember that this is just a rough draft, not your final copy. Just focus on writing it down, and later you can fix mistakes.
Write your rough draft by hand or type it - whichever is easier for you.

Step 2 Give each paragraph a topic sentence.

For example, a topic/transition sentence might look like this: "While some factories allow union labor, others, such as those in X, argue that unionizing harms the workplace." This sentence gives a clear direction for the paragraph (some factories argue against unionizing) and links it to the paragraph before it (which was probably about pro-union factories).
Remember: each paragraph needs unity (a single central idea), clear relation to the thesis , coherence (logical relationship of ideas within the paragraph), and development (ideas are clearly explained and supported). [11] X Trustworthy Source University of North Carolina Writing Center UNC's on-campus and online instructional service that provides assistance to students, faculty, and others during the writing process Go to source

Make sure you're clear about what the idea of each paragraph is. To keep yourself on track, refer to your outline as you write.

Have you told the reader everything you need to about your topic?
Do you have a clear thesis statement, expressed in two to three sentences?
Do all your paragraphs relate to the thesis?
Does each paragraph have one main idea, supported by accurate, objective details?
Does your conclusion summarize your thoughts on the topic without adding new information or opinions?
How does the paper flow? Are there clear, logical transitions between paragraphs?
Have you used clear, concise prose and avoided flowery language?
Did the reader learn something new from the essay? Is it presented in an interesting way?
Have you cited sources as instructed by your teacher?

As you write your final draft, keep track of coherence in particular. Rough drafts often have all of their ideas jumbled up without a clear, logical progression. A key difference between a rough draft and a final draft is that the final draft should offer its information in a smooth, clear, easy-to-read fashion that builds on previous points as it goes along. Keeping an eye out to make sure you've followed the C-E-E- formula will help you.

Also keep an eye out for word echoes, or words that show up many times within the space of a few sentences or paragraphs. If you use the word discusses multiple times in the same paragraph, it will make your writing seem clunky and unpolished.

Sometimes our eyes "fix" mistakes for us as we read, so it's hard to catch mistakes reading silently. Reading aloud helps you find mistakes your eye might not.

Community Q&A

↑ http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/understanding-assignments/
↑ https://library.carleton.ca/guides/help/choosing-essay-topic
↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/subject_specific_writing/writing_in_literature/writing_in_literature_detailed_discussion/conducting_research.html
↑ https://advice.writing.utoronto.ca/researching/notes-from-research/
↑ https://libguides.rio.edu/c.php?g=620382&p=4320145
↑ http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/brainstorming/
↑ https://examples.yourdictionary.com/20-compelling-hook-examples-for-essays.html
↑ https://examples.yourdictionary.com/examples-of-informative-essays.html
↑ https://wts.indiana.edu/writing-guides/paragraphs-and-topic-sentences.html
↑ http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/paragraphs/
↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/revising-drafts/
↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/editing-and-proofreading/

About This Article

To write an informative essay, start with an introduction that presents a thesis statement articulating your argument in 2-3 concise sentences. For the body of the essay, focus on one main idea per paragraph and start each paragraph with a topic sentence that establishes that main idea. Then, follow the topic sentence with cited evidence and explanatory detail. Finish up with a conclusion that summarizes your main points and restates your thesis. Don't forget to proofread carefully before turning in your essay! For helpful tips on researching and using good sources, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

Send fan mail to authors

Reader Success Stories

Britney Montgomery

Dec 8, 2016

Did this article help you?

writing an informative essay about samurai

David Lewis

Nov 27, 2016

Heather Young

Oct 19, 2016

Colleen Borgese

Feb 27, 2017

Feb 28, 2017

Featured Articles

Watch Articles

Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
Do Not Sell or Share My Info
Not Selling Info

Get all the best how-tos!

