CASTLE SYSTEM
During the Edo Period the Tokugawa Shogunate enforced a strict caste system upon Feudal Japanese society. Ruling Japan from 1603 A.D to 1867 A.D, the Tokugawa Shogunate ended when the fifteenth Tokugawa shogun resigned and returned power back to the Emperor. During the Tokugawa Shogunate ultimate power, and status within society, lay with the Shogun. Civil rights and influence diminished the further down one was in the caste system. With the lowest caste lucky if they had any influence or civil rights at all.
The strict caste system could be formed into a tier formation, all together being six levels. You've the highest tier on level one, and the lowest on level six. Below is a brief overview of the system:
Tier 1 - Found top of the caste system is The Emperor (Mikado), a greatly respected figurehead of society despite not ruling Japan.
Tier 2 - The Shogun, also known as the most powerful military lord (Daimyo) who ruled Japan with his Bakufu government.
Tier 3 - Daimyo, the lords or barons who controlled their own region of Japan.
Tier 4 - Samurai, the professional warriors or knights who were bound by a code of loyalty and honour to a Daimyo. They protected his region and land.
Tier 5 - Peasants, peasants are considered to have job roles such as farmers or fishermen. Peasants are the largest social group in traditional Japan. They were legally bound to the person who owned or controlled the land they lived on.
Tier 6 - Chonin, Chonin are considered the lowest of low. Chonin are artists, craftsmen, shoemakers - they participate in job roles which are looked down upon, visualized as disgusting. They deal with dead things, an example would be a shoemaker using leather - to wear the final produce is acceptable, but to deal with the dead itself is highly frowned upon.
I found this information incredibly fascinating as in Christians story each character whom is introduced has a level of importance in the civilization. From simply reading the story and comparing each character against the caste system it’s easy to identify which tier they fall under.
Next step - after researching into the Edo period, it’s time to gather some images which may later be used in reference.
No comments:
Post a Comment