Frostgage

@Duality I see your point.

Still, there's something about institutionalized brutality...

@Mirage I'm also a big fan of modern Japanese culture (just look at my avatar!) so these things were definitely disheartening to learn about. One author proposed an interesting idea that Japanese politeness is actually rooted in the lawless horrors of Feudal Japan - back then if you displeased a samurai even slightly they wouldn't hesitate to kill you. I dunno if it's true but something to think about.

@Duality Sadly you're all too correct. It's especially awful to think about all the people who suffer without a voice. As much as I hate to say it I'd almost rather not know about everything that happens in the world - it's too much for one human to contextualize (blue pill sort of deal)

@Frostgage That is spot on. A samurai had the authority to kill any offense; real or imagined. They were the only class (and above) allowed to carry weapons as well.

They indeed have a highly advanced culture, though rife with struggle, that is for damn sure.