IMAGES

Japan
Final Assignment for The Samurai's Tale by An Individualized Approach
How to Write an Informative Essay
Samurai informative speech
Brief History of Samurai Warriors [Infographic]
Samurai Reading by Jarrell Imes

VIDEO

Informative Essay Video
Japani samurai 😱| best history fact #story #real story #fact
The Untold Secrets of Samurai Legends: The Fascinating World of Japan's Warrior Culture
Informative essay
Top Score Writing Informative Essay Planning: Alligators
Informative Essay

COMMENTS

The Samurai History in Japan
Samurai faced a number of challenges, which were both economic and social. In the 19 th century, Samurai was the respected royal class of Japan. However, its power faded so fast due to the public mistrust. This was mainly because of the stagnation of income owing to the fact that the society was undergoing change.
Essay 1
Close Reading and Analysis of Historical Sources. For this essay, choose one*** of the 5 sets of historical sources we have discussed in class that, in your view, contains a key theme that is especially important for us to understand the social, cultural, and/or political experiences of the inhabitants of the Japanese archipelago during the period preceding the rise of the first samurai ...
Samurai
Department of Asian Art, The Metropolitan Museum of Art. October 2002. The military elite dominated Japanese politics, economics, and social policies between the twelfth and nineteenth centuries. Known as bushi or samurai, these warriors, who first appear in historical records of the tenth century, rose to power initially through their martial ...
Essay 2
For this essay, identify a key issue or theme in these laws that, in your opinion, is especially important for our understanding of how these rulers sought to govern the samurai and how this evolved over time. As was the case in Essay 1: Support your central thesis by citing specific examples from your chosen set of historical sources.
History of the Japanese Samurai
It is a tradition found in the Samurai, the loyal and self-sacrificing knight of ancient Japan. The Samurai is a valiant warrior who can both appreciate the beauty of nature in that of a rose blossom but will also kill or die for his master in an instant. This well-rounded warrior was the ruling class of Japan for almost seven hundred years.
Samurai
Words • 340. Pages • 2. Paper Type: 350 Word Essay Examples. The samurai, the warrior nobility of the pre-modern Japan, was on the top of the class hierarchy up to the Tokugawa shogunate. This was the time of feudalism in Japan. A Shogun is said to be the owner of the entire country with lesser lords under him.
Samurai Essay Sample
Samurai Essay Sample. Samurai is a term that was developed in the twelfth century, after Taika reforms in Japan. It was such a popular term in both lower and upper classes of warriors but generally, which was developed to refer to class of individual warriors with an outstanding expertise, who fought in favor of their masters.
The Significance of The Samurai in Japanese History
Get original essay. The samurai (or the warrior class) refers to a supreme ranking military officer of the Japanese imperial court; they originated from the rural lords and their military retainers. A small percentage of the overall population, they represented the highest level of the social system.
Final Essay
Each entry in the Samurai: An Encyclopedia of Japan's Cultured Warriors book also has a "further reading" section at the end that lists additional sources. Talk to your instructor! This essay is due during the final session and counts for 30% of the course grade. Students will also make a presentation on this essay during the final session.
Samurai: A Very Short Introduction
Abstract. This chapter argues that the samurai were "invented" in the Tokugawa period as a strictly defined group with a unique identity created through popular culture and codified social cultural practices. Commoners and samurai alike consumed, and participated in, warrior-related activities. People read warrior histories, military ...
Samurai Essays: Samples & Topics
Samurai and Knights: the Warriors of Japan and Europe. 2. The Moral Concept of Japanese Samurai: What is Bushido. 3. History and Culture of Ancient China and Japan. 4. Review of Japanese Culture and Unique Characteristics of Japanese People. 5. Analysis of Roots of Bushido - A Path of Samurai in The Soul of Japan by Inazo Nitobe. 6.
How to write a convincing Samurai story (ultimate guide)
Know the history. The first step to writing a convincing samurai story is to understand the history of the samurai. The samurai were a warrior class in feudal Japan that existed from the 12th to ...
The Samurai Encyclopedia by Constantine Nomikos Vaporis & Alexander
In the book, Vaporis writes that his aim is to provide an overview of samurai history for general readers. In this he is successful: the essays are easy to read, well-researched, and informative. The book is more than 400 pages long and contains more than 120 archived photos, including over 60 colored images.
Samurai Essay
The Samurai code is an ancient practice from Japan, sometimes called Bushido. Samurai originally meant "one who serves", which refers to men of noble birth. These warriors obliged by a strict code of conduct, where they practiced loyalty, courage, self-control, respect, honesty, benevolence, justice, and above all else, honor.
Essay On Samurai
The samurai were a warrior class in feudal Japan who served the lords of clans in Japanese feudal society. They were highly respected elite warriors in both grand military strategy and individual martial arts. The warrior code that they embodied and the myth of the samurai warrior are still alive in modern Japan today.
Informative Essay
Purpose of informative writing. The purpose of an informative essay depends upon the writer's motivation, but may be to share new information, describe a process, clarify a concept, explain why or how, or detail a topic's intricacies. Informative essays may introduce readers to new information. Summarizing a scientific/technological study.
Samurai Essay Examples
Definition: The term samurai was originally used to denote Japan's aristocratic warriors (bushi), but it came to apply to all the members of the country's warrior class who rose to power in the 12th century and dominated the Japanese government until the Meiji Restoration in 1868. The ideal samurai was supposed to follow an unwritten code ...
How to Write an Informative Essay: A Friendly and Detailed Guide
An informative essay is a paper that educates an audience on a given subject matter unbiasedly. The subject could be an object, person, event, or phenomenon. The goal is to answer a prompt question in detail and with facts compellingly and concisely. You will not be giving your opinion or analysis; instead, your essay should remain objective ...
Writing an Informative Essay
Writing an Informative Essay Informative essays engage readers with new, interesting, and often surprising facts and details about a subject. Informative essays are educational; readers expect to learn something new from them. In fact, much of the reading and writing done in college and the workplace is informative. From textbooks to reports to tutorials like…
How to Write an Informative Essay
Informative essay structure is necessary to follow while writing an informative essay. If a writer ignores the essay's proper format, it will not be considered an excellent informative essay. All the points should be well-organized and included in the structure systematically. There are six steps or stages to writing an informative essay.
How to Write an Informative Essay: Expert Guide
Before you leave, here are 7 simple yet crucial steps for writing an informative essay. Make sure to incorporate them into your writing process: Choose Your Topic: If you're given the freedom to choose your topic, opt for something you're passionate about and can explain effectively in about five paragraphs.
How to Write an Informative Essay (with Pictures)
To write an informative essay, start with an introduction that presents a thesis statement articulating your argument in 2-3 concise sentences. For the body of the essay, focus on one main idea per paragraph and start each paragraph with a topic sentence that establishes that main idea. Then, follow the topic sentence with cited evidence and ...
ᐅ Essays On Samurai Free Argumentative, Persuasive, Descriptive and
The best way to write a samurai essay will vary depending on the specific focus of the essay. However, there are some tips that can be followed to ensure that your essay is well-written and informative.First, it is important to have a clear understanding of the samurai code, as this will provide a strong foundation for your essay.

