Question

What was one main difference between Japanese and European feudalism?

Answer 1

One main difference between Japanese and European feudalism is the nature of the relationship between the warrior class and their leaders. In Europe, feudalism was characterized by a system of vassalage where lords granted land (fiefs) to vassals in exchange for military service and loyalty. The relationship was often formalized through oaths of allegiance, and it involved a complex hierarchy of obligations and rights.

In contrast, Japanese feudalism, particularly during the Kamakura and Muromachi periods, was more centered around a family-based loyalty system known as "ie," where samurai were bound to their daimyō (feudal lords) not only through formal contracts but also through personal loyalty, often rooted in clan ties and familial connections. The samurai's relationship with their daimyō was deeply personal and often emphasized honor and duty over formal vassalage.

Overall, while both systems featured a hierarchical structure and a focus on land and military service, Japan's feudalism placed a greater emphasis on personal loyalty and familial ties, whereas European feudalism was characterized by a more contractual and systematic approach to land and service.