7th (Bottom)-Merchants
The merchants were at the bottom of the pyramid because they didn't produce any goods that contributed to society. They were considered unethical and "parasites" because they profited from the labor of the "more productive" peasant and artisan classes. They lived in a separate part of the cities. The higher class members were forbidden to mix with them except for business. However, the merchants got richer and richer since many people depended on them for supplies. More money equals less restrictions.
6th-Artisans
Though they produced beautiful and necessary products such as clothes, cooking utensils, and samurai sword, the artisans were still second to last in the pyramid. They also lived in a separate section of the cities.
5th-Farmers/Fishermen (Peasants)
According to Confucian beliefs, farmers and fishermen were superior to artisans and merchants since they made food for all the other classes. Still, they lived under a crushing tax burden. For example, under Iemitsu, farmers had to give all their rice to the daimyo and then wait for him to feel nice enough to give some back.
4th-Samurai
Samurais were fearsome warrior who vowed to fight for their lord, even if they couldn't protect their family. Dying honorably was better than living a long life. Women learned to handle weapons so that they could protect their families in the absence of the men. Some inherited land and some even became samurais. However, they always served under a male leader. But still, women in Japan had much more freedom than in other countries at the time. This freedom can be paralleled with the modern day United States. Women are allowed to join the army if they want to. However, we can draw a paradox with the ancient Chinese women. They were born to obey any male in their family. It was unethical of them to try to do a "man's" job, such as being in the army. They were given practically no freedom. Samurais followed Zen Buddhism. The warriors only answered to the daimyo they worked for. They lived by a code of honor known as bushido, which called for honor, loyalty, and bravery.They also pledged to honor for gods and generosity for the poor. If the samurai broke the bushido code and brought dishonor to himself or herself, they were expected to commit seppuku, or ritual suicide. They had many privileges. For example, they were able to carry two swords, a family crest, and a surname. Even today, people with Samurai family names are treated with great respect in Japanese culture.
3rd-Daimyo
Daimyo were large landowners. Each of them owned a personal army of samurais, who protected their land and lives. But, the daimyo didn't have only pleasures. They had to protect the people in their land and had to pay for any repairs. They also had to lend soldiers and peasants to the shogun when asked to. The daimyo were expected to give gifts to the shogun and, if they were extremly rich, do community service.
2nd-Shogun
The shogun was the most powerful daimyo. He was the military leader of Japan. Even though he ruled in the name of the emperor, the shogun had the actual power and their interests generally came first.
1st-Emperor
Even though he was at the top of the feudal pyramid, the emperor had very little power. He just served as a figurehead for the shogun. His main job was as a religious leader. The emperor was like a puppet for the shogun.
Here's a visual of the feudal pyramid:
| feudal_pyramid.notebook |
