Topic > Comparison between Japanese and European Feudalism

The growth of feudal system in European society during the medieval era from 800 to 1600, in contrast to Japan's feudal system began from 1000 to 1868. Feudalism is used in several areas of the world. Thanks to the government's provision, European society grew in an asphalt way while Japanese culture began to rise from its foundations. However, since European feudalism began much earlier, the concepts of Japan and Europe are quite similar. Overall, there are many similarities and differences within both feudals. We say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get Original Essay It is shocking news to all of us that Japanese feudalism is similar to European feudalism even though it is 400 years apart. In both periods they were based on a system called hereditary social status. Thus, nobles are considered higher class, followed by warriors, compared to serfs and peasants left housed below the class. There were not enough opportunities for social mobility, the expectation of lords' sons was to become lords as well as lords, a poor peasant's son would become a peasant. In both worlds of feudalism, warfare ranked the warrior as the most important class. Europe called them knights, unlike Japanese samurai, warriors tend to obey local lords. In both situations the warrior followed the code of conduct. Therefore, knights had to obey the concept of chivalry while samurai had to follow the desires of bushido. Knights and samurai rode horses and wore armor. Knights' armor was made of sheet metal or chain mail, while samurai wore leather and metal. Europeans wore heavier armor while samurai wore light armor with the disadvantage of protection in battle. Another factor that the European and Japanese systems had to address was land ownership. The knights gained lands thanks to their military service while also obeying that of the lord. Loyalty to lords was placed on a very high virtue. In contrast, samurai did not own any land and instead paid in rice. In both feudalism, lords and daimyos would have their castles built for protection with rounded walls for added protection. Samurai women were more muscular rather than European women were gentle. European feudalism had a longer period of time, it lasted from 800 to 1400. Meanwhile, Japanese feudalism began in 1192 and unfortunately did not die in 1868. The European army was more advanced with various inventions such as the cannon and the long bow, which gave him an advantage during battles. The knights were more intellectual and intelligent and as if the samurai were not as intelligent. The Virtues of a Knight was simply based on an agreement they delivered, rather than the man's free will. Samurai used lighter armor in battle: small metal strips and plates poorly stitched together. As if it were a religion, knights studied Christianity, while samurai studied Buddhism. The samurai would take the path of suicide rather than face defeat, the knights would be captured and exchanged to fight even more. The samurai would not fight their people, the knights would physically attack the lower classes and their belongings. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay In conclusion, feudalism in Europe and Japan is scattered, few sources survive..