The impact of the dress adopted by the Samurai
WRITE A research paper
Topic: Samurai dresses
Thesis statement: This essay will examine the impact of the dress
adopted by the Samurai and illustrate its function and purpose.
I wrote the introduction (attached) so I need the body and
conclusion
– 8 pages and page with references (research)
– Make presentation 7 Slides in PowerPoint will be as points in
presentation with notes that summarize the research
Solution
The Samurai
Samurai formed the Warriors group of the Japan country who later made up the ruling
military class that finally managed to be the social caste. This group of warriors utilized a variety
of fighting arsenals including spears, guns, bows and arrows though the primary weapon was the
sword. The samurai were awaited to conduct a life that would reflect the ethics provisions of the
bushido, which meant the way of the warrior. Strongly Confucius, the Bushido stressed more on
the concepts of being loyal to masters, self-disciplined and highly respectful while displaying the
ethical behavior as required. Their mode of conduct and dress code a lot of influence in the living
styles of the entire Japanese community (japan-guide.com, 2015). Paying more attention to the
samurai dress, it affected many aspects related to the fashion and culture of the country in which
it has mostly been made. The suit of armor that was used by the warriors, especially to terrify the
enemy and the objects, has been adopted by the young people to represent the vast range of
fascinating collections, which are currently in the museums for various functions and purpose.
While in the museums, the materials offer learning opportunities for students to get access to the
history of their country
Impacts of the Samurai
Impact on fashion
The samurai was a shocking star in the course of their reign and their style of dressing
extensively affected the fashion of the time. However, save for the most occasions, they did not
dress to get a comment from anyone as impressive since they were not putting on the dressing to
please anybody. The clothing was elaborate but had been made in a way that it meets the needs
SAMURAI DRESSES 3
of the particulars (Thian, 2013). The samurai dress has had a significant impact on the fashion
designs as well on the religion and culture. The fashion trends have changed over time with the
adoption of the armor design by different designers including the Stars Wars among many
others. The fashion in the entire country of Japan was based on the style of the armor. For
instance, the style used in making hakama.
Impact on religion and culture
The Japanese culture is a multilayered and complex system that has been growing and
generating new ones over many years. Mostly when one hears of the Japanese culture, the initial
image that springs to the mind is the one of ancient samurai warrior wielding the significant
heavy sword or even the image f a Geisha pouring tea or serving. The two major religions
included Shinto and Buddhism of which the Shinto is the eldest. The two religions have been
affected by the adoption of the samurai practices in Japan (Inside Japan, 2016).
Although the samurai era and its constituents it is over, the impact it had still manifested
in the Japanese culture and thus, the samurai heritage can be observed in the country. This may
be informed of the great castle; well and carefully prepared garden well and beautifully
preserved samurai residence areas. In the subconscious of the Japanese citizens, the samurai is
deeply implanted (Inside Japan, 2016). The Warriors had a unique philosophy, which guided
their mode of conduct named as bushido that valued the concept of honor, reckless bravery, and
selflessness together with the endeavors of the warrior. In the provisions of the philosophy, there
was no room for one to have fear. Hence, the way of conduct that the samurai embraced (conduct
of self-discipline and respect, ethical behavior among others), has become a role model way of
conduct for all the entire classes in the history of Japan people.
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The samurai had a fascinating g legacy of which a part was real while the other was an
image of cultured killers which were placed in a way that, the brutally efficient warriors were on
one side, and the other hand consisted of the highly intelligent men of culture as well as
refinement. This legacy remains recognizable in Japan because the traditional Japanese martial
arts are still practiced intensively and taught with a lot of determination by several experienced
individuals. The martial artists continue to embrace the tradition of bushido, thus implying the
spirit of samurai linked to the dressing has influenced the contemporary living of the Japanese
society. The unique approach adopted to honor the dress code of the samurai and acknowledge
their level of conduct has resulted into an indelible impression on the Japanese mode of living
and as well as impacting on their history (Holy Mountain Trading Company, 2016).
