Explore the essence of samurai culture, from its history and traditions to unique experiences in Japan.

　Table of Contents

• 1. Overview of Samurai Culture: The Honor of the Warrior
• 2. Where to Experience Samurai Culture in Japan
• 3. The History of the Samurai: Those Who Raced Through the Currents of Time
• 4. The Arms and Armor of the Samurai: The Warrior's Soul and Iron Defenses
• 5. The Samurai Class System: A Structure of Order and Rule

1. Overview of Samurai Culture: The Honor of the Warrior

The term Samurai refers to the warrior class in Japanese history, specifically the ruling class that handled the nation's political and military affairs from the medieval to the early modern periods. Their origins can be traced back to the Heian period (794-1185) to those who "served" (in Japanese, saburau) the nobility and the Imperial Court. They eventually rose to prominence as a force specializing in the martial arts, and when Japan's first military government, the Kamakura Shogunate, was established at the end of the 12th century, they became the ruling class of Japan in both name and reality.

For the next 700 years, until the Meiji Restoration in 1868, the samurai remained a central force, guiding the course of Japanese history.

The spiritual backbone of the samurai was a unique code of conduct and set of values known as Bushido. They believed their true duty was not merely to wear elaborate armor and swords, but to fully embody this code.

Interestingly, the principles of Bushido were systematically documented during the peaceful Edo period (1603-1868), after major civil wars had ceased. It was during this time that samurai, who no longer had opportunities to achieve merit through military force, redefined their own purpose. They elevated their code into a moral and spiritual guide for the ruling class—this is the Bushido that has been passed down through generations. At its core, born from the memories of samurai who lived through ages of warfare, lay the strict tenet that "victory on the battlefield is the highest honor that proves one's worth."

The samurai abhorred having their honor stained. When defeated in battle or unable to fulfill their loyalty to their lord, taking one's own life was sometimes considered a noble choice to avoid the humiliation of being taken captive.

The most honorable method for this was seppuku. Since ancient times, it was believed that the human soul and spirit resided in the abdomen (hara). Therefore, cutting open the abdomen was the ultimate act of self-verification, demonstrating the purity of one's soul and one's resolve as a samurai to all. The ritual was typically performed while dressed in a pure white garment, the traditional attire for death.

After slicing the abdomen horizontally from left to right, a second attendant, known as the kaishakunin, would deliver a final cut to the neck. This was done to ease the suffering of the one committing seppuku and allow them to die with their honor intact. This was not a mere suicide, but an extremely solemn ritual designed to protect the dignity of a samurai.

2. Where to Experience Samurai Culture in Japan

Have an Authentic Samurai Experience by Wearing Real Armor at "Shogun Studio Japan"

　・What is "Shogun Studio Japan"?

On August 5, 2025, a new style of entertainment facility, "Shogun Studio Japan," will open in the historic and scenic Arashiyama district of Kyoto. This studio is a facility where you can experience being dressed in authentic kacchu (samurai armor), just like the warlords of the Sengoku period (Warring States period) wore.

Its purpose is to fuse the traditional Japanese culture of samurai armor with the latest technology to provide an immersive Sengoku experience. It is designed to be enjoyed by a wide range of people, including history buffs, travelers wanting to engage with Japanese culture, and anyone seeking a special memory.

　・Features of "Shogun Studio Japan"

①Authentic Armor Experience:

The studio offers a diverse lineup of armor, from faithful reproductions of armor worn by famous Sengoku warlords to creative, original designs by up-and-coming armor designers. Skilled staff will dress you while explaining the meaning and background of each component, allowing visitors to feel the deep history and culture embedded in the armor.

The significant weight and meticulous attention to detail attest to its authenticity.

②A Futuristic Sengoku Experience with Cutting-Edge Technology:

After being fitted in your armor, you can experience a movie shoot directed by professional video creators. The studio uses projection mapping technology that covers the walls and floor, creating a futuristic space enveloped in light and sound that makes you feel as if you've been transported back to the Sengoku period.

An original samurai movie starring you will be filmed in various scenarios, such as amidst raging flames or in a flurry of falling cherry blossoms. The completed video can be transferred to your smartphone to take home with you.

③Convenient Location:

The studio is located in the Saga-Tenryuji area, one of Kyoto's premier tourist destinations, famous for the Togetsukyo Bridge and the Bamboo Grove. The surrounding area is dotted with numerous famous sites, including the World Heritage site Tenryu-ji Temple, making it an easy addition to any Kyoto sightseeing itinerary. Business hours are from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. It offers a special opportunity to stop by during a stroll through Arashiyama and connect with the depth of Japanese history.

