Question

What basic characteristics of feudalism emerge from the european and japanese materials? what did lords and vassals gain from a feudal tie? what were their obligations?

Answer 1

Feudalism in Europe and events during the Muromachi period in Japan share some characteristics. During the Muromachi period in Japan, there were powerful feudal lords called Daimyos who were only subordinate to the Shogun (think of them as Commander-in-Chief) and the Japanese Emperor). Daimyos were almost independent and ruled with almost absolute power on their territories. Daimyos are the equivalent of Lords in Europe. Daimyos hired Samurai, a noble class of warriors, and paid them with rice or land, just as lords hire vassals and gave them land holdings (fiefs) in exchange for allegiance. In this obligations, Lords/Daimyos gained solders and supplies, while Vassals/Samurai gained land holdings and farms.