National Geographic Museum Blog

The English sailor and adventurer William Adams (1564–1620) seems to have been the first Caucasian to receive the dignity of samurai. The Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu presented him with two swords representing the authority of a samurai, and decreed that William Adams the sailor was dead and that Miura Anjin (三浦按針), a samurai, was born. Adams also received the title of hatamoto (bannerman), a high-prestige position as a direct retainer in the Shogun’s court. He was provided with generous revenues: “For the services that I have done and do daily, being employed in the Emperor’s service, the emperor has given me a living” (Letters). He was granted a fief in Hemi (逸見) within the boundaries of present-day Yokosuka City, “with eighty or ninety husbandmen, that be my slaves or servants” (Letters). His estate was valued at 250 koku (measure of the income of the land in rice equal to about five bushels). He finally wrote “God hath provided for me after my great misery,” (Letters) by which he meant the disaster-ridden voyage that initially brought him to Japan.

By the 12th century, upper-class samurai were highly literate due to the general introduction of Confucianism from China during the 7th to 9th centuries, and in response to their perceived need to deal with the imperial court, who had a monopoly on culture and literacy for most of the Heian period. As a result they aspired to the more cultured abilities of the nobility.

The women in the Samurai Class played an important role.  While the men were off  to battle the women were in charge of protecting the homes and looking after the family.  The women were also trained in martial  arts and skilled in the use of the naginata, a type of lance. Sometimes the  women would fight alongside the men in battle.  One of the most famous female  warriors was Tomoe Gozen, wife of Minamoto Yoshinaka. She fought bravely against  the Taira clan during the Gempei War and was hailed as a gifted archer and  swordswoman
Read more:  http://socyberty.com/history/six-things-you-didnt-know-about-the-samurai-warrior/#ixzz1soRO6SP1

Take charge of your health, get in shape, and have fun learning about Japanese history and culture during our Adult Introduction Class to the samurai martial art of aikido. This workshop is designed to teach self-defense, build discipline, and encourage growth and development. Whether you are looking to progress in your professional, social, or family life, our dedicated professionals teach classes that deliver skills that can be applied to all these areas. This workshop is about more than simply teaching physical self-defense techniques; it is also about using the mind, body, and spirit at the highest level. Participants will learn to harness the power of their inner strength just as much as their outer strength.

ABOUT THE PRESENTER Washington DC’s Aikido Family Martial Arts & Kids Karate are trained  professionals, teaching the character-building traits that develop black belts from the inside out:  focus, discipline, self-control, and perseverance to name a few. Michael Veltri is the chief instructor and trained in Japan for ten years. Michael is also a cancer survivor and credits his aikido training with the inspiration, courage, and strength to overcome the tumultuous physical, mental, and spiritual effects of cancer.

Presented in conjunction with Samurai: The Warrior Transformed, our workshops explore a variety of aspects of Bushidō, or way of the samurai. This philosophy encouraged warriors to follow the “twin ways”—martial as well as peaceful or cultural arts. By mastering pursuits such as painting, calligraphy, ikebana, and the tea ceremony, a samurai cultivated his spirit and mind, thereby becoming a greater warrior.

• All workshops are free of charge, but the purchase of an admission ticket is required to view the exhibit. Visit ngmuseum.org for pricing and ordering information.

Space is limited; advance registration of adults 16 and older only is required. Please email NatGeoMuseum[at]ngs.org to register.

The event will take place in the Museum’s M Street building, located at 1600 M Street NW.

When Eliza visited Japan, she was overwhelmed by the lovely blossoming cherry trees.  She learned that the Japanese people called them sakura, and that they were revered as a national symbol.  For centuries, people had been gathering in the spring to view and appreciate the clouds of flowers while picnicking under the trees.  This celebration is called hanami.  The different varieties of trees bloom in many shades of whites and pinks.  After their brief burst of color, the flowers are gone.  Artists and poets have often honored them for their beauty and as symbols of the brevity of life.      Eliza’s dream was for the people of Washington, D.C. to be able to enjoy these trees.  Finally, in 1912, over three thousand trees were planted as a gift of the city of Tokyo.