3. The History of the Samurai: Those Who Raced Through the Currents of Time

The history of the samurai can be traced back to the Nara period. Their influence expanded through the Heian and Kamakura periods, and they came to play a central role in Japan's politics and society. Below is a detailed explanation of major events, divided by era.

　1. Origins and Early Development (Nara Period - Heian Period)

The origins of the samurai can be traced to the Nara period (710-794), when the national government system was not yet fully established. In the provinces where central authority was weak, influential nobles and powerful clans began expanding their private estates, known as shōen, as the public land system (kōchi kōminsei) began to crumble. To protect these estates and their own assets, they started to maintain their own armed forces. This was the seed from which the class later known as bushi (warriors) would sprout.

In the subsequent Heian period (794-1185), the authority of the Imperial Court gradually weakened, and public safety deteriorated due to political turmoil. This heightened the need for self-defense and made the existence of the warrior class essential. Initially, they served the nobility as attendants who "served" or "waited upon" them (in Japanese, saburau), which is the origin of the word "samurai." They handled security and conflict resolution, but they soon formed their own power bases backed by their military might, stepping onto the main stage of history to forge a new era for Japan.

　2. The Kamakura Period and the Rise of the Samurai (12th - 14th Centuries)

At the end of the 12th century, Minamoto no Yoritomo, victorious in the Genpei War that had engulfed all of Japan, established the Kamakura Shogunate in 1185. This was the first true warrior-led government in Japanese history and a major turning point. With this, the samurai replaced the court nobility as the ruling class, leading the nation's politics and beginning an era of warrior rule that would last for approximately 700 years.

The Kamakura Shogunate united the warriors across the country based on a strong lord-vassal relationship known as gōon to hōkō ("favor and service"), which was centered on land grants. During this era, samurai not only possessed military power but also held administrative and police authority as estate stewards (jitō) and provincial constables (shugo). Combat styles centered on mounted archery, and with this, arms like the long, curved tachi sword were also refined. A spirit that prized absolute loyalty to one's lord and the honor of one's family and self was strongly cultivated during this time, forming the prototype of what would later become "Bushido."

　3. The Muromachi Period: Prosperity and Chaos (14th - 16th Centuries)

The Muromachi period (1336-1573), when the Ashikaga clan established a shogunate in Kyoto, was an era of duality, marked by the flowering of a brilliant culture on one hand and incessant warfare on the other. The first half was relatively stable, but following the Ōnin War (1467-1477), the shogunate's authority completely collapsed. Japan plunged into the Sengoku period (Warring States period), an era of about 100 years where gekokujō—the low overthrowing the high—became rampant.

During this time, the nature of the samurai changed dramatically. Loyalty to a lord was not enough; warriors were expected to forge their own destiny through their wits and military prowess. Provincial warlords known as daimyō rose to power one after another. The main fighting force on the battlefield shifted from mounted warriors to infantry groups called ashigaru, leading to a major transformation in military tactics. At the same time, this turbulent era fostered a unique culture linked to the spirit of Zen. Many of Japan's traditional arts that continue to this day, such as the tea ceremony, Noh theater, ink wash painting, and dry landscape gardens, were perfected on the soil of Muromachi warrior society.

　4. The Edo Period: Stability and Change (17th - 19th Centuries)

In 1603, Tokugawa Ieyasu unified the country and established the Edo Shogunate, ushering in a long period of peace lasting about 260 years, sometimes called the "Pax Tokugawa." In this era of great peace, the role of the samurai changed dramatically. With no more opportunities to achieve glory on the battlefield, they transformed into sword-wearing bureaucrats, responsible for the administration of the shogunate and the various domains (han).

The shogunate idealized bunbu ryōdō ("the dual way of the literary and martial arts") and established "Bushido," which incorporated Confucian morals, as the official code for the samurai class. This allowed the samurai to maintain their authority as the ruling class. However, their livelihood was based on a fixed stipend (hōroku) determined by rice yields, and its real value diminished as a monetary economy developed.

As a result of the prolonged peace, many samurai, especially those of lower rank, fell into severe financial hardship. A great contradiction emerged between their social status and their actual lives, as some engaged in side jobs to make ends meet, while others even abandoned their samurai status to become merchants or artisans.

