Back to Tokyo and the Samurai

Konbanwa students,

Hai, once again we have much to relate since my last entry. Where shall I start? My group and I have left Minamisoma, but since Minamisoma has much to do with Japanese samurai history, let's return to that topic.

I also have a contest with this entry.
Abby K. won the Breakfast food identification, congratulations to her!

Samurai means "to serve", and that they did. They were people of noble rank who swore allegiance to a Daiymo, or lord. It was their duty to protect him and his land. In turn, they received land of their own as payment. In order to protect their lord, they chose to become master warriors, perfecting their skill in archery, swordsmanship, and horseback riding. They were the Japanese counterpart of the Medieval knight protecting and serving the feudal lord of the castle. Samurai were regarded as top in the hierarchy of Japan. When Japan entered a period of peace lasting 250 years, the samurai no longer maintained their warrior skills, but became bureaucrats (people who serve in the government), artists, or teachers. In 1868 Japan's feudal era ended and the samurai class was abolished.

Here is an examples of samurai dress and armor displayed at the Tokyo National Museum. You will need to study it to be able to compete in the contest.

To win the contest, you must name a movie character that wears a costume derived from samurai gear. Hint: the movie has nothing to do with Japanese or samurai culture other than influencing the costume designer.