The Role Of Katsu Kokichi In The Samurai Rebellion

Katsu Kokichi in Musui’s Story and Sasahara Isaburo in the Samurai Rebellion both reflect on what it means to be a samurai in the nineteenth century Japan. The samurais were a faction of the military nobility that constituted a large part of the culture of Japan. The origins of the term in the early parts of the tenth century signified those who were serving closely to the nobility of the land. Samurais offered assistance to the early leaders of both Japan and China, with their knowledge and fighting skill proving to be an essential asset. When the 12th century was ending, however, the term had taken on new meanings in defining the character of the individual. A samurai was seen as an upper echelon warrior with a handful of fighting skills
In the story, he gets into frequent fights and causes several instances of trouble in his youth.The disregard for the social norms is quite clear when he dismisses the opportunity to learn how to read or write. Young Katsu finds no relevance in engaging in academic work as he does not see how it will help him advance his life. Katsu ends up choosing to learn how to sword fight and ride a horse instead as he sees possible value in understanding the art of conflict. His misbehavior as a youngster draws the retribution of his family members who are concerned with his future and wellbeing considering his blatant disregard for the norms of
The evidence of what it means to be a samurai in the nineteenth century Japan becomes even clearer when Katsu defiantly takes on life’s hardships. He is forced to beg for food in the streets for several months, finding shelter in shrines and random locations. A priest luckily saves him when he becomes malnourished, but ends up hurting his testicles, and he suffers from an infection over the next two years. His reluctance to return home or even seek treatment from the infection, he suffers from, despite being unable to walk, represents a brave heart and the samurai spirit.

The samurais were always believed to be above the basic problems of life and be able to resist common pains and sufferings. Katsu embodies the meaning of a samurai in the style, approaching the serious problems affecting his life despite his young age. The free spirit of his nature further exemplifies the meaning of a samurai in the nineteenth century because after he recovers from his infection he almost immediately becomes the local leader of swordfighters in his area, bullying other rival groups and arranging frequent