　5. The Meiji Restoration and the End of the Samurai (Late 19th Century)

In the mid-19th century, the arrival of Western powers (the "Black Ships") sent shockwaves through Japanese society, and calls questioning the shogunate's powerlessness grew louder. Against this backdrop of internal and external crises, the "Meiji Restoration" was carried out in 1868 to establish a new government centered on the Emperor, and the Tokugawa Shogunate, which had lasted for about 260 years, fell.

The new Meiji government aimed to build a modern nation-state and began dismantling the class system. The samurai were stripped of their lands and governing rights through the Return of the Domains (1869) and the Abolition of the Han System (1871). Furthermore, the Chitsuroku Shobun (1876) abolished their hereditary stipends. The decisive blow was the "Sword Abolition Edict" (Haitōrei) issued in the same year. This prohibited the public wearing of swords—the very soul of the samurai—and the warrior class completely lost its privileges and reason for being, bringing their era to an official end.

However, even though the age of the warrior was over, the spirit they cultivated did not vanish. Many former samurai (now called shizoku) used their high level of education and discipline to play central roles in building the foundations of modern Japan as government officials, military officers, police, educators, and industrialists. The values of Bushido, such as loyalty, discipline, and self-sacrifice, transformed but became deeply embedded in the ethical fabric of the Japanese people, continuing to exert a significant influence to this day.

4. The Arms and Armor of the Samurai: The Warrior's Soul and Iron Defenses

The equipment of a samurai during the Sengoku period (Warring States period) combined practicality with elements that symbolized their social status. The main pieces of equipment included the following.

　・The Japanese Sword: The Soul of the Samurai

Among all their armaments, the Japanese sword was considered the very soul of the samurai, a spiritual pillar that transcended its function as a mere weapon. Warriors primarily used two swords—the long sword, or katana, and the short sword, or wakizashi. Wearing this pair, known as the daishō, at one's hip became the official style signifying a warrior's status during the Edo period.

The elegant curve, a signature of the Japanese sword, was developed for the tachi—a long sword worn slung with the edge down—during the Heian and Kamakura periods. This design made it easy to draw and slash from horseback, the primary mode of combat at the time. Later, during the Sengoku period, when ground-based group battles became the norm, the katana, which was worn thrust through the belt with the blade facing upward for a faster draw, became mainstream.

A single sword is forged by repeatedly folding and hammering highly pure steel called tamahagane. This process creates a blade that is incredibly strong yet flexible, sharp, and resistant to breaking or bending. The temper line pattern that emerges on the blade, known as the hamon, is a work of art unique to each sword, which is why the Japanese sword is renowned for combining the functional beauty of a weapon with the value of a fine art object.

　・The Bow and Arrow: The Martial Art at the Origin of the Samurai

Before the proliferation of the matchlock arquebus, the bow and arrow was the most important long-range weapon on the battlefield and the origin of the samurai's martial arts. As symbolized by the phrase kyūba no michi ("the Way of the Bow and Horse"), mounted archery (kishu)—the ability to accurately shoot an arrow while riding a horse—was considered the highest skill and greatest honor, especially for early warriors.

The Japanese bow, or yumi, is a longbow over two meters in length, making it one of the longest in the world. It is a composite bow made of bamboo and wood, boasting high elasticity and a long-range. Its most distinct feature is its asymmetric shape, with the grip located below the center of the bow. This design made it easier to handle on horseback and allowed for the efficient transfer of power to the arrow.

When the Edo period ushered in an era without large-scale battles, the art of archery was elevated from a technique for defeating enemies into kyūdō ("the Way of the Bow"), a method for training the mind and body and enhancing one's spirituality. It was established as a path of spiritual cultivation for the samurai, where one learns concentration and etiquette through a series of movements performed with correct form (shahō hassetsu) when facing the target.​​

　・The Spear: The Weapon that Dominated the Battlefield

The spear (yari) was an extremely important weapon that became the star of the battlefield, especially during the Sengoku period when large-scale group battles were common. With its sharp blade at the end of a long shaft, the spear was a highly efficient weapon capable of a variety of attacks—thrusting, sweeping, and striking—while maintaining a safe distance from the enemy.

As the nature of battle shifted from one-on-one duels showcasing individual valor to massed infantry formations of ashigaru, the importance of the spear grew exponentially. Formations of spearmen holding long spears in tight ranks, known as nagaetai, were highly effective at blocking enemy charges and demonstrated immense power, especially against cavalry.

