Samurai

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The Samurai, which in Japanese means "one who serves", were the traditional warrior class of Japan until 1867. While of obscure origins, the Samurai emerged as a powerful force in the country by the 10th century and after 1192 acted as the de facto rulers of Japan. Until the 1590s, the status of Samurai was somewhat fluid, and within the grasp of those born in the lesser classes--especially in times of war. In the 16th century, many Samurai worked in the fields alongside the peasantry until they were called to service. After Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s clampdown on social mobility, all men who carried arms were considered Samurai (of varying ranks) and made to live in the castletown of their daimyo. This state of affairs continued until the end of the Edo Period (1603-1868). With no more battles to fight, the Edo Samurai refined their ways of thinking and in many ways shaped the romantic way in which Samurai history is now perceived.

History

Bushido