Being a Samurai Samurai means “one who serves”. It refers to the members of a Japanese warrior class. They were noblemen assigned to protect the Imperial Court. With a Shogun or a Daimyo employing them, they followed a strict moral code. This code defined their behavior and clothing. However, education set them apart from most […]
This Is What Niku Sharpening Does to Your Sword
Is Niku Sharpening Good? The Niku sharpening is an everlasting topic when it comes to choosing the edge of a sword or knife. Today you’ll finally discover what’s it for and how does it affect your blade. Deciding what’s the best edge for a sword is like deciding how much sugar to put in your […]
The Samurai Philosophy, a Eye-Opening World
The Samurai Philosophy & Beliefs The role that samurai philosophy & culture has had in laying the foundation for what is popularly associated with a Japanese style of thinking is undeniable. Despite the disappearance of the samurai as a social class, their heritage permeates all strata of Japanese society. Their legacy influences every house, […]
Samurai Death Poems That Will Take Your Breath Away
Samurai Death Poems In this post, we’ll take a look at the fascinating art of Samurai death poems. In ancient Japan, the arts were highly valued. Writing, poetry, music, and theater were the ideal way for Japanese people to marvel at their surroundings. To look for meaning in things, and find their own place […]
Is there a difference between Kabukimono and Ronin?
Kabukimono and Ronin What is Kabukimono? What is Ronin? Japanese people are ethnic groups that are native to Japan. They are one of the largest ethnic groups – approximately 129 million people worldwide. Japanese people are divided into different kinds and groups of people. It is also with their various roles and different ways of […]
The Warrior Classes of Feudal Japan
Warriors of Feudal Japan Feudal Japan remembered as the era of the Samurai, yet it also had its fair share of Warriors who were not considered Samurai. There were varied types off Warrior during Japan history, each warrior with their own characteristics . Here are some of the Warrior Classes during Feudal Japan: Number one: […]
Does Katana Curvature Add Performance Benefits
Benefits of Katana Curvature Usually, one would ask if the curvature of the Katana adds performance benefits. Generally, the Katana, Tachi, and all their variants have a single signature component. It is something that is distinct among other kinds of swords. All these have a beautiful curve whether it is subtle or pronounced. As an […]
The New Bakufu – A Beginning of Change in the Edo Period
The New Bakufu – The Edo Period The Edo period was one of the known eras in Japanese history. Some refer to it as the Tokugawa period. It lasted from the years 1603 and 1868. During this time, the country enjoyed peace for some centuries. In the 1500s, power is fairly distributed in the country. […]
Shinsengumi: Tokugawa Shogunate’s Warriors
The Shinsengumi The Shinsengumi, the warriors of the Tokugawa Shogunate, is a group of individuals recruited by the Bakufu. They were to safeguard Kyoto from the radical loyalists of the Imperial House. Japan idolizes and romanticizes the Shinsengumi despite having a limited spot in history. They were a small faction of Ronin. It was them […]
The Siege of Odawara: Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s campaign against the Hōjō clan
The Siege of Odawara In 1590, the third Siege of Odawara took place. Meanwhile, the Hojo clan is the last strong resistance against the flourishing leadership of Toyotomi Hideyoshi. He is known to be Oda Nobunaga’s successor in ruling over Japan. The Odawara Castle, the biggest castle in the world then was the homeland of […]