History of the Japanese Samurai

Japan has a rich cultural history that almost dates back to the 200 B.C. and wars have been part of the growth of the civilization. The wars were mostly fought for land as only one-fifth of the lands were arable. This struggle to possess land led to the formation of the Samurai.

The Japanese warrior class is described as the Samurai. The warrior classes formed their different groups and rallied under their chiefs, who had their lineage to the Japanese imperial family. In the sixth century, Jummu Tenno, known as the “The Divine Warrior” was the chief of a warrior clan, started the Yamato dynasty. Other notable figure in the Samurai history is the Prince Yamato, the son of Emeperor Keiko. He was brave and a great fighter and according to legend, became the role model for the Samurai.

The Samurai came into existence as a separate entity among themselves in 12 century AD when the two mighty Taira and the Minamato clans in Japan were in a fierce war against each other. During that time, the shogunate, a military ruling came into being in Japan. The local heads, known as daimyo, were under the umbrella of the shogunate. Each of the daimyos retained their own group of Samurai. The Samurai clan was known as two separate entities, namely the Samurai (knight-retainers) and Bushi (warriors).

Code and Weapons of the Samurai -

The early warriors of Japan had developed their weapons and codes that eventually became the cardinal ethos of the Samurai. Use of additional weapons and gears like headgear, breastplate, and arms-protector became vogue along with the swords, bows and arrows. All the Samurai possessed two swords and had an obsessive inclination to them. While the longer one, which was more than two feet in length, was known as daito – katana, the shorter one was known as shot – wakizashi. Although the early swords were straight, the continued battle gave rise to the curved and sturdier ones. The swords and the weapons were the mark of special privilege of the Samurai and hence, common people were barred from carrying them.

Duty and devotion were the main doctrine of the Samurai and they were prepared to die for it. The code of the Samurai was called ‘Bushido’ (Way of the Warrior),’ meaning freedom from fear.’

The practice of Seppuku, or ‘stomach-cutting,’ an act of ritual suicide, was looked as a form of honorable death. The reason for this could be the ignominy of defeat in a war, disgrace, punishment or even as a symbol of loyalty of the highest order towards the master.

Decline of the Samurai Class -

The Samurai were basically a warrior class. Hence, in the sixteenth century, when peace prevailed, they didn’t have much to do and eventually took up other profession. After the resignation of the last shogun, the Samurais were deprived of their privileges in Japan which led to eventual disintegration of the Samurai as a warrior class.

Today Samurais often appear in movies, video games and as costume ideas for Halloween.