Top 20 Things You Didn't Know About the Samurai

#20: Female Samurai

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Known as "Onna-bugeisha," women played significant roles in Japan's feudal history, sometimes standing shoulder to shoulder with their male counterparts on the battlefield. These warriors were trained in the use of weapons, particularly the naginata, a spear-like weapon that was effective for slicing through infantry. Onna-bugeisha were integral to the defense of homes and communities, especially during times of war when their male counterparts were away. Notable figures such as Tomoe Gozen and Nakano Takeko are celebrated for their bravery and skill in combat. Their legacy is a testament to the diverse roles women played in samurai society, challenging the traditional perceptions of gender roles in feudal society.

Celebrated for its elegant design and craftsmanship, samurai armor effectively balanced protection with flexibility. The armor usually consisted of several key components: the kabuto, a type of helmet with a clan crest for identification; the dou (or, body armor) crafted from iron or leather for ease of movement; kusazari, skirt-like leg protection; and kote, armored sleeves to safeguard the limbs. As warfare evolved, particularly with the introduction of firearms in the 16th century, samurai armor underwent significant changes. The tosei-gusoku style emerged, featuring larger iron plates to improve defense. Samurai armor eventually transitioned to a more ceremonial role, symbolizing status rather than serving as combat gear.

The "chonmage" was traditionally worn by samurai, featuring a shaved pate with the remaining hair tied into a small topknot. Originating as a practical measure to hold a helmet securely in place during fighting, the chonmage evolved into a symbol of status and identity. Maintaining this hairstyle required meticulous care, reflecting the discipline and attention to detail that were hallmarks of the samurai way of life. Over time, the chonmage became integrated into the broader cultural practices of the samurai, including ceremonies and everyday attire, signifying not just martial readiness but also adherence to social norms. In the modern era, while the chonmage is no longer commonly worn, it remains a powerful symbol of the storied past.

The term "kamikaze," translating to "divine wind," finds its origins in a miraculous event credited with saving Japan from Mongol invasions in the 13th century. In 1274 and again in 1281, the Mongol fleets, poised to conquer the country, were decimated by massive typhoons. Samurai defenders, having prepared to resist the invasions, interpreted these natural disasters as divine intervention. This belief reinforced the sense of duty and divine favor, embedding a spiritual dimension into their martial ethos. The invocation of the kamikaze during World War II, as a tactic of sacrificial attacks by Japanese pilots, later echoed this blend of national defense and spiritual sacrifice, drawing on the deep-rooted historical narrative that linked divine forces with the protection of the homeland.

During the tumultuous wars of feudal Japan, samurai employed sashimono, personal flags worn on their backs, as a means of identification amidst the chaos of combat. These banners, bearing the insignia or colors of their respective lords or clans, were not only decorative but served critical communicative and strategic purposes. They allowed for the organization of troops and the coordination of movements on the battlefield, where visual signals supplanted verbal commands. The design of a sashimono could range from simple geometric patterns to elaborate family crests, each one a reflection of allegiance and identity. This underscored the importance of loyalty and honor, and a readiness to lay down a life in service.

#15: The Role of Horses

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In the context of warfare, horses were not just modes of transport but symbols of prestige and vital assets. Contrary to the larger breeds used by European knights, Japanese warhorses were smaller, yet highly valued for their agility and endurance. These traits made them well-suited to the terrain and the style of warfare practiced by samurai, which involved quick maneuvers and sudden charges. These horses were trained for combat, capable of responding to subtle cues from their riders, enabling them to navigate the chaos of battle effectively. The bond between a samurai and his horse was profound, rooted in the warrior’s respect for his mount as a loyal companion in arms.

For some samurai, the concept of voluntary poverty wasn’t an economic condition but a profound expression of spiritual and moral discipline. This was rooted in the already-discussed ideals of Bushido, which emphasized virtues such as frugality, integrity, and the disdain for material wealth in favor of honor and duty. For these ascetics, living modestly was a deliberate choice to focus on the cultivation of character and martial prowess, distancing themselves from the distractions of temporal desires. This lifestyle was also influenced by Zen Buddhism, which valued simplicity and mindfulness. By adopting voluntary poverty, these warriors sought to embody the highest ideals of Bushido.

