Given how long the feudal system persisted in Japan, I was interested to find out how of the system is still present in the more modern version of Japan. Asakawa (1912) discussed the importance of feudalism in creating a military that prevented Japan from being colonized, while also expanding its territory. Another contribution came in the form of Zen Buddhism and the significant influence on culture, in terms of arts, literature and customs and manners.
What I found most interesting was the discussion of women and the bushido. In feudal Japan, women's freedom of expression was curbed, for example, if she had opinions that contradicted those of her husband, she would keep them to herself. Asakawa (1912) shared the fear that descriptions of women's role in feudal Japan would led to the conclusion that women in that time were just always miserable, which was not the case. In fact, this change in status may have meant limited freedom, but there was also a rise in her moral status. Because the Samurai were in service every day, there was the possibility of having to sacrifice himself on any given day. The only way he would be able to do this, is if he had a wife that could hold the family together once he was gone, and raise the children in a way that would honor their deceased father. Although they had to support their husbands while remaining inconspicuous, their role served their purpose within the feudal system. The samurai could serve his lord without worry because he knew that his wife supported him and his work.
Source: Asakawa, K. (1912). Some of the Contributions of Feudal Japan to the New Japan. The Journal of Race Development, 3 (1), 1-32.
What I found most interesting was the discussion of women and the bushido. In feudal Japan, women's freedom of expression was curbed, for example, if she had opinions that contradicted those of her husband, she would keep them to herself. Asakawa (1912) shared the fear that descriptions of women's role in feudal Japan would led to the conclusion that women in that time were just always miserable, which was not the case. In fact, this change in status may have meant limited freedom, but there was also a rise in her moral status. Because the Samurai were in service every day, there was the possibility of having to sacrifice himself on any given day. The only way he would be able to do this, is if he had a wife that could hold the family together once he was gone, and raise the children in a way that would honor their deceased father. Although they had to support their husbands while remaining inconspicuous, their role served their purpose within the feudal system. The samurai could serve his lord without worry because he knew that his wife supported him and his work.
Source: Asakawa, K. (1912). Some of the Contributions of Feudal Japan to the New Japan. The Journal of Race Development, 3 (1), 1-32.