Europe and Japan were both feudal societies. Feudal systems contain hierarchies. The hierarchies in Japan and Europe were similar: king/emperor on the top, nobles next, then knights/samurai, then merchants and craftsmen, and lastly, peasants and serfs.
The differences in feudal Japan to feudal Europe are very noticeable.1. Culture & BeliefsFeudal JapanIn feudal times Japan's major religion was Buddhism and Confucianism, they believed in honour and loyalty. This can be seen in the samurai, the knights of Japan in the feudal ages. Samurai were willing to die for their nation and commit seppuku (ritual suicide) to keep their honour rather than be killed or captured by their enemy.Feudal EuropeThe religion in Feudal Europe was Christianity. In feudal times Europe was very superstitious and the land was governed by the church. The church's laws were mainly based on their views of The Bible. People who showed any signs of witchcraft were sent to be executed. Things like black cats were seen as bad luck. All these things were around during feudal times in Europe.2. WarfareFeudal JapanFeudal Japan's warfare was different to Europe's because it was greatly influenced by their beliefs. As mentioned before Samurai's would commit seppuku (ritual suicide) to keep their honour. Their swords such as the katanas were different to the knight's sword. A samurai's armour would also be different; samurai would wear masks in an attempt to scare their foe. They would have less metl covering them than a knight would as well. Feudal Japan also had castles, at the beginning though they were made of wood and later became stone because of fire.Feudal EuropeIn Feudal times Europe had knights in shining armour. These knights would not suicide in the face of defeat but they would pray at least three times a day to God. They were meant to be good Christians and helpers to the needy. Unlike the Samurai they wore a lot of armour, the feudal 'tank'. A normal foot soldier stood no chance to a knight. Feudal Europe also had castles similar to Japan's.But both feudal Japan & Europe shared similarities as well. Their hierarchy was quite similar, both divided into two groups: Nobles & Peasants.
they were like knights. code of honor: Chivalry. code of hone for samurai: Bushido.
The warrior class of Japan were known as the Bushi. They are more commonly referred to as Samurai.
One key difference between feudal Europe and feudal Japan lies in their social hierarchies and roles within the class structure. In Europe, the feudal system was characterized by a rigid class structure with kings, nobles, knights, and peasants, while in Japan, the system was more focused on the samurai warrior class, who held significant power and loyalty to their daimyo (feudal lords). Additionally, the cultural and religious influences, such as the prominence of Christianity in Europe versus Shinto and Buddhism in Japan, shaped their respective societies and governance.
feudal Japanese warior
Samurai, but actually knights were European Samurai.
Samurai
They have a system of government that is almost exactly the same. JPN EURO Emperor - God Shogun - King Daimyo - Nobles Samurai - Knights Peasants - Serfs
A Samurai is a feudal rank in Japan. You had to be born Sumurai in order to be one.
In Japan, the equivalent of European lords were the daimyo, who were powerful feudal lords governing large estates and commanding samurai warriors. During the Edo period, these daimyo held significant political and military power, similar to the role of lords in medieval Europe. They were responsible for the administration of their domains and maintained a degree of autonomy under the shogunate, akin to the feudal system in Europe where lords held sway over their vassals.
Samurai/ Ninjas