현대 일본사회와 무사도

Abstract

Analysis of modern Japanese society and the Bushido -Based on the animation < Gintama >-

Song Eun Lee

Japanese education major Graduate school of education Pukyong National University

Abstract

The bushido - the Soul of Japan - was thought to be one of factors in modernization of Japan, and is attracting a lot of attention again recently. The bushido seemed to have declined with the end of the war. In spite of official disband since the Meiji Restoration, it is being highlighted in today’s aspects such as economy, culture, lifestyle, ethics, and etc. Any country may clear away with the old legacy and try a leap forward, but there may not be an absolute break from the past. Nitobe Inazo claimed in his book 『Bushido』 that “The Bushido may have been disbanded by an independent moral law, however, its characteristic lessons, prospects and glory shall live on forever” and it has been proven. Obviously, there may be may reasons for the "refocusing of bushido" these days. The objective of present study is to understand the fundamental structure of Japanese thinking and consciousness. Many scholars including Nito claimed that the bushido was the foundation of the Japanese spirit or essence. It is most appropriate to analyze the bushido in order to understand Japan and Japanese as it still represents Japanese spirit. The animation as a medium that represents Japanese culture shall be utilized to study the bushido to help with understanding not only of Japan but also to students studying Japanese. It also is to raise proper awareness of Japanese society and culture and to aid in learning Japanese as foreign language through the animation that is easily available to students. In accordance with the objective of present study, the significance of the bushido is analyzed through the animation by organizing its concept and changes in each era, and contemplating the bushido in the animation. Major episodes of such as the Benizakura-Hen, Shinsengumi revolt-Hen, and Courtesan Of a Nation-Hen contain seven characteristics and spirits of bushido categorized by Nitobe Inazo as “loyalty”, “courage”, “courtesy”, “honor and devotion”, “self-control”, and “truth and integrity”. Those seven characteristics and spirits of the bushido were beliefs to adhere to as human beings such as moral, duty and rights. Many characters in such as Yorozuya, Shinsengumi and geisha of Yoshiwara keep their own beliefs firmly. There are other who live by their firm beliefs and try to live with righteousness: namely the Warriors. And the spirit they are trying very hard to abide by is the bushido. Hijikata of Shinsengumi who readily sacrifices his life for his lord, Roten who sacrifices one of his arms to keep the promise with his loved one as a lord’s man, and Yorozuya who helps them so that they may keep their promises are all demonstrating the behavior and spirit of bushido which are still very much present in the lives of Japanese.