The Samurai Mentality, Edo Traditions
The samurai class had a stubborn conviction of needing to flaunt "affluence of the soul" and pursued sophistication and chic-ness in life. Sophistication was not restricted to appearance, and superficial good looks were regarded vulgar. It had to be accompanied by smart and chic lifestyle. I interpret this as "spirit of playfulness in life." Edo had schools known as "terako-ya" where children learned to read and write. The education of children took place not only at such schools but with adults teaching them various customs and practices. The traditions of the people of Edo are centered on "how to live the year in good fortune." This mindset ad approach shows how little Japan has changed since then.
Edojiman Ninonbashi Aakebono no Zu
Contribution to Kanda jinja Shrine
August 2023
