Feudalism

1. Feudalism existed to support the needs of the monarchy during the Medieval period.

2. Chivalry was a trait common to vassals both in Medieval Europe and Feudal Japan.

3. Samurais were known to study the arts like Ikebana, Noh and Kabuki theaters and calligraphy when not in battle.

4. Feudal territories were self-sustaining communities.

5. Ronins were the lowest class people during the shogunate period.

6. The lord performed his economic obligation to the monarch through the taxes collected from the lands leased by the serfs.

7. All vassals who lost their lords/masters became mercenaries during the feudal period.

8. The katana or sword was considered the extension of the body and soul of the samurai.

9. Castles were built to fortify the defenses of the feudal state.

10. The shogunate ended with the colonization of Japan by the Westerners.