Tag Archives: samurai culture

Fujiwara Clan: The Political Influencers of the Heian Period

The Fujiwara Clan The Heian Shi or Heian Period in the history of Japan goes from the years 794 to 1185 CE. It flourished and saw great improvement from literature,[... ]

Dual Sword Wielding Training

Sword-Wielding Training Dual wielding means using two weapons one in each hand while engaging in combat. This combat style is not something that is common. Although there are historical records[... ]

The Samurai Bow and its History – A Beautifully Accurate Piece

The Samurai Bow and its History The Yumi was a vital weapon of the Samurai during Japan’s feudal period. It was able to accurately and efficiently shoot Japanese arrows called[... ]

Tameshigiri – Test Cutting History and Techniques

Tameshigiri History and Techniques Tameshigiri means test cutting, for the benefit of improving the swordsmen’s sense of Maai in Kendo, as well as their sword cutting skills. However, it does[... ]

Katana in the Era of Peace

The Katana in the era of peace is a valuable symbol for a Samurai’s identity. It is the ‘Soul of the Samurai.’ The Samurai in the military class obtains[... ]

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[... ]

The Imperial Conquest: Siege of Chihaya

The Imperial Conquest The Chihaya is one of the battles during the Genko War. This occurred in the year 1333, which is the final year of the Kamakura period. This[... ]

Who Were the First Samurai Warriors?

First Samurai Warriors The first Samurai warriors began to rise at 646 A.D. after the Taika reform, which included land reallocation. In this period, authorities implementing expensive taxes and obliging[... ]

Overview of the Japanese Samurai Throughout History: Principles, Weapons, Battles and Aftermath

Overview of the Japanese Samurai The Japanese Samurai, members of the country’s most powerful and prominent military caste, were originally provincial warriors. This was before they rose to power during[... ]

Samurai & Ashigaru in the Battlefield

Samurai & Ashigaru During the ancient periods, the Samurai and the Ashigaru had a variety of processes on the battlefield. This took many hours to plan, strategize and perfect. Approaching[... ]