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Title: History of the Samurai Post by: Lytough on January 31, 2007, 11:47:54 am Japan has a history that dates back thousands of years. Scientists believe the Japanese people descended from many groups that migrated to the islands from other parts of Asia, including China and Korea. As early as 4500 B.C., the Japanese islands were inhabited by fishermen, hunters and farmers. The early culture was known as "Jomon," which meant "cord pattern." That's because the people made pottery decorated with rope-like designs. Scientists believe a caucasian race called the "Ainu" were the first inhabitants of what is now Japan. The Ainu still exist today, mostly in the northernmost islands of Japan called "Hokkaido." The next major Japanese cultural changed occured about 200 B.C. The people were known as "Yayoi." The Yayoi were mostly farmers. Scientists believe the present-day Japanese closely resemble the Yayoi in appearance and language.
(http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i22/Lytough/Tetsuo3.jpg) War played a central part in the history of Japan. Warring clans controlled much of the country. A chief headed each clan; made up of related families. The chiefs were the ancestors of Japan's imperial family. The wars were usually about "land." Only 20% of the land was fit for farming. The struggle for control of that land eventually gave rise to the Samurai. One of the important dates in the history of the Japanese warring class is 660 B.C. That's when, according to legend, Jimmu Tenno became head of a confederation of warlike clans. Tenno was known as "The Divine Warrior." He led his people from Kyushu to the Kinki region and conquered the people there. Tenno settled in the area of Yamato. This eventually gave rise to the Yamato dynasty and state. The leaders of Yamato believed themselves to be of divine origin. (http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i22/Lytough/Tetsuo2.jpg) The Yamato clans conducted many military campaigns on the Asian mainland. The targets included Korea and China. These campaigns led to the importation of Korean and Chinese culture, technology and martial arts. Legend says that Emperor Keiko was the first person with the title of "Shogun." The word meant "Barbarian-subduing General." Legend continues that Keiko had a son named "Prince Yamato." He was cunning, fearless, strong and a great martial artist. Many believe that Yamato was a role model for future Samurai. Ancient Yayoi warriors developed weapons, armour and a code during the ensuing centuries that became the centerpiece for the Japanese Samurai. Early weapons included bows, arrows and swords. Armour included a helmet that protected head and neck, a breasplate that protected the chest, arm and shoulder protectors, and a belly wrap. Later armour included protection for the legs and thighs. Armour changed as the type of battles changed. A big change occured in the 5th century when horses were introduced to Japan. Another change occured in the 15th century because of the constancy of war and the introduction of guns into battle. The code developed from the Chinese concept of the virtues of warriors doing battle to the Samurai code of chivalry known as Kyuba no michi ("The Way of Horse and Bow") to the Bushido ("Way of the Warrior") code. "Bushido" means "Way of the Warrior." It was at the heart of the beliefs and conduct of the Samurai. The philosophy of Bushido is "freedom from fear." It meant that the Samurai transcended his fear of death. That gave him the peace and power to serve his master faithfully and loyally and die well if necessary. "Duty" is a primary philosophy of the Samurai. The Samurai rose out of the continuing battles for land among three main clans: the Minamoto, the Fujiwara and the Taira. The Samurai eventually became a class unto themselves between the 9th and 12th centuries A.D. They were called by two names: Samurai (knights-retainers) and Bushi (warriors). Some of them were related to the ruling class. Others were hired men. They gave complete loyalty to their Daimyo (feudal landowners) and received land and position in return. Each Daimyo used his Samurai to protect his land and to expand his power and rights to more land. (http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i22/Lytough/Tetsuo4.jpg) The Samurai became expert in fighting from horseback and on the ground. They practiced armed and un-armed combat. The early Samurai emphasized fighting with the bow and arrow. They used swords for close-in fighting and beheading their enemies. Battles with the Mongols in the late 13th century led to a change in the Samurai's fighting style. They began to use their sword more and also made more use of spears and naginata. The Samurai slowly changed from fighting on horseback to fighting on foot. The Samurai wore two swords (daisho). One was long; the other short. The long sword (daito - katana) was more than 24 inches. The short sword (shoto - wakizashi) was between 12 and 24 inches. The Samurai often gave names to their swords and believed it was the "soul" of their warriorship. The oldest swords were straight and had their early design in Korea and China. The Samurai's desire for tougher, sharper swords for battle gave rise to the curved blade we still have today. The sword had its beginning as iron combined with carbon. The swordsmith used fire, water, anvil and hammer to shape the world's best swords. After forging the blade, the sword polisher did his work to prepare the blade for the "furniture" that surrounded it. Next, the sword tester took the new blade and cut through the bodies of corpses or condemned criminals. They started by cutting through the small bones of the body and moved up to the large bones. Test results were often recorded on the nakago (the metal piece attaching the sword blade to the handle). (http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i22/Lytough/tetsuo1.jpg) CUSTOM CONTENT Skintone 1202 by Helaene (http://www.helaene.com/) Tokugawa Shogun Armor by getagirl4 (http://www.modthesims2.com/showthread.php?t=199318) Xemnas hair by Sshodan (http://www.modthesims2.com/creator/showthread.php?t=197275) Eyes by the simsi costume makeup by SS Title: History of the Samurai Post by: Jagerjaques on January 31, 2007, 12:07:05 pm Wow, how very nice! I like reading about the history of Japan. And the warrior isn't half-bad either! :)
Title: History of the Samurai Post by: vesa on February 01, 2007, 04:15:39 am Thans Lytough :) For the history and The Samurai!
