Usagi in the meiji era?

[Angelcake]

OK, I know that I'm screwing up the history here, but....let's say, hypothetically, that some kind of weired shift in the space time continum caused the world of Usagi Yojimbo to be thrust into the meiji era?

For those of you who don't know, the meiji era is bascially when the Japan of old ended and when the modern Japan we know today began. Samurai were stripped of there priveleges and were forced to give up their swords. In fact, swords were completely outlawed to civilians.

Those of you who are Rurouni Kenshin fans are familiar with all of this.

So, if what I just said were to happen, what do you think the various main characters (Usagi, Ame Tomoe, etc.) would do or try to adapt? Or do you think they would attempt to commit seppeku?

I'd like to hear your opinions!

[digulla]

Or do you think they would attempt to commit seppeku?

Usagi probably not (Stans characters are way too much "western" for this) but for a real samurai, options would be limited. I think his only option would be to break his swords (so they can't be abused) and become a monk.

Committing seppuku is not an option because he hasn't lost his face. Also, he wouldn't fight the authorities because that would be shameful. Losing his swords is not a reason to die. He would mourn them, though, like you would a good friend or a relative.

[miyamoto musashi]

but the charachters living in that era would have thier personalitys shaped by that era, so usagi may never have met katsuichi and thus is a different person, so you cant have a world changed and expect people to be the same.

[Leonardo-san]

And if look at history, you see there were many options that the samurai who lived through that change chose.
Some rebelled.
Some changed careers. And that in and of itself is quite interesting from the teeny bit I've read.
I have to admit, the Rurouni Kenshin series has made me pay more attention to that time period. While the series is a "fantasy" of sorts on a historical premise, there's a lot of historical references in it.
It's kind of like Usagi in that regard.

But I think, that if Usagi were to go through that time period, I agree he'd be product of the time. I think he'd find a way to keep his ideals intact and find a new path for himself.
I don't have time to think about the others. I should be packing for my trip....
But I had have some fun on the boards.

[miyamoto musashi]

where is he going? i sorry if i missed a previous post, but wherever you are off to, have fun.