What comes to your mind when you hear the term ‘samurai’? For most people, the imagination rolls out like men on the battlefield, clad in armour, wielding a sword, and unwavering in loyalty. From the medieval period, the story began during that period with an over 1000-year history, which holds great significance in understanding the evolution.
The legacy of the samurai from the medieval cultural history years ago to today has been relentlessly celebrated as part of the contemporary video games, TV shows, films, and more. The samurai were believed to be the knights of old, as fearless, loyal, disciplined Japanese warriors from the ukiyo-prints of the 18th century to the present. But the story isn’t that simple; it is quite complex and more surprising than what Hollywood reveals.
Japan’s samurai warriors: History and origin
According to the British Museum’s new Samurai exhibition, the samurai, who are often imagined as part of a fantasy world, are not only featured in Star Wars or popular video games but were also real, mysterious warriors with a rich and compelling history. Their lives were disciplined, marked by strict codes of honour, and intertwined with both politics and culture. Here’s how the true story of the samurai unfolds.
As per the curator of the exhibition, Rosina Buckland, the perception of the samurai as warriors is accurate in terms of how they rose to positions of power. ‘But that’s not everything,’ says Buckland, highlighting their influence beyond battle and warfare.
As reported, the origins begin in the 10th century when they were first recruited for the imperial courts as mercenary warriors. By the 12th century, Japan faced a series of open battles on the streets, uprisings, and rebellions, which allowed the samurai to capitalise on the unrest, acquire major political power, and establish a military government (shogunate) in 1185, reshaping the country’s social and political landscape for centuries.
Samurai were more than warriors: Skills went beyond the sword
The samurai were also open to new ideas and technology from other cultures. For example, a samurai armour on display at the exhibition was based on a Portuguese design, with a pointed front and angled sides to deflect musket bullets. These features became necessary after European firearms arrived in Japan in 1543.
Alongside their military skills, samurai learned refined arts like painting, poetry, music, theatre, and tea ceremonies. Military leaders, called Shōguns, realised that brute force alone wasn’t enough to rule effectively. They combined military strength with subtle forms of influence within court society.
Their approach to governing was influenced by Chinese philosophy, especially Confucian ideas. Buckland explains, “In Neo-Confucian thought, you need a balance between military power and cultural skill.” This led to an emphasis on soft power, such as diplomacy and courtly culture. The exhibition also displays a 19th-century fan painted by a samurai artist, showing the unexpected artistry of these warriors.
Are samurai only men
From the 12th century to the 16th century, high-ranking women also held great power. For example, Hojo Masako, who was married to the first shogun Minamoto Yoritomo, acted as the regent several times. During the Tokugawa period, half of the samurai class was comprised of women who had important household chores and raised children.
As reported, the objects in the British Museum’s exhibition, accessories, robes, and various other objects explains the story of samurai women.
What do samurai wear when off the battlefield
According to their ranks, samurai wear outfits depending on their rank. Their outfits might vary from the lavish textiles of high-ranking samurai to imported textiles. This is far different from the low-ranking samurai whose clothing was expressed by wearing long katana and short wakizashi with different mounts. Tsuba is believed to come in all shapes and sizes, which is mostly made of iron but can also be made of copper, brass, or enamel.
What is the meaning of the word ‘samurai’
The term emerges from the Japanese verb ‘saburau’, which means to serve. This hints at the men of origin who served as the governors. And historically, the terms are used to describe the members of the ruling class.
Do samurai exist today
Not really. As a distinct social-military class, it no longer exists. As per the reports, their official status ended in the late 19th century when Japan modernised its military and government.
However, their legacy lives on. Samurai values like loyalty, discipline, and honour influence Japanese culture. Martial arts such as kendo and iaido, traditional ceremonies, and cultural storytelling still carry their spirit. Samurai armour, swords, and art are preserved in museums, exhibitions, and collections worldwide.
