What Is A Retainer In Japan

In Japan, the term "retainer" carries a rich historical context, deeply rooted in the feudal era. Understanding the concept of a retainer requires exploring its evolution, roles, responsibilities, and modern interpretations. The term encompasses more than just a job title; it reflects a complex social and ethical framework that shaped Japanese society for centuries. This article will delve into the multifaceted meaning of "retainer" (家臣, kashin) in Japan, from its historical origins to its contemporary relevance.

Historical Context of Retainers in Japan

The Feudal System and the Rise of the Samurai

To understand the role of a retainer, it is essential to examine Japan's feudal system. From the 12th to the 19th century, Japan was governed by a feudal hierarchy, with the shōgun (military dictator) at the top, followed by daimyō (feudal lords), and then the samurai (warrior class). The samurai served as retainers to the daimyō, pledging loyalty and military service in exchange for land, stipends, and social status.

Key Eras Shaping the Retainer System

Kamakura Period (1185-1333): The foundations of the retainer system were laid during this period with the establishment of the Kamakura shogunate. Gokenin (housemen) were direct retainers of the shōgun, offering military service and administrative support.
Muromachi Period (1336-1573): This era saw increased decentralization and the rise of powerful daimyō. Retainers played crucial roles in maintaining order, collecting taxes, and engaging in warfare on behalf of their lords.
Sengoku Period (1467-1615): The Warring States period was a time of intense conflict and political upheaval. Retainers became vital for the survival and expansion of their lords' domains. Loyalty, strategic thinking, and martial prowess were highly valued.
Edo Period (1603-1868): Under the Tokugawa shogunate, the feudal system was consolidated, and the role of retainers became more formalized. The samurai were placed into a rigid social hierarchy, and their duties extended beyond military service to include administrative and ceremonial functions.

Roles and Responsibilities of Retainers

Military Service

The primary duty of a retainer was to provide military service to their lord. This included:

Fighting in battles: Samurai retainers were expected to be skilled warriors, proficient in swordsmanship, archery, and other martial arts.
Guarding the lord and his castle: Retainers were responsible for protecting their lord from harm and defending his territory from enemies.
Leading troops: Experienced retainers often served as commanders, leading soldiers into battle and overseeing military operations.

Administrative Duties

In addition to military service, retainers also performed a variety of administrative tasks, such as:

Managing land and resources: Retainers were often responsible for overseeing the management of their lord's land, collecting taxes, and ensuring the efficient use of resources.
Enforcing laws and maintaining order: Retainers acted as law enforcement officials, apprehending criminals, resolving disputes, and maintaining peace within their lord's domain.
Advising the lord: Trusted retainers served as advisors to their lord, providing counsel on matters of politics, economics, and military strategy.

Ethical and Moral Obligations

The relationship between a retainer and his lord was governed by a strict code of ethics known as bushidō (the way of the warrior). Bushidō emphasized:

Loyalty (chūgi): A retainer's ultimate duty was to be loyal to his lord, even to the point of sacrificing his own life.
Honor (meiyo): Retainers were expected to uphold their honor and reputation at all costs, avoiding any actions that would bring shame to themselves or their lord.
Integrity (seijitsu): Honesty, integrity, and moral rectitude were essential qualities for a retainer.
Courage (yūki): Retainers were expected to be courageous in the face of danger, willing to fight and die for their lord.
Benevolence (jin): While warriors, retainers were also expected to show compassion and benevolence towards the common people.

Types of Retainers

Direct Retainers (Jikisan)

These were the most trusted and highly regarded retainers, who served their lord directly and often held positions of great responsibility. They typically received larger stipends and had closer relationships with their lord.

Hereditary Retainers (Fudai)

These retainers had served the lord's family for generations and were considered to be particularly loyal and reliable. They often held important positions within the lord's administration.

Newly Acquired Retainers (Tozama)

These were retainers who had come into the service of the lord relatively recently, often after being defeated in battle or joining his ranks from another domain. They were sometimes viewed with suspicion and had to prove their loyalty over time.

Lower-Ranking Retainers (Baishin)

These were retainers who served other retainers rather than the lord directly. Their status was lower, and their responsibilities were typically more limited.

