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Bundle 98: Edo Era: The Samurai Code and Views of Money

This bundle reflects that samurai in the Edo era (1603–1867) had an unusual relationship with money. They viewed earning as a "dirty thing," and they devalued vendors for selling things that others made. Still, the samurai must have resented putting in a day's work only to be paid in rice. When they lost their jobs, many former samurai became petty thieves and muggers. One famous movie showcases unemployed Edo-era samurai who avenged the death of their lord. The tale demonstrates the samurai code of honor, perhaps showing that values mattered to them more than anything, including money.
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稼
work
JOK: 1055
This Jekyll and Hyde character represents both hard work and thievery, and the samurai may have given 稼 its shady connotation! Learn to say, “I earn my keep,” “Losing their breadwinner was a shock to that family,” “I’ll make a little money, and Mr. White will never know,” “The factory is running at full capacity,” “It seems you're raking in the money,” and “I wish I earned more money.”
穂
ear (of a plant)
JOK: 1460
How do a cattail, calligraphy pen, and fishing rod relate to 穂? When an ear of rice hangs low, what does that figuratively mean in Japan? How about a grafted plant? Which name for Japan means 'Land of Abundant Rice'? Why would a faucet be compared to a rice plant on Amazon? Which French painting related to grain is famous in Japan? Read the essay to find all these answers and more!
窃
stealth
JOK: 1488
By reading about everything from art heists to kleptomania, learn to say that a person is suspected of theft, is charged with theft, and is guilty of theft. Find out what there is to steal from Japanese temples and how such thefts have played out internationally. See whether or not the Japanese have traditionally protected their property and whether or not thievery has been an issue in Japan.
扶
aid
JOK: 1748
What binds us together - laws or love? Do we merely follow mandates to pay taxes and alimony, or do we help each other out of concern? The essay raises such questions by focusing on financial obligations toward others. These issues became urgent, says one book, after the disasters of March 11, 2011, made people realize that they had become cold and needed to renew their bonds.
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