Starwars Jedi And Japanese Samurai
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Starwars Jedi And Japanese Samurai
Jedi in Star Wars are similar to Japanese samurai. The Jedi are to preserve peace, as were the samurai. Like the samurai, Jedi belong to a strong brotherhood, an order of educated warriors, with training in both battle and education. The distinctive light sabers carried by the Jedi are little more than samurai’s katana in a sci-fi setting. The highly ritualized battles are little more than Japanese kendo. The period of war in Star Wars is very similar to Japan’s Period of Warring Nation.
Darth Vader’s helmet is based on samurai helmet. The look of Darth Maul is based heavily on ancient Japanese myths and dramas, especially drama masks. The Queen of Naboo’s ornate costumes are highly reminiscent of Japanese kimono, while her white face paint is “geisha wear.” The force is little more (especially in the original trilogy) the martial arts concept of chi or ki (as any Dragon Ball Z fan can attest to).