Source: http://www.elizascidmore.com/cherry-trees

Eliza visited Japan many times, starting in 1884 when her brother was beginning a long career there in the U.S. consular service.  Eliza wrote about traveling in Japan and the Japanese culture in Jinrikisha Days in Japan, published in 1891.     Eliza seemed to be ready for any challenge that traveling  presented. Hiking up the famous Mt. Fujiyama included “hard climbing in  the blinding rain and driving wind,” and being trapped in a mountain hut for days. 
Source: http://www.elizascidmore.com/eliza-s-japan

Eliza Ruhamah Scidmore (SID-more) was born in 1856 and grew up with her mother and older brother in the lively city of Washington, D.C.  As a child, Eliza would have met the travelers and politicians who stayed at her mother’s boarding house, seen Civil War troops passing in the streets, and looked around the rooms of the White House when she visited Abraham Lincoln.     Eliza built friendships with many influential members of Washington society as she attended frequent parties and events in the city.  While still a teenager, Eliza traveled to Europe.  She attended Oberlin College in Ohio for two years, then returned to Washington and found work as a journalist for various newspapers.    Eliza loved traveling the world, exploring different cultures, studying local arts, and learning about plants and gardens.  She took photographs and wrote about the exotic places she saw.  Eliza wrote many magazine articles and seven books.  She was an early and important member of the National Geographical Society.  She was recognized as an expert who gave lectures on Asia.     Eliza had a rich and varied life, full of adventure.  In the last few years of her life, she lived in Switzerland.  She died there in 1928.

Source: http://www.elizascidmore.com/eliza-s-life

A companion photography gallery displays images by writer, photographer, and geographer Eliza R. Scidmore who made many visits to Japan beginning 1885. The first woman on the National Geographic Board, she played an instrumental role in the gift of the cherry trees from Tokyo to Washington. The iconic trees are celebrating their 100th anniversary since they were planted along the banks of the Potomac and around the Tidal Basin in 1912. Featuring portraits, pearl diving, and tea ceremonies, her hand-tinted photographs reflect a fascination with Japanese people and culture.

Presented in conjunction with the National Geographic Museum exhibition “Samurai: The Warrior Transformed”, we will screen three classics of Japanese cinema, all featuring the iconic Toshiro Mifune, and presented in stunning 35mm!  Films will be introduced by Michael Jeck, veteran film programmer notable for commentary on Criterion DVD releases of Seven Samurai and Throne of Blood. Advisory: Violent content.

In The Sword of Doom (1966/119 min/Director: Kihachi Okamoto), a wandering samurai kills without mercy or remorse, during the turbulent final days of the shogunate.

Follow the links below for information about our other Samurai Cinema offerings on Saturday, March 31!

SPECIAL OFFER: With a Museum ticket purchase on the same date (Saturday, March 31), you are eligible for a complimentary pass to see Samurai Cinema in Grosvenor Auditorium.  Seating is first come, first served. If you would like to guarantee your seat, please call the ticket office at (202) 857–7700 to be issued your complimentary pass.

This weekend, learn about the history and symbolism of a traditional Japanese tea ceremony and its significance to the samurai. Chado Urasenke Tankokai Washington DC Association will demonstrate one of the tea procedures perfected by Sen Rikyu in the 16th century. Participants can experience the “Way of Tea” in the same way as the samurai did more than 400 years ago.

Presented in conjunction with Samurai: The Warrior Transformed, our workshops explore a variety of aspects of Bushidō, or way of the samurai. This philosophy encouraged warriors to follow the “twin ways”—martial as well as peaceful or cultural arts. By mastering pursuits such as painting, calligraphy, ikebana, and the tea ceremony, a samurai cultivated his spirit and mind, thereby becoming a greater warrior.

• All workshops are free of charge, but the purchase of an admission ticket is required to view the exhibit. Visit ngmuseum.org for pricing and ordering information.

Space is limited; advance registration is required. Please email NatGeoMuseum[at]ngs.org to register.

The event will take place in the Museum’s M Street building, located at 1600 M Street NW.