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
that made them superior on the battlefield. At the time, their numbers were only less than ten percent of the population, but their contribution to Japanese culture remains undoubted. The samurais swore an allegiance to a master and were answerable only to them.

In Musui’s story, Katsu Kokichi reflects on what it means to be a samurai in the nineteenth century Japan through his actions. One of the essential elements of being a samurai is bravery and a free approach to life. Samurais are only answerable to a master, and it is only until then are they bound to follow the laws that affect commoners.

Katsu’s early life as a child is characterized by several instances of bravery and disregard for the common laws of the land.
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
society.

When Katsu turns fourteen, he takes advantage of the mentality freedom and runs away from home.
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
duels.

His life in the future is not any different as he seeks to live completely free of any societal restrictions. His samurai nature is evident when his father imprisons him in a cage for three years for his delinquent actions. Despite the severe punishment, Katsu does not alter his way of life as he seeks to be completely free of any restrictions. He lives in the pleasure district where he frequently pays for prostitutes, lives a lavish but lazy lifestyle. It is this lifestyle that reflects that of a Samurai because of the freedom he displays.

Sasahara Isaburo in Samurai Rebellion reflects what it means to be a samurai in nineteenth century Japan and displays that same freedom. Sasahara, a skilled swordsman and respected samurai in the land embodies the spirit of a samurai and shows what it means to be one because his only direct rivals are people who can match his powers. Isaburo Sasahara reflects on what it means to be a samurai in the nineteenth century Japan also by the decisions he makes. When he disagrees with the heads of the daimyo, he dismisses his younger son, his wife and household servants to put them away from danger. His decision is sagacious because he does not put the lives of the people around him at risk at the expense of his personal battles. He valiantly approaches the notion of conflict with other samurais, and only his elder son agrees to remain behind to offer his assistance.

The plight of a samurai in the nineteenth century Japan becomes even clearer when Isaburo Sasahara has to fight with his good friend and a worthy opponent. The match between the two is climactic a battle that only fits the best swordsmen in the land and embodies the spirit of samurais. Isaburo Sasahara shows more courage and nobility when he has to face assassins after defeating Tatewaki. He refuses to accept the inevitability of death and beseeching his young daughter to live as freely as she possible can.
The fighting skills of Isaburo Sasahara forms the theme of the film; and it reflects on what it means to be a samurai if one can fight his opponents skillfully with success.