Conflict, Balance, and the Tea Ceremony in Rikyu
This is a 5 page paper discussing Rikyu and the formal tea ceremony as important aspects of balance and conflict in the film “Rikyu”. In the 1990 film “Rikyu”, the importance of Rikyu and the traditional tea ceremony provide a reflection of the political balance and conflict going on in Japan during the leadership of Emperor Hideyoshi in the late 1500s. Rikyu was the respected tea master at that time and had formed a close alliance with the emperor. The emperor who enjoyed his power and wealth realized the importance of the tea ceremony in the life of Japan and proceeded to organize a large ten day tea festival. Throughout the development of the well orchestrated ceremonies, led by Rikyu, the emperor experienced conflict between the political forces around him, his need for tranquility, his alliance with Rikyu, his desire to invade Korea and the presence of other powerful political men present, such as Ieyasu. When Rikyu and Hideyoshi conflicted on the political aspects of Hideyoshi’s rule, such as the invasion of Korea, and Hideyoshi realized Rikyu’s growing influence in the country, he knew he had to remove Rikyu from the growing threat to his authority and through the ceremony insinuated that Rikyu must commit suicide; which he did to fulfill his commitment to the emperor and retain the balance in the country.
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