​Antonine College

Japan: Memoirs of a Secret Empire

This PBS website includes sections on different types of people such as shoguns, samurai and craftsmen – just click on the pictures.

Japan under the Shoguns 1185-1853

This site covers the period from Japan's first shogun in 1185 until 1867 when the last shogun resigned and the emperor was restored to power.

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History of the Samurai
Learn about the samurai and their challenges, and how the warrior class evolved with this interactive timeline.

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Feudal Japan: 1185 - 1603
A brief outline of the hierarchy system and the main periods of history in feudal Japan.

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Arms and Armour Around the World: Japan

Here you will find descriptions of the armour, swords, helmets and masks worn by the samurai.

 

Experience Japanese Culture
This website describes traditional Japanese culture and festivals.

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Interactive Instruments
Find out about traditional Japanese musical instruments. You can select instruments to play them together or individually.

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Bushido: Way of the Samurai

Bushido, an exhibition at the NGV, explores the fascinating world of the samurai who were the warriors, rulers and aristocratic elite of Japanese society for more than 800 years.

 

Feudalism in Japan and Europe

Although Japan and Europe did not have any direct contact with one another during the medieval and early modern periods, they independently developed very similar socio-political systems. Often, these systems are labelled as feudal. This website looks at the similarities and differences between European and Japanese feudalism.