Ancient Japan

Samurai Weapons and Creed

  • The Samurai's Creed - Interesting insights into the beliefs of the samurai.
  • Samurai Quotations - A person is known by what they say, especially if it reflects what they do.
    Seven Principles -  Samurai practicing Zen and the martial arts.
  • A brief history of Samurai Armor - Actual  photos.
  • Parts of Samurai Armor - Drawings and sketches of the armor.
  • Helmet Cutting - The measure of a sword. 
  • Helmets were more than functional tools.  They were artistic creations designed to intimidate the enemy. 
  • Defensive Weapons of the Japanese Samurai - Historical information and photos.
  • Japanese Swords and Sword Arts - A history of Japanese swords
  • A Samurai Gallery - See artistic depictions of Lord Takeda Shingen, Lord Oda Nobunaga, and other famous samurai.

    • Social Rituals

  • Tea In Japan - the history of tea, tea utensils, the tea house, and the tea ceremony
  • The Book of Tea - discover the relationship between tea, flowers, zen, and art appreciation.

    • Value of Art and Beauty for the Samurai

  • Japanese Gardens - What do you discover about Japanese philosophy and the love of art and beauty in these gardens?
  • Matsuyama's Haiku and its Place in Japanese Culture
  • Kyoto Museum - Hint: Open the Museum Dictionary for superb links on Japanese art.  Get to know the culture by exploring the "story" metaphor while viewing some incredible art.
  • Tokugawa Art Museum -This museum offers photos and information on Japanese culture. One can infer the evolving Japanese love of art and beauty during the civil war period and into the relatively peaceful Edo period by visiting these museum rooms.

    • Various Myths and Stories

  • Founding Myth
  • Japanese Myths
  • Folktales from Japan
  • Japanese Old Tales
  • The Bamboo Princess

    • Japanese Proverbs

  • Japanese Proverbs - Use these links to synthesize thematic connections to events and major characters in The Samurai's Tale.
  • Kotowaza on the Web - Proverbs with literal meanings and short anecdotes, written by students, to help explain the meaning.
  • Nihon-no-kotowaza:  Japanese Proverbs and Idioms - Proverbs and Idioms listed by category.
  • Japanese Proverbs - Interactive translations of Japanese proverbs.

    • Japanese Religion

  • Buddhism's Introduction into Japan - a brief history.
  • The Enlightened One - the Four Noble Truths  of Zen.
  • Bushido: The Way of the Warrior - a code for the Samurai.

    • Other Information on Ancient Japan

  • Ancient Japan Time Line

  • Japan Today - lots of information on ancient geography and history

  • Women and Women's communities in Ancient Japan

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