Samurai heritage
Japan embraces its past warriors remarkably, and this is demonstrated by maintenance of
the great castles that bear witness of the many bloody battles, the fighters were involved, and
people enjoy experiencing festivals with the samurai culture in such areas. These ideas
concerning the samurai have transcended in the whole of Japanese history and thus, the
understanding of the samurai culture is a dependable roadmap toward provision of insights into
the today's contemporary society and the respect, discipline, and honor that prevails throughout
the country and rest of the globe admires then same.
Tea ceremony
A tea ceremony is a practice that is still in prevalence in Japan, which was initiated by the
samurai warriors. While at the ceremony, various modes of conduct are exercised including
harmony, respect, purity, and stillness. The ceremony has been passing from one generation to
SAMURAI DRESSES 5
the next, and it involves very traditional and strict indulgences. Other practices that are aimed at
developing and enhancing peace among the people include calligraphy, paintings, and ceramics.
The influence of these practices on the life of Japanese has been of significance in shaping the
mode of living among the people and thus enhancing a healthy interaction with others.
Impact on the market
In some parts of Japan, Bushido practices were implemented in individual companies in
which the primary goal was to achieve an effective reduction in the costs while increasing the
market share. The Toyota Company has been successful in the various area of the world as seen
that, in this company has to go and learn the basics regarding conservation about the Nara
duration. The Nara was an attempt to building a lasting center for the new state to be a
representation of the new transformation of the newly formed environment in which the ability to
slow social change was the full name in the history. Irrespective of the origin of the huge
influence emanating from China, the state of Japan has remained distinctive. The system utilized
in Japan does not allow for an upward mobility through the examination of the civil service. In
Japan, positions in the public administration were mainly allocated based on the birth instead of
the ability and court rank.
Functions of the samurai dress
The armor
The appearance of the samurai armor was quite strange and weird although it was very
functional regardless of the strangeness. Unlike the one used by European, the armor was made
and designed purposely for mobility. A presentable ensemble of the armor had to be bulky but
SAMURAI DRESSES 6
flexible enough to enable the wear to have a free movement while in the battlefield (Poisuo,
2013). The armor was made of leather, metal, or silk material with arms protected by massive
shields on the shoulders and slightly armored sleeves. However, the right hand had no sleeve in
order to give room for maximum movement while in the course of action. The hard hat was the
most intricate part of the armor, which served its purpose sufficiently. The bowl consisted of
enthralled metals plates while the front part was shielded by armor that went round the helmet.
The main function of the mask was to defend the individual from the impact of arrows and
swords, which may come at angles. Many of the helmets also have attached pieces to protect the
face as well as frightening the enemy while a cap is worn underneath the helmet to provide
padding as required (Cranbrook Institute of Science, 2015).
Despite the fact that the armor underwent numerous changes as time went by, it has
remained relatively consistent, and it has been adopted by other countries, for example, US
Army based its first modern flak jackets on the model of Samurai armor. The crest was attached
at the front part of the helmet, which could be used to represent a certain clan, rank, or trait or
even invoke a particular divine spirit's power to get into and flow through the samurai. A
customized menpo referring to a mask of various colors formed part of the helmet and
functioned to cover the entire facial part hence provide a pathway to protect the helmet. The nose
and the upper lip were removed from it to enable an individual to talk, eat, and drink with ease
(Grapple, 2016). On physical appearance, the armor looked heavy, but that was not the case. It
was light and functional that one could run very quickly, also be able to turn around during a
fight, and not be tired, as one would think. The attire was generally made to be extremely
flexible to increase its effectiveness.
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Armor also served important public relations function in that, the dramatic appearance of
the helmet and face-covering projections, display an almost superhuman image, which appeared
to be very powerful. This was essential in caring the enemy and thus easing the process of
defeating them (Holy Mountain Trading Company, 2016).
