Japanese Military Samurai
Japanese Military Samurai
Is there a connection between the Samurai system of ancient Japan and the Japanese military in world war 2?
Is there a connection between the Samurai system of ancient Shogun Japan and the Japanese military in world war 2? Such as ranks and how they commanded the army. Also, if you could give any sources that would be awesome.
YES, definitely. all officers of the Japanese Army of WWII had a kantana symbolizing power and command. Their ranks were related to the samurai system as well. The ranks were sorted by the material used to make the handle of their kantana, BUT officers with jade sword handles were relatives of the royal family. After defeat, all Japanese soldiers would not surrender, they must commit suicide by cutting open their stomachs (harakili, which is an ancient way of the samurai).