samurai
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Book reviews about Japan
I just finished reading "The Mask of the Samurai," an essay by Aude Fieschi (Philippe Picquier Publishers). It's an informative, well-written book that presents the different facets of the samurai throughout medieval Japan, up to its decline with the advent of modern Japan. Continue reading
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Oshio Heihachiro, samurai of the rebellion
To fully understand Oshio Heihachiro's actions, one must grasp that they were dictated by an anti-revolutionary character and will. Nothing in Oshio Heihachiro's attitude sought to challenge the established order. He knew the system could be improved, but was also functional. What made the system less effective had more to do with the individuals involved than with the system itself. Continue reading