The dress
The regular outfit for this group was composed of wide hakama trousers and a kimono
which was a two-part vest with imposing shoulders points that were put on to speed, travel, and
freedom of movement. The arms would be left free, and the vets material could be put off very
fast in case of an emergence of an unexpected attack. Silk material was utilized in making the
kimono due to its coldness and generally the appearance. The body protector consisted of a
breastplate, a skirt, shoulder guards, arm covers, thigh armor as well as shin guards which were
made with thin strips of lacquered iron joined to one another with silk lacing to allow for smooth
movement. The arms were all chain link with plates of iron to protect the body from the effect of
the sword while on the other side, thigh guards and calf guards used a combination of chainmail
and plates that functioned to keep the lower body safe.
Although it is quite some time since the death of the last samurai in Japan, the remnants
of the practices are still traced in the Japanese's culture as a way of offering respect and honor to
the late warriors. It can be said that Japan was modeled by war though in reality the people
wanted the war to end in order to have peace (Kazuki, 2014). People developed and supported
the samurai in having martial arts in the country Japanese has brought into the contemporary
world many different styles of clothing throughout the history. This has assisted people to
SAMURAI DRESSES 8
distinguish the kind of rank everyone in the society hence without the different clothes it would
be no actual empires in the country.
The whole assemblage of the uniform was stored in a wooden box. The shoulder straps
on the front allowed for backpack style while carrying the suit and had various significant
decorations, which symbolized important factor related to the beliefs of the society. Regarded
entirely, the accoutrements represented a culmination in an intricate, attracting craft of Japanese
mask construction and an art honed over a remarkable period of a never-ending warfare.
Conclusion
The clothing influenced different fields including the arts, novels among many others.
Without the change in the ideologies concerning the clothing in Japan, it would not have the
identity it has as a country. The samurai dress has had a significant impact on the fashion designs
as well on the religion and culture. The fashion trends have changed over time with the adoption
of the armor design by different designers including the Stars Wars among many others. The
fashion in the entire country of Japan was based on the style of the armor. For instance, the style
used in making hakama. Meanwhile the Japanese hold special ceremonies like tea ceremony to
give respect and honor to the late samurai individuals significantly influenced the culture as the
Japanese retained the structures that were used.
The dress served various functions among the samurai warriors aimed at protecting the
individuals in the course of a battle. The dress code that formed the uniform of the warriors was
of great significant in identifying the sizable group of the society as well identifying the social
class to which one belonged. Even without the knowledge regarding the history of Japanese
culture, the story of the armors enough to give gimps that it is quite fascinating.
SAMURAI DRESSES 9
References
Cranbrook Institute of Science,. (2015). The Story of the Samurai Armor | Cranbrook Institute of
Science. Science.cranbrook.edu. Retrieved 22 April 2016, from
http://science.cranbrook.edu/science-central/research/samurai
Grapple,. (2016). Japanese Samurai Armour. Mylearning.org. Retrieved 22 April 2016, from
http://www.mylearning.org/japanese-samurai-armour/p-4304/
Holy Mountain Trading Company,. (2016). Holy Mountain Trading Company – Samurai:
Cultured Warriors of Japan. Holymtn.com. Retrieved 21 April 2016, from
http://www.holymtn.com/Japan/Samurai.htm
Inside Japan,. (2016). Samurai – Japanese Culture | Inside Japan Tours. Insidejapantours.com.
Retrieved 21 April 2016, from https://www.insidejapantours.com/japanese-
culture/samurai/
japan-guide.com,. (2015). Samurai – Japanese Warriors. Japan-guide.com. Retrieved 21 April
2016, from http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2127.html
Kazuki, I. (2014). The Hidden Relevance of Japanese Historical Influences. Samurai-
archives.com. Retrieved 22 April 2016, from http://www.samurai-archives.com/hrj.html
Poisuo, P. (2013). 10 Fascinating Facts About The Samurai – Listverse. Listverse. Retrieved 20
April 2016, from http://listverse.com/2013/08/06/10-fascinating-facts-about-the-samurai/
Thian, H. (2013). For David Bowie, Japanese style was more than just fashion | The Japan
Times. The Japan Times. Retrieved 21 April 2016, from
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http://www.japantimes.co.jp/life/2013/06/11/style/for-david-bowie-japanese-style-was-
more-than-just-fashion/#.VxhtBzGdejN
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