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