Samurai Boys at the Wakashu Age Underwent Martial Arts Training

samurai

Samurai boys at the Wakashu age underwent martial arts training in as a transitory stage to adulthood. They were permitted to have a male lover until they came of age, relationship called “brotherhood contract”. They were strictly monogamous male relationships. The older lover or nenja would teach the younger warrior etiquette ate Samurai code of honor and the martial arts. Both parties were expected to be loyal to eternity, aid each other in their feudal duties, duels and vendettas. Same-Sex ended when they come of age however they were not disengaged from Heterosexual activities. After coming of age warriors would seek the female lovers to marry (Oshima, 2000).

Years later the director of The Gathatto (Taboo) film, Nagisa Oshima, came painted the picture of Samurai’s culture using his educative and enchanting film. Gathatto is a Japanese word for taboo, is the prohibited practice or unconventional acts by people in the society. The plot is set in 1865BC when Japan’s strict code faced threats from other clans. To defend the Shongunate clan from attacks, a Samurai military unit became desperate to get new recruits. It recruits a nineteen year old boy named Kano to their military camp. Kano a fearless, handsome swordsman charmed his student’s, superiors and even Hijikati, his military captain through his looks and fighting prowess. However, his motive to enter the military is to acquire the “license to kill” and amass power (Oshima, 2000). With his entry, the military unit was rocked with passion desire and jealousy among the warriors and officials who want to date him. The problems and jealousy surface during the sparring sessions where Kano’s sparring partners carnal desires emerged.

bibliography

Oshima, N. (Director). (2000). Gohatto (Taboo) (2000) [Motion Picture].