Tale of Ronin

A screenshot from the film, Seven Samurai.

Seven Samurai and the Birth of the Samurai Movie: Tale of Ronin’s Origins

Inspiration, Movie / March 16, 2023

According to Akira Kurosawa’s perspective, “the Japanese see self-assertion as immoral, and self-sacrifice is the sensible course to take in Life.” This is because one must serve their master, the shogun, or the emperor. However, this hypothesis is challenged in Seven Samurai, a classic film that inspired Roger Ebert to write: “Akira Kurosawa’s Seven Samurai …

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A stylized, ink painting like, piece of concept artwork. It depicts a man dressed in Japanese edo-period style clothing, with a long stick, standing with the sky behind him.

Shugendo: Japan’s Ancient Tradition of Mountain Asceticism

History, Mythology / February 23, 2023

Shugendo is a religion that originates between the late Heian (794–1185) and Kamakura (1185–1333) periods. This ancient ascetic tradition flourished at a time when Buddhism was being imported from China. Combined with the appreciation for art in the Japanese imperial court, the arrival of organized religion and literacy allowed Shugendo to make its mark. The …

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Religion in Edo Period Japan

History / February 16, 2023

The Edo Period in Japan was a time of great religious and social change. The Tokugawa Bakufu, the military government established by Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1603, brought an end to the strife of the Warring States period and ushered in a new era of peace and stability. This period saw the continued practice of Shintoism, …

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An ink-blot stylized image of an Oni, or Japanese demon, standing with horns and angular physical features.

Oni: The Fierce Japanese Demon

Mythology / January 26, 2023

An oni is a type of yokai, supernatural creatures, monsters, and spirits, found in Japanese mythology. While many other entities that fall under the yokai umbrella can be benevolent, oni are almost always malicious and violent. Typical folkloric depictions show oni as having horns, red or blue skin, sharp claws, and wearing tiger skins. They …

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An anime character stands on a tall rock which has many katana sticking out of it.

Katanagatari: NisiOisiN’s Chaotic Alternate Early Edo Period

Inspiration, Manga / January 19, 2023

Nisio Isin, stylized NisiOisiN, is an incredibly prolific Japanese writer whose works are designed to play with audience expectations and feelings. He’s written across a wide variety of genres and mediums, including samurai drama. As one might expect, his take on the genre ended up equal parts bizarre and compelling. The 12-volume-long series Katanagatari, released …

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An image showing two silhouettes of daimyo, Japanese lords, flanking a field of fighting men.

Daimyo: The Feudal Lords of Japan

History / January 12, 2023

The Edo period in Japan was characterized by a strict feudal system in which daimyo, or regional lords, were given control over vast areas of land. Daimyo were expected to oversee their territory and keep the peace, but they had to abide by edicts issued by the shogunate. They were given the authority to create …

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