At this time, the samurai class was no longer militarily relevant, so this fellow is just showing off his old gear for the curious foreigner. Emperor Meiji had radically reformed the military along European lines, so actual Japanese soldiers of this period would’ve been wearing very modern uniforms and carrying rifles.
I think either around this time or shortly after this the wearing of katana in public would be outlawed, samurai would be stripped of all legal privileges, and officers in the military would be required to swap to Western-style sabres(?????).
I’m thinking that was intentional, such that the toes could dig in for better traction, particularly his big toe.
Historically, Japan in many ways is not about creature comforts, particularly the monk and Samurai classes, etc. (yeah, and I’m such a hypocrite, too– just look at those amazing toilets, in which your bum gets treated like an emperor, lol)
So playing Rise of the Ronin currently has made me interested in learning more about the Bakumatsu period and the Meji restoration and all the real counterparts to the characters in the game. Does anyone here know of any good English language documentaries about this subject? Or at least subtitled ones?
Jemmy
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At this time, the samurai class was no longer militarily relevant, so this fellow is just showing off his old gear for the curious foreigner. Emperor Meiji had radically reformed the military along European lines, so actual Japanese soldiers of this period would’ve been wearing very modern uniforms and carrying rifles.
That’s right. I’d thought certain aspects of Bushido-level Samurai-dom had been downright outlwaed at this time, but I think I need a refresher.
It’s really cool to see a man going with his authentic gear. <3
I think either around this time or shortly after this the wearing of katana in public would be outlawed, samurai would be stripped of all legal privileges, and officers in the military would be required to swap to Western-style sabres(?????).
I’m not gonna look it up, but maybe… ~1870?
Challenge to readers– bring the facts! :D
Dude was running around with all that armor but only 2/3 of a sandal under each foot. Looks like his toes would get cold
I’m thinking that was intentional, such that the toes could dig in for better traction, particularly his big toe.
Historically, Japan in many ways is not about creature comforts, particularly the monk and Samurai classes, etc. (yeah, and I’m such a hypocrite, too– just look at those amazing toilets, in which your bum gets treated like an emperor, lol)
So playing Rise of the Ronin currently has made me interested in learning more about the Bakumatsu period and the Meji restoration and all the real counterparts to the characters in the game. Does anyone here know of any good English language documentaries about this subject? Or at least subtitled ones?