The Battle Suit of the Samurai

Samurai Armor Here we are going to talk about the Samurai battle suit or armor. What was it like? Is it heavy? Why do some helmets have horns? Or did it mean something else? When we think about Samurai history, the Katana sword always comes to mind. Before you’ve seen a movie or two, could […]

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 […]

Who Was the God the Samurai Worshipped?

The God the Samurai Worshipped Also known as Yahata no kami, the name Hachiman can be traced back to a prehistoric place in Kyushu. It means “God of Eight Banners”. These heavenly banners signaled the birth of the 15th emperor of Japan, Emperor Ōjin. Moreover, Hachiman is the syncretic divinity of war and archery. For […]

The Conquest of Toyotomi: The Dual Battles of Imjin

The Dual Battles of Imjin The Imjin invasion started in the year 1592 when the Japanese army arrived at the Busan port city. This peninsula is in the southernmost spot of Korea. The Japanese military soon conquered the location. The Japanese became repulsed after years of brutal fighting, which even culminated a mediation by China. […]

The Nonmilitary Culture of the Samurai

Culture of the Samurai We know the Samurai as dedicated warriors. As such, their entire lives revolved around the study of and training for military service. It is easy to imagine them practicing swordsmanship and archery most of the time. Then, of course, as their primary duty, they would go to war as well. Outside […]

From Family Dispute to Civil War

The Onin War Who can tell that a dispute between a father and his son-in-law would eventually become a 12-year civil war? This war was known as the Onin War. Ōnin refers to the Japanese era spanning from March 1467 through April 1469. It occurred after Bunsho and before Bunmei. Bunsho marked the history from […]

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: […]

Throughout Time – Unforgettable Battles of the Samurai

Greatest Battles of the Samurai Throughout history, many battles in Japan occurred. Here, Samurai warriors and warlords clashed for power and control. The Samurai dominated warfare in the country despite beginning as provincial warriors. Soon, they emerged and became part of Japan’s military caste. Like other historical periods, the Japanese experienced important battles that molded […]