The Significance of the Retainer-Lord Relationship

Mutual Obligations and Expectations

The relationship between a retainer and his lord was one of mutual obligation and expectation. The lord provided land, stipends, and social status to his retainers, while the retainers provided military service, administrative support, and unwavering loyalty to their lord.

The Concept of On (Obligation)

The concept of on played a crucial role in shaping the retainer-lord relationship. On refers to a sense of obligation or indebtedness that one person feels towards another for a favor or service received. A retainer felt a deep sense of on towards his lord for the benefits he received, and he was expected to repay this on through his loyalty and service.

The Impact of Bushidō

Bushidō provided a moral and ethical framework for the retainer-lord relationship. It emphasized the importance of loyalty, honor, and self-sacrifice, shaping the behavior and expectations of both retainers and lords.

Famous Retainers in Japanese History

The Forty-Seven Rōnin

The story of the Forty-Seven Rōnin is one of the most famous examples of retainer loyalty in Japanese history. After their lord, Asano Naganori, was forced to commit seppuku (ritual suicide), his retainers became rōnin (masterless samurai). They avenged their lord's death by killing Kira Yoshinaka, the official responsible for Asano's downfall, and then willingly committed seppuku themselves.

Oda Nobunaga's Retainers

Oda Nobunaga, one of the most powerful and influential figures in Japanese history, had a number of highly capable retainers, including:

Toyotomi Hideyoshi: A peasant-born retainer who rose through the ranks to become one of Nobunaga's most trusted generals.
Tokugawa Ieyasu: Initially an ally, then a retainer, and later the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate.
Akechi Mitsuhide: A skilled general who famously betrayed Nobunaga, leading to his death.

Takeda Shingen's Retainers

Takeda Shingen, a renowned daimyō of the Sengoku period, was known for his strong and loyal retainers, including:

Yamamoto Kansuke: A brilliant strategist who served as Shingen's chief military advisor.
Baba Nobuharu: A courageous and skilled warrior who was known for his loyalty and bravery.

The Decline of the Retainer System

The Meiji Restoration

The Meiji Restoration in 1868 marked the end of the feudal system and the beginning of Japan's modernization. The samurai class was abolished, and the retainer system was dismantled.

Social and Economic Changes

The rise of capitalism and industrialization led to significant social and economic changes that further eroded the traditional role of retainers. The emphasis shifted from loyalty and service to individual achievement and economic success.

The Legacy of Bushidō

Despite the decline of the retainer system, the values of bushidō continued to influence Japanese society. Concepts such as loyalty, honor, and self-sacrifice remained important cultural ideals.

Modern Interpretations of "Retainer" in Japan

Corporate Loyalty

In modern Japan, the concept of a retainer is sometimes used metaphorically to describe the relationship between employees and their companies. Lifetime employment, once a common practice in Japan, fostered a sense of loyalty and commitment among employees, similar to that of retainers towards their lords.

Mentorship and Apprenticeship

The relationship between a sensei (teacher or mentor) and their deshi (student or apprentice) can also be seen as a modern interpretation of the retainer-lord dynamic. The deshi learns from the sensei and is expected to show respect and loyalty in return.

Political Allegiance

In politics, individuals who consistently support and defend a particular politician or party may be referred to as "retainers," implying a strong sense of allegiance and loyalty.

The Enduring Influence of the Retainer System

Cultural Identity

The retainer system played a significant role in shaping Japanese cultural identity. The values of loyalty, honor, and self-sacrifice, which were central to the retainer-lord relationship, continue to be important aspects of Japanese culture.

Literature and Art

The stories of samurai retainers have been a popular subject in Japanese literature, art, and theater for centuries. These stories often celebrate the virtues of loyalty, courage, and self-sacrifice.

Modern Media

The image of the samurai retainer continues to be a popular trope in modern media, including movies, television shows, and video games. These portrayals often romanticize the life of the samurai and highlight their martial prowess and unwavering loyalty.

Conclusion

The concept of a "retainer" in Japan is deeply intertwined with the country's feudal history and the bushidō code. While the traditional retainer system has disappeared, its legacy continues to influence Japanese culture and society. From corporate loyalty to mentorship relationships, the values of loyalty, honor, and self-sacrifice, which were central to the retainer-lord dynamic, remain relevant in modern Japan. Understanding the historical context and significance of the retainer system provides valuable insights into the complexities of Japanese culture and the enduring influence of its past.