Poverty wasn’t always voluntary, By the late Edo period, the samurai faced significant economic challenges, leading many into severe financial distress. This downturn was precipitated by a prolonged era of peace under the Tokugawa shogunate, which diminished the traditional roles as warriors and administrators. With no wars to fight and their bureaucratic positions becoming increasingly ceremonial, many found themselves with reduced stipends or entirely without income. Simultaneously, the rise of the merchant class and the flourishing of the cash economy further marginalized samurai, who were traditionally paid in rice and forbidden from engaging in trade. The resulting financial strain led some to sell their swords, take up farming, or pursue other non-martial paths to sustain themselves.

#12: From Foot Soldiers to Nobility

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The journey from mere foot soldiers to a dominant class of nobility underscores a significant evolution within Japanese society. Initially, in the Heian period from 794 to 1185, samurai were low-ranking warriors employed by the nobility for protection and to enforce their authority. Over time, as their military significance grew, so did their social standing and power. By the following Kamakura period, they had established themselves as distinct, with their own customs, culture, and governance systems. Their ascendancy was marked by the establishment of the shogunate, a military government led by a shogun, which effectively ruled the nation for much of its history until the Meiji Restoration in 1868.

#11: Leaving Swords at the Door

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During the aforementioned peaceful Edo period, a unique custom emerged among the samurai: leaving their swords at the door when entering a house. This was not only a gesture of trust and respect towards the host but also a reflection of the period's emphasis on social order. The Edo era, characterized by over two centuries of relative stability, included a further transition from warriors to bureaucrats and administrators. As the likelihood of combat diminished, the display of weapons in domestic settings became less common, and the act of not wearing swords indoors symbolized a commitment to civility.

#10: The Art of Landscape Gardening

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The samurai's influence extended beyond the battlefield into the serene world of landscape gardening, contributing significantly to the development of the iconic Zen gardens. These gardens, designed with meticulous attention to detail and profound philosophical underpinnings, reflected deep connection with nature and their pursuit of spiritual contemplation. The aesthetic principles guiding these gardens—simplicity, elegance, and the symbolic representation of natural landscapes—mirrored the cherished values of discipline, restraint, and aesthetic refinement cherished. Through the art of gardening, swordsmen found a peaceful counterbalance to their martial duties.

Education extended well beyond the mastery of martial arts to encompass a broad array of scholarly pursuits. This commitment to learning was integral to the samurai ethos, reflecting the ideal of the "bunbu-ryōdō" (the pen and the sword in accord). Warriors were expected to be as proficient in calligraphy, literature, and philosophy as they were in swordsmanship and archery. The study of Confucian classics, which emphasized ethics, governance, and personal virtue, was particularly revered, shaping the moral and intellectual foundation of the caste. Additionally, many samurai engaged in the study of Zen Buddhism, which influenced their approaches to combat and daily life with its principles of mindfulness and detachment.

Among noble classes, ohaguro, or teeth blackening, was a significant cultural and aesthetic tradition. This process involved applying a dye made from iron filings and vinegar, sometimes mixed with other substances, to the teeth, resulting in a distinctive black appearance. Far from being simply cosmetic, ohaguro symbolized maturity, beauty, and civilization; it was often done as part of coming-of-age ceremonies for both men and women. Additionally, in the context of the samurai, it served as a marker of social status, distinguishing the caste from commoners and signifying readiness for marriage. This gradually fell out of favor in the Meiji era as Japan adopted more Westernized notions of beauty and sophistication.

