Japanese Nobles and Samurai

Japanese Nobles and SamuraiWhy did military leaders rise to power in Japan?

Why did emperors rule weaken?

• 800s AD- emperors still ruled Japan

• Power was weaker• Weak emperors ruled

during this time• Regents governed for

them- a person who rules for another person who is too sick or young to rule

Describe the nobles jobs

• Regents handled daily chores

• Japanese emperors took this time to learn and study arts

• Nobles took control in rural Japan

• Received land, no taxes, controlled nearby lands

Describe the Samurai

• Nobles gave land to warriors who agreed to fight with them=samurai

• Fought on horseback with swords, bows, knives, and arrows

• Wore armor made of leather or steel scales and helmets with horns

Describe the Samurai

• Some Japanese women fought

• Tomoe- fought better than most men

• Samurai=“to serve”

Describe the Samurai

• Lived by code of conduct called Bushido-”way of warrior”

• Loyal, brave, honorable• Would rather die than

betray his master• Did not want to get

captured

Review

• Why did emperors power weaken?• What is a regent?• What did nobles get in return for controlling land in rural

Japan?• What is a samurai?• Define Bushido