Comparison of Japanese and European Feudalism

The feudal system growth in European society while the medieval era 800 to 1600s, in contrast the feudal System of Japan started in 1000 to 1868. Feudalism is used all around different areas of the world. Due to its arrangement of the government, The European society grew in a paved manner while Japanese culture began to rise from its ground. However, European feudal beginning much before, The Japanese and Europe concepts are quite similar. Overall, there are many similarities and differences within both feudals. 

It is a shocking news to all of us that Japanese feudalism is similar to feudalism in Europe even though it’s 400 years apart. In both time periods, they were based on system named hereditary of social status. Hence, nobles are considered higher class, continued by warriors, than left serfs and farmers are hosted below of the class. There weren’t enough opportunities for social moliblitaty, children of lords’ expectations was to become ladies as well as lords, the child of a poor peasant would become peasants. In both worlds of feudalism, warfare classified warrior to be the most prominent class. Europe called them knights in contrast samurai in japan, warriors tend to obey local lords. In both situations warrior followed the code of conduct. Therefore, Knights needed to obey the concept of chivalry meanwhile samurais were needed to follow bushido desires. Knights and samurais rode horses and wore armor. The knights armor was made out of plate metal or chain mail in contrast the samurai wore leather and metal. Europeans wore heavier armor and samurais would wear lightweight armor with the disadvantage of protection in battles. Another factor faced the European and Japanese systems was land ownership. Knights gained land from their military service while also obeying the lord’s. Loyalty to the lords was placed upon a very high virtue. In contrast samurais did not own any land and instead paid in rice. Both feudalism, lords and daimyo would get their castles built for protection with rounded walls for a more protection. Samurai women were more on the muscular side rather than European women being gentle. 

European feudalism had a longer time period they lasted to 800 to 1400. Meanwhile, Japanese feudalism began in 1192 and unfortunately undead in 1868. The European military was more advanced with various inventions such as the cannon and longbow, making them have an advantage during battles. Knights were more intellectual and intelligent and as if samurai weren’t as much. The Virtues of a Knight was based simply on a deal which they handed, instead than free man will. Samurais used lighter armor in battle they would use small metal strips and plates poorly sewn together. As if religion, knights studied Christianity, while samurais would study Buddhism. Samurais would go to the suicide path rather than face defeat, knights would get captured and traded to fight even more. Samurais would not fight their people, Knights would physical attack the lower class and their belongings. 

In conclusion, feudalism in Europe and Japan has dispersed, few sources alive. However, even due to European feudal starting earlier, the Japanese and Europe concepts are quite similar. Overall, there are many similarities and differences within both feudals. 

Works Cited

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