Places to See Samurai History When Visiting Modern Day Japan
If you are visiting Japan, here is a breakdown of some of the must-see places to make memories.
Samurai
Welcome to the section dedicated to samurai. We have many posts covering different aspects of samurai life, but here you will find the biography and guide to many famous names you might recognize from culture.
The History of Samurai Warfare
This post is all about the brutal warfare that took place, known as Samurai Warfare, as it was so specific to the ways and traditions of the samurai. Where did the term originate, and how did samurai come about? Questions answered.
Samurai that Changed Japan’s Society
This article will give you an overview of the samurai history of Japan, from their founding in the 8th century to the rise of samurai warriors in the 20th century. You’ll learn about legendary figures like Oda Nobunaga, Minamoto Yorimoto, and Sanada Yukimura. Oda Nobunaga The lineage of Oda Nobunaga […]
The First Samurai of Japan
This biography of Taira no Masakado also known as the first samurai covers the earliest years of the Heian era and his role as governor of Shimosa. During this period, the kokushi (officials) in the Kanto region began to squeeze farmers by increasing taxes and forcing them to fight on […]
The First Black Samurai
A mysterious visitor arrived in Japan in 1579. What made him mysterious was that he was from Africa, and he was called Yasuke. Very much of his story still remains a mystery to this day, and there are only verifiable records up to the date of 1582. What made Yasuke […]
Shimazu Yoshihisa
Shimazu Yoshihisa’s childhood and rise to power Yoshihisa was born in 1538, the son of Shogun Ieyasu. The young Yoshihisa was placed in the care of the abbot of Kennin-ji Temple, who educated him until he was eleven years old. At sixteen years old Yoshihisa became a Buddhist monk and […]
Honda Tadakatsu
Who is Honda Tadakatsu? He is one of the most famous and popular samurai in the Sengoku Jidai period. Honda was born in 1548 and became a samurai based on his father’s wishes. His father’s wish for Tadakatsu to be a successful samurai was fulfilled as he served under two […]
Hattori Hanzo
Hattori Hanzo is regarded as the most famous Japanese Samurai ever. He survived numerous battles and was one of the few Samurai to excel in both military and literary arts. Hattori Hanzo was born into a low-rank Samurai family in 1541. At the age of 18, he became part of […]
Uesugi Kenshin
Samurai warriors in Japan in the 16th century were among the most elite in the world. They were preeminent warriors, expert swordsmen, and dedicated followers of honor and loyalty. The life of a samurai was not easy, but it was certainly interesting. This article will explore what they wore, what […]
Miyamoto Musashi – Famous Swordsman
Who is Miyamoto Musashi and why is he so well-known? The most well-known samurai in Japanese history, Miyamoto Musashi is famous for his mastery of the Japanese sword arts. Born in 1584 to a farming family, Musashi was orphaned at age 13. He petitioned to train as a swordsman and […]