Samurai (侍) were members of the warrior class who served as retainers to lords in Japan prior to the Meiji era. Samurai existed from the late 12th century until their abolition in the late 1870s …

Oct 8, 2025 · Samurai, member of the Japanese warrior caste. The term samurai was originally used to denote the aristocratic warriors, but it came to apply to all the members of the warrior …

Jul 5, 2019 · Elite and highly-trained soldiers adept at using both the bow and sword, the samurai were an essential component of Japanese armies in the medieval period.

Oct 28, 2009 · As servants of the daimyos, or great lords, the samurai backed up the authority of the shogun and gave him power over the mikado (emperor). The samurai would dominate …

Jan 28, 2025 · The samurai, a class of highly skilled warriors, played a pivotal role in shaping Japan’s history and culture. From their emergence during the early feudal period to their …

Whatever happened to the samurai? The samurai were a preeminent class defending Japan for centuries. But as the Tokugawa shogunate ushered in an era of stability, the need for them …

Jul 11, 2025 · The samurai of feudal Japan are well known in popular culture, yet the popular image of a samurai is merely a snapshot of centuries of evolution for this mighty warrior class. …

May 25, 2025 · The samurai were more than warriors—they were the soul of feudal Japan, embodying a balance of ferocity and refinement. Their code shaped centuries of thought, their …

Jul 15, 2024 · This article delves into the historical evolution of the samurai, their cultural significance, and the enduring impact they have on modern Japanese society and popular …

A traveler's introduction to the samurai, the Japanese warriors and member of the military class of feudal Japan.