Of course, in the hands of a skilled warrior, a spear was more than just a long weapon. The spearheads varied from simple straight-bladed spears (suyari) to cross-shaped sickled spears (kamayari), and many advanced spearfighting techniques (sōjutsu) were developed that required a high level of skill to hook opponents or target gaps in their armor. If the sword was the "soul" of the samurai, the spear was their most practical "limb" for deciding victory or defeat on the battlefield.

　・The Shield: A "Placed" Defense, Not a Carried One

Handheld shields (tedate), like those used by European knights, were not common equipment for samurai. This was because samurai primarily used weapons that required both hands, such as bows, spears, and swords, making a shield that occupied one hand tactically unsuitable. Another reason is that the armor (yoroi) itself had developed into an effective form of full-body protection.

Instead, large, stationary wooden shields (okidate) that were placed on the ground were widely used on Japanese battlefields. These served as mobile barricades and were typically lined up in front of a position by archers and, later, arquebusiers (ashigaru) to protect them from enemy arrows and bullets. In other words, for the samurai, a shield was not personal protective gear but a defensive weapon used by the entire unit to fortify a position.

　・Kusazuri: The Mobile Skirt Armor for the Lower Body

The kusazuri is a skirt-like armor suspended from the bottom of the cuirass (dō) to protect the area from the waist to the thighs. In Japan, where handheld shields were not common, the kusazuri played a vital role in protecting the lower body from arrows and spears.

The kusazuri was made from small plates of iron or leather called kozane, which were laced together with cords (odoshi-ge). It was divided into several panels called ken. This segmented structure allowed for freedom of leg movement, which would be impossible with a single plate, and was designed not to hinder walking or horse riding.

　・Dō: The Core Body Armor

The dō is the most crucial part of the armor, protecting the body's core, including the chest, abdomen, and back. As most fatal wounds in combat were to the torso, its defensive strength was directly linked to a samurai's survival.

Its construction varied greatly by era. In the Heian and Kamakura periods, when mounted archery was the main form of combat, the ō-yoroi ("great armor") was mainstream. Its dō was made of small iron and leather kozane plates laced together with colorful cords, making it both flexible and decorative. However, when firearms were introduced and close-quarters group combat intensified during the Sengoku period, the tōsei-gusoku ("modern armor") emerged, placing a greater emphasis on defense. With this new style, robust cuirasses like the okegawa-dō, made of horizontal iron plates riveted together to stop bullets, became widespread.

　・The Kabuto: Head Armor Symbolizing a Warlord's Dignity and Individuality

The kabuto, or helmet, not only functioned to protect the head but was also an important symbol for identifying allies and enemies on the battlefield and displaying one's own martial authority. The basic structure consists of the bowl (hachi), which covers the crown of the head, and the neck guard (shikoro).

The decorative aspect of the kabuto developed significantly, especially during the Sengoku period. The crests (tatemono) attached to the front or sides of the helmet, which made the wearer instantly identifiable, were the warlord's very identity. These creative and magnificent crests, often based on motifs of gods, animals, or family crests, served to intimidate enemies and inspire allies. The wide variety of designs, typified by the iconic horn-like kuwagata crests, eloquently express the aesthetic sense and worldview of the warlords.

5. The Samurai Class System: A Structure of Order and Rule

The samurai class system of the Sengoku period (Warring States period) was extremely complex, with many different ranks. These ranks could change based on an individual's merits, performance on the battlefield, or lineage, with promotions and demotions occurring due to specific battles or events. While it was rare for someone to rise from an ashigaru (foot soldier) to a daimyō (feudal lord), there are examples of individuals who were promoted from low to high ranks through exceptional valor and tactical skill.

　1. Shōgun: The One at the Apex of the Warrior Houses

The shōgun was the supreme leader of Japan's warrior governments, holding full authority over both military and political affairs.

The position was originally an official title, Seii Taishōgun ("Great General Who Subdues the Barbarians"), a temporary military commander appointed by the Emperor. However, after the establishment of the Kamakura Shogunate, this title came to mean the de facto ruler of Japan, the one who stood at the pinnacle of the warrior class. Throughout the Kamakura, Muromachi, and Edo shogunates, the shōgun commanded all the daimyō in the country and ruled Japan for long periods.。

　2. Daimyō: The Lords Who Ruled "Provinces"

The daimyō were regional warrior lords who governed vast territories. Their power was measured by their domain's rice production, known as kokudaka, and they boasted authority second only to the shōgun.

