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 …
The katana has become one of the most famous elements of Japan. It is a Japanese sword characterized by a curved, single-edged blade leading to a guard and a long grip for two hands. Although they are often considered intrinsic to Japanese culture, it took a long time for the katana to be created. The …
Tengu are one of the most iconic yokai found across Japan. These entities come in two varieties: the older kotengu or karasu-tengu and the newer daitengu. Kotengu have a long history of terrorizing and devouring humans, while daitengu tend to remain aloof and disinterested in human affairs. However, both types are incredibly powerful and dangerous. …
Samurai women played a variety of roles throughout the Edo period. They were carefully educated, expected to uphold the honor of the warrior class, and many were trained in weaponry. However, even in the Warring States period, they were usually expected to defend their homes rather than venture out onto the battlefield. And as in …
In the early years of the Edo period, Japan had a flourishing trade network driven by demand for various goods. This led to more foreigners coming in and out of the country to exchange items and ideas. Japan had ongoing ties with China and other Southeast Asian countries at this time. Portuguese and Spanish ships …
Sumi-e, also known as Japanese ink painting, is one of the most striking traditional Japanese art styles. Artists use a combination of ink and negative space to capture the beauty of the natural world. Although the paintings must be monochrome, all gradations of ink are available. This allows the painter to create a wide range …
Tale of Ronin and Sumi-e: The Art of Japanese Ink Painting Read More »
How does one describe the movie Yojimbo? This Akira Kurosawa samurai film contains so many striking images that it’s impossible to pick just one. In Yojimbo, a dog trots down the main street of a deserted town carrying a human hand in its mouth. The town itself is an urban warzone between the private armies …
Yojimbo and Tale of Ronin: Playing to Win in a Rotten World Read More »
Foxes are considered to be magical creatures in many different cultures. Across European, Scandinavian, and Celtic folklore, the fox is often depicted as a cunning trickster who may possess supernatural powers. East Asia has historically viewed the fox with similar traits. The Japanese kitsune has become notorious as an otherworldly trickster spirit. Powerful, flighty, and …
Tale of Ronin tells the story of the ronin as a group. Rather than focus on a single character, it looks at how an entire class of people might have lived. One way the game seeks to do this is by letting players take on the role of multiple different ronin trying to survive in …
The Siege of Osaka is one of the key historical events that Tale of Ronin takes inspiration from and Toyotomi Hideyori is one of the most important people involved. In the game and in real life, Hideyori was the son of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, one of Japan’s ‘Three Great Unifiers.’ Hideyoshi was not born a samurai, …