The Samurai History in Japan Essay

Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History Essays

Fudō Myōō (Achala-vidyārāja)

Further Reading

Additional Essays by Department of Asian Art

Related Essays

Online Features

--> Samurai Essay Sample

Related essays

Our Specialization

The Significance of The Samurai in Japanese History

Cite this Essay

Related Essays

Still can’t find what you need?

Related Essays on Japan

Related Topics

Get Your Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!

Browse Course Material

Departments

As Taught In

Learning Resource Types

Major Steps

You are leaving MIT OpenCourseWare

5 Inventing the samurai

Signed in as

Personal account

Institutional access

IP based access

Sign in through your institution

Sign in with a library card

Society Members

Sign in through society site

Sign in using a personal account

Viewing your signed in accounts

Signed in but can't access content

This Feature Is Available To Subscribers Only

Essay Samples on Samurai

The Moral Concept of Japanese Samurai: What is Bushido

History and Culture of Ancient China and Japan

Review of Japanese Culture and Unique Characteristics of Japanese People

Analysis of Roots of Bushido - A Path of Samurai in The Soul of Japan by Inazo Nitobe

Japan's Ancient Warriors: Samurai History

Informative Essay — Purpose, Structure, and Examples

What is informative writing?

Purpose of informative writing

How to write an informative essay

Informative essay introduction

Informative essay body paragraphs

Informative essay conclusion

Informative essay example

How to Write an Informative Essay: Everything You Need to Know

What is an Informative Essay

Ready to Ignite Minds with Your Informative Essay?

Reasons to Write an Informative Essay

How to Start an Informative Essay

Informative Essay Outline

Informative Essay Structure

Informative Essay Examples

7 Steps for Writing an Informative Essay

Final Remarks

Want to Unleash the Brilliance of Your Ideas?

Related Articles

How to Write an Informative Essay

Selecting and Researching Your Topic

Making an Outline

Writing Your Essay

Community Q&A

You Might Also Like

About This Article

Reader Success Stories

Did this article help you?

Featured Articles

Trending Articles

Watch Articles

IMAGES

VIDEO

COMMENTS