Each daimyō commanded their own administrative body and band of vassals (samurai) within a domain called a han, making them like "kings within their own country" who single-handedly managed the administration and military affairs of their land. However, during the Edo period, the shogunate skillfully controlled the daimyō through strict policies like the sankin-kōtai (alternate attendance) system, placing their power under the shogunate's rigorous supervision.

　3. Shugo-daimyō: From Public Governors to Private Lords

The shugo were originally official military and police governors assigned to each province by the shogunates. As the shogunate's authority weakened during the Muromachi period, they used their positions to accumulate power, transforming from dispatched officials into private lords of the land, known as shugo-daimyō. They were the forerunners of the later Sengoku daimyō.

　4. Shugo-daimyō: From Public Governors to Private Lords

The shugo were originally official military and police governors assigned to each province by the Kamakura and Muromachi shogunates. They were officials appointed by the shōgun, responsible for maintaining peace and order and commanding the house vassals (gokenin).

However, as the shogunate's authority weakened during the Muromachi period, these shugo used their positions to encroach upon the public lands and private estates within their assigned provinces, accumulating economic and military power. Eventually, they transcended their role as mere dispatched governors to rule the land privately, transforming into shugo-daimyō (military governor lords). They were the forerunners of the later Sengoku daimyō.

　5. Samurai-daishō: The Field Commanders Who Served as a Daimyō's Limbs

A samurai-daishō was a commander who led a contingent of troops within the army of a daimyō or shōgun. They played a critically important role, acting as the "limbs" of their lord, rushing across the battlefield and taking command at the forefront of the army.

A samurai-daishō required not only individual martial prowess but also the strategic sense to read ever-changing battle situations and the leadership to command their subordinates. A single decision made by them on the battlefield could often sway the outcome of the entire engagement, making them true professionals of warfare.

　6. Rōtō: The Hereditary Vassals Who Shared Their Lord's Fate

Rōtō were the most trusted, hereditary vassals who served a warrior lord for generations. They were not mere subordinates but were also called ie-no-ko ('children of the house'), bound by strong, family-like ties.

As the phrase ichizoku-rōtō ('clan and retainers') suggests, they were a community that literally shared a common destiny, assisting their lord with personal protection and domain management in times of peace, and fighting for him at the risk of their lives as the core of his forces in times of war. To their lord, the rōtō were his closest and most dependable followers.

　7. Kokujin: The Indigenous Lords Rooted in the Land

The kokujin, as the name ('people of the province') implies, were indigenous warrior lords with deep roots in a specific region. Their origins often lay with the jitō (estate stewards) of the Kamakura period, and they were truly "local" rulers who lived with the land for generations.

Sometimes, the kokujin would unite as a regional power (in a kokujin ikki, or provincial league) to resist the authority of their superior, the shugo-daimyō, while at other times they became powerful vassals. During the Sengoku period, many of them were forced to make the difficult choice between becoming vassals to a rising Sengoku daimyō or attempting to become one themselves.

　8. Jizamurai: The Farmer-Warriors and Village Protectors

Jizamurai, literally 'samurai of the land,' were individuals who held samurai status while also engaging in agriculture, making them 'farmer-warriors.' They were rooted in the villages they cultivated, acting as leaders in times of peace and as regional defenders protecting their villages in times of war.

During the Sengoku period, they were a crucial source of soldiers for daimyō and kokujin, serving under their command when called to military duty. Toyotomi Hideyoshi's Sword Hunt and his policy of separating the warrior and farmer classes (heinō bunri) forced the jizamurai to choose between moving to a castle town as a full-time warrior or remaining in their village as a farmer. Many of them subsequently disappeared from the main stage of history.

　9. Ashigaru: The Foot Soldiers Who Became the Stars of the Battlefield

Ashigaru, meaning 'light-footed,' were the main infantry of the Sengoku period. Originally hired as temporary soldiers for miscellaneous tasks, they evolved into professionally trained soldiers as warfare became larger in scale, eventually replacing samurai as the primary actors on the battlefield.

They were organized into units such as spear corps, bow corps, and arquebus (matchlock gun) corps, forming the core of group tactics. Their importance grew dramatically after the introduction of firearms, to the point where the ability to effectively command ashigaru arquebusiers could directly determine the outcome of a battle. Their rise transformed Japanese warfare from a contest of individual valor into a more modern form based on organizational strength and the effective deployment of weaponry.