Title: History of the Samurai Post by: Ali on February 01, 2007, 08:37:55 am oooooh ... outstanding, and it's so great to have the history too :D
Title: History of the Samurai Post by: Lytough on February 01, 2007, 08:50:49 am Aha, so reading about japanese history while having some cole slaw, Ali!! :D
Thanks!!! Title: History of the Samurai Post by: kathy on February 01, 2007, 07:00:46 pm omg Fantastic job!
Title: History of the Samurai Post by: trl on February 01, 2007, 09:09:39 pm Well done on this! Love the history and the sim is awesome! Thanks, Lytough.
Title: History of the Samurai Post by: homerette on February 02, 2007, 01:38:38 am Asian history in general was something sadly neglected in my school district. Thank you for the information and for the best sim you've done yet. I have no doubt you will soon surpass yourself. :clapp:
Title: Masterpiece` Post by: platinum on February 02, 2007, 02:23:00 am That was a fascinating history lesson Lytough.
The workmanship on this outfit is splendid! The overall look of your sim is `Magnificent! A round of applause saying 'Bravo! Thank you so very much" :D Title: History of the Samurai Post by: Innocent on February 02, 2007, 03:03:34 am Wow Lytough nicely done, thanx! :)
Title: History of the Samurai Post by: comicheroin on February 02, 2007, 03:57:15 am I <3 Japan.
This was seriously awesome. Thankyou! Title: History of the Samurai Post by: Moon River on February 02, 2007, 07:45:48 am Awesome!!
Title: History of the Samurai Post by: tetuo on February 02, 2007, 09:06:02 am Great job.
Thank you Lytough. Title: History of the Samurai Post by: Squall117 on February 02, 2007, 03:46:04 pm That's the best samurai face I've ever seen!
I a sim of course :D Title: History of the Samurai Post by: The Mule on February 02, 2007, 03:48:43 pm Very cool!!!!! Thank you!!!
Title: History of the Samurai Post by: Porphyria on February 02, 2007, 05:43:22 pm Thanks for taking the time to include the Japanese history. I love reading it. It has always intrigued me. :)
Will you make a ninja next? I love their history too. :P Oh, and great work on the skin! Title: History of the Samurai Post by: Lytough on February 02, 2007, 06:12:35 pm Actually, I want to start a " History of the..." thing, so I won't restrict to Japanese stuff. I will consider the Ninja idea though.
Thank you very much everyone. Title: History of the Samurai Post by: BionixWV33 on February 02, 2007, 06:27:32 pm ..........Ah...............nicely done.........hahahahah........Rook, Godzrila......
(My interpetation of badly dubbed asian movies) Nice job, especially the detail............ Title: History of the Samurai Post by: kokozas on February 04, 2007, 11:40:06 pm Well done! By the way, isn't outside walls of Japanese houses wood or stone, not rice paper?
Title: History of the Samurai Post by: susie222 on February 09, 2007, 10:52:08 am Thank you for sharing,it is wonderful
Title: History of the Samurai Post by: kathwynn on February 09, 2007, 01:21:29 pm Kokozas, Most homes were built with wood and rice paper. The wealthy and the lords homes often had an outer wall. That were often made with the wood and or stone. But once in the court yard one would find the structures with in the walls was mainly wood and rice paper walls.
When a fire broke out in a community it was so horrifying that literally the arsonist, when he was caught, was put to death immediately. By the way loved the post Lytough :) Title: History of the Samurai Post by: Vickie93 on February 10, 2007, 11:38:23 am This is very well done and educational. He's gorgeous.
Title: History of the Samurai Post by: Lytough on February 10, 2007, 01:50:54 pm Thank you so very much, everyone!! It really means a lot to me. :smile:
Title: History of the Samurai Post by: Raminess on November 09, 2007, 09:59:57 pm The armor is what caught my eye but the helmet is what blew my mind. Thank you, thank you, thank you for uploading this!
Title: History of the Samurai Post by: Sita on June 28, 2008, 05:40:30 am Thanks Lytough! Great info and a smashing Sim.
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