Bushido

Paper Summary:

The paper relates that the Samurai philosophy of Bushido has been the subject of much study and has been embodied in writings intended to show the Samurai class what the ideal for behavior should be. Many of the elements of this philosophy have been widely accepted as ideal for living and beneficial in a modern context as they were in the past, while other aspects are seen as specific to a time and place. The ideals are seen in dramatic form in Hiroshi Inagaki's "Samurai Trilogy," as it is called in the U.S. and specifically in the third of the films, "Bushido." The paper discusses these three films; "Miyamoto Musashi," "Musashi Miyamoto Sequel: Duel at Ichijoji Temple" and "Bushido."

From the Paper:

"The three films by Hiroshi Inagaki begin in 1954 with Miyamoto Musashi, the name of the central character, also known as Takezo. Takezo is an orphan and something of a problem in his village, until he and his friend join the army to go into battle. They lose this first fight and then seek refuge in the home of a widow and her daughter. Takezo's friend takes up with the widow and goes away with them, while Takezo returns to his village. His friend's family does not believe him and has him arrested for treason, and he is eventually sentenced to study the samurai code. He falls in love with the virtuous Otsu, formerly betrothed to his friend, and she vows to wait for him when he sets off to be a knight. This film sets up the character and his background and also introduces the samurai code, which will become such an important element in his life."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Anesaki, Masaharu. History of Japanese Religion: With Special Reference to the Social and Moral Life of the Nation. London: Kegan, Paul, Trench, Trubner, 1930.
• Blomberg, Catharine. "The Heart of the Warrior: Origins and Religious Background of the Samurai System in Feudal Japan". Sandgate, England: Japan Library, 1994.
• Fischer-Schreiber, Ingrid. The Encyclopedia of Eastern Philosophy and Religion. Boston: Shambhala, 1994.
• Friday, Karl F. "Samurai, Warfare & the State in Early Medieval Japan". New York: Routledge, 2003.
• Inagaki, Hiroshi. Bushido (Miyamoto Musashi kanketsuhen: ketto Ganryujima). Toho, 1956.

More papers on Bushido:

• Essay # 137988 : "Bushido and Its Influence in Shaping Modern Japan"
• Analytical Essay # 144506 : "Bushido: The Misinterpretation of a Japanese Tradition"
• Essay # 66774 : "Bushido, Buddhism, and Warriors"

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