I suspect that it would be more accurate to call the Tau Confucian rather than Japanese. The five elements correspond broadly to the five elements in classical Chinese cosmology (water, wood, fire, metal, and earth). In addition, Confucian theory stratifies society (in descending order) into Scholars, Peasants (farmers), Artisans, Merchants, and Warriors. If these five segments of society work in harmony, the kingdom flourishes. If something disrupts this harmony, the kingdom collapses and a new kingdom rises. |