TED-Ed: A day in the life of a teenage samurai | Constantine N. Vaporis

Mori Banshiro, a 16-year-old samurai in training, is determined to travel to Edo for martial and scholarly studies. In 1800, Japan is at peace, and samurai roles have expanded beyond warriors to include scholars and artists. Banshiro secretly aspires to be a painter, inspired by Miyamoto Musashi. He seeks permission from his teachers and father to accompany the daimyo to Edo, where he can pursue his artistic dreams. Through strategic persuasion, Banshiro gains the necessary support, highlighting the importance of both martial and literary arts in samurai training.

What are the two paths that young samurai like Banshiro study?

What does Banshiro admire about Miyamoto Musashi beyond his swordsmanship?

Explain the relationship between the daimyo and the Tokugawa shogun as described in the text.