#7: Tea Ceremony Masters

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Mastery over the art of the tea ceremony, or "chanoyu," was highly esteemed, embodying the principles of harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility. This ceremonial practice, involving the preparation and presentation of matcha (powdered green tea), was more than a social or leisure activity; it was a spiritual and philosophical pursuit that mirrored dedication to discipline and self-refinement. Influential tea masters emphasized the aesthetic of wabi-sabi—finding beauty in simplicity and imperfection—which resonated deeply with the samurai ethos. Through the tea ceremony, samurai cultivated patience, attentiveness, and a deeper connection to the transient nature of existence.

In 1868, Japan underwent a significant transformation with the Meiji Restoration, leading to the dismantling of the feudal system. This period marked the country's rapid modernization and westernization, introducing a conscripted national army and abolishing traditional privileges and stipends. Many former samurai became influential in the new government structure, contributing their skills to the administration, military, and educational reforms. The transition wasn't seamless; it sparked the Satsuma Rebellion in 1877, a samurai-led resistance against the new imperial rule. However, the rebellion's failure further solidified the end of the era, as the country moved towards industrialization and centralized governance.

Noh theater, a classical Japanese dance-drama performed since the 14th century, was deeply intertwined with the samurai class during the Tokugawa period. Esteemed for its refined and disciplined artistry, Noh was cultivated by samurai as a sophisticated accomplishment, reflecting the values and aesthetics of the warrior class. Unlike other forms of entertainment accessible to broader audiences, Noh was exclusive, with performances generally reserved for samurai and the nobility. Commoners were largely excluded from studying it or attending performances, except on special occasions that allowed a wider audience to view the performances outdoors. This exclusivity underscored Noh's status as the premier theater art of the samurai, contrasting with the more accessible and populist appeal of Kabuki.

Initially, the bow and arrow were the samurai's most esteemed weapons, emblematic of their riding prowess and strategic acumen. However, over time, the katana— a masterfully crafted sword— rose to prominence, becoming deeply entwined with identity. This shift was not only practical but symbolic, as the katana came to represent the samurai's soul, embodying their virtues of honor, precision, and loyalty. The process of crafting a katana was imbued with spiritual significance, involving Shinto rituals to purify the weapon. Its possession was regulated, signifying status and a right to bear arms under the feudal system. The reverence for the katana persisted even as the role of samurai evolved, highlighting its enduring significance as more than a weapon.

In samurai culture, same-sex relationships, under the practice known as "wakashudo," were both common and socially accepted. This tradition, which translates to "the way of youth," involved an older samurai (nenja) forming a mentorship and often sexual relationship with a younger male (wakashu), typically an apprentice warrior. The relationship was physical but also educational, with the nenja responsible for teaching the wakashu martial skills, ethics, and cultural habits. Wakashudo also served as a means of strengthening social cohesion within the ranks. While sexual relationships between men were generally accepted in this context, they were subject to certain societal norms and expectations, reflecting the complex interplay between personal desires and social duties.

Rōnin, samurai who had lost their lords or found themselves without a master due to various circumstances such as dismissal, the fall of their clan, or the death of their lord, occupied a unique and precarious position in society. Without the support and status provided by their feudal lord, ronin faced social stigma and financial hardship, living on the margins of the caste. Despite these challenges, ronin were not without their own opportunities and could become mercenaries, bodyguards, or even adventurers. The tale of the Forty-seven Rōnin is perhaps the most famous story, epitomizing the ronin's enduring loyalty and commitment to the samurai code of honor, even in the absence of a lord.

Meaning "Southern Barbarian," Nanban was a term that eventually referred to Europeans, notably the Portuguese, who arrived in Japan in the 16th century. This era was characterized by significant interactions between the samurai-led society and the Western world. The arrival of the Nanban introduced new military technologies, including firearms, which were incorporated into warfare tactics, forever altering the dynamics of the nation’s history. The period also saw the samurai engaging with Christianity, leading to complex socio-political ramifications. Although the Nanban trade offered access to novel goods and ideas, it eventually prompted the Tokugawa shogunate to enforce national isolation (or, sakoku), seeking to preserve traditional culture and the samurai's predominant social status.