Samurai

What is a Samurai?

Samurai is a collective term for warriors. During the early Heian period (794-1185), when samurai first appeared, their primary duty was to guard the royal families and other prominent figures. While in the Heian period, only military warriors who “served other people” were called “samurai,” the situation underwent a slight change during the Sengoku period (1467-1568). 

The life of a samurai was quite simple. Up until the age of the Kamakura Shogunate, the essential diet was two meals a day, and their daily food was modest and frugal. In the Warring States period, the so-called “wild samurai” who served no one also became called Samurai.

History of the Samurai

Many people may have a single notion of a Samurai: “Fighting is their task.” However, the definition of samurai differs drastically from the Heian period (794-1185), when samurai emerged, to the period after the most profound tranquility and repose reigned throughout the country. Please check out the following information, divided into the early and late stages of the age.

Early Samurai (Kamakura Shogunate)

During the era of the Kamakura Shogunate, the samurai adopted a system known as The Soryo system (the eldest son system as the succession of the head of the family). This is a system in which the leader of a family unifies all others. If a family had a superior leader, they would become prosperous. 

In addition, agricultural technology had advanced during the Kamakura period, so by expanding their territory, they could produce a greater harvest of crops. Essentially, a family inherited the land held by its ancestors. Still, the principal family sometimes distributed the land to other families. Those who gave the ground were the central family, and those who received it were the branch families, and some of them are still succeeded to this day.

Branch families were supposed to follow the principal family. When the prominent family went to war, the members of the branch families also entered the battlefield in the same way. However, they are only sometimes engaged in a battle. When there was no warfare, the head family performed their duties to serve as a ritual for ancestors and clan deities. 

In the Kamakura period, the primary concern was warfare, so training in martial arts was fundamental for boys from an early age. Especially when it came to bows, arrows, and horses, their training was rigorous. From early on, they received instructions that would enable them to excel on the battlefield. 

Sometimes they learned to study, but more emphasis was on cultivating their martial arts skills. In addition, despite the period’s military-centric nature, women attained relatively high positions during this age. 

During the Kamakura period, meals for samurai were very frugal. Only two meals a day, morning and evening. The staple food was brown rice. Other common foods from this period included pickled plums, jellyfish, and beaten abalone were also frequently on the table. 

Seafood, vegetables, and grains were not the only foods consumed; they often ate the meat of hunted animals. At that time, birds, wild boar, and venison were common.

Middle Samurai (Ashikaga Shogunate)

The Ashikaga Shogunate period, in turn, propelled forward on the path to a turbulent era. Since the system allowed people to receive territory if they participated in battles and achieved distinguished achievements, everyone was striving desperately to expand their territory. 

Those generals who achieve excellent results in battle and steadily rise to prominence gradually acquire power and aspire to unify the country. During the Heian period (794-1185), when they first came into existence, Samurai served as bodyguards. Still, they developed their power, leading to an era based on their strength and competence. The territorial disputes became more intense than in the Kamakura period and developed into full-scale power struggles. 

Finally, Samurai began to be able to engage in politics as well. Initially, the aristocracy held the authority in politics, but in the Kamakura period (1185-1333), any senior samurai could interfere in politics. The status of the Samurai became increasingly higher and higher.

Regarding living, during the Kamakura period (1185-1333), the number of meals increased from two a day to three. The number of dishes per meal became more extensive, and upper-class samurai sometimes hired professional cooks to prepare them.

The staple food was porridge made of hard-boiled brown rice. The side dishes included simmered vegetables such as eggplant, pickled radish, grilled fish, and dried plums. The modern Japanese food culture of three meals a day has existed since this epoch.

Even though the country entered the Warring States Period on a full scale, this was not all about warfare; there were also considerable cultural developments. During this period, many aspects of Japanese culture, such as waka poetry, renga, and Noh, gained popularity. Various waka poetry gatherings and other events took place in multiple locations, and the popularity of waka poetry spread increasingly.

Late Samurai (Tokugawa Shogunate)

Samurai also existed in the Edo period, but after the national unification of Japan, there were no more battles. Instead of going into battle, Samurai began to perform tasks similar to today’s civil servants, such as castle guards and financial accountants.

As busy as they were working today, that’s different. For example, the castle guards would work one day and get two days off. They seemed to be able to lead a relatively comfortable and leisurely life. Partly because they no longer needed as many people as they did during the war, there was an overabundance of people working.

However, many samurai found it hard to make a living just by working in the castle. In such cases, they covered their living expenses by doing internal work. Some of the in-house work includes jobs such as domestic tutoring to teach children about schoolwork. Among the Shogunate vassals who served the shogunate, the higher-ranking vassals received priority for work, so the lower-ranking vassals had a relatively large amount of free time on their hands.

In addition, the Shogunate vassals did not necessarily visit the Shogunate every day; some days, they worked at the Shogunate, while others performed their duties at home. This is similar to current work styles, such as remote work.

There were also Samurai who were not shogunate vassals but feudal retainers who worked for the feudal lord of each clan. In this case, each one assumed separate assigned duties, such as guarding the lord’s castle, following the lord, and doing accounting and other civilian-like tasks. It also had a so-called “Oku” role, responsible for providing personal care for the domain’s lord.

In addition, during this period, there was a system called Sankinkotai (a system under which feudal lords in the Edo period were required to spend every other year in residence in Edo). Samurai went to the lord’s castle to work, living a life similar to that of a modern-day dormitory.

Where did Samurai live?

The places where samurai lived were divided according to their rank. 

Daimyo Yashiki (daimyo residence)

Daimyo Yashiki is where vassals directly under the Shogun reside. These residences were built for daimyo (feudal lords) who traveled to Edo (present-day Tokyo) on the Sankin Kotai (system of alternate attendance to Edo). There are three types of daimyo residences: kamiyashiki (the principal daimyo residence in Edo), where the daimyo and his wife reside; nakayashiki (literally, middle residence), where the successor to the daimyo or a retired feudal lord resides; and shimoyashiki (suburban residence of the daimyo), a villa built in the suburbs as the daimyo’s summer home. 

They are categorized according to the above uses and their distance from Edo Castle.

Hagamoto residence

Hatamoto yashiki is a residence where vassals of the rank of “omemie” (a vassal with the privilege of having an audience with the shogun) lived. Hatamoto residences ranged in size from 500 to 2,300 tsubo (1 Tsubo=3.3㎡), depending on the people who lived there. And the size of their residences corresponded to their family’s stipend level.

Family members and vassals live together, and nagaya (row houses) where servants live are nearby. In addition to Hatamoto residences, some had “kakaeyashiki,” villa-like homes in the suburbs.

Gokenin Yashiki

A Gokenin Yashiki is a mansion given to a samurai called “Gokenin” (immediate vassal of the shogunate), a retainer of the shogunate whose rank is less than Omemie (vassal with the privilege to have an audience with the shogun). Instead of one house for one family, members of the same working unit were grouped and given a house.

While each of them had their independent residence within the estate site of the mansion, they solely lived together as a group. The locations and homes were far smaller than the Hatamoto and Goyonin residences, with only one room or 6 to 8 tatami mats. Among the samurai who lived in Edo, approximately 70% lived in gokenin yashiki (samurai residences).

Ashigaru Nagaya

Ashigaru nagaya is a residential house prepared for low-ranking samurai called ashigaru to live in. Each house had two 6-mat spaces with a 3-ken (＝ 1.82m) width and a 3-ken (＝ 1.82m) depth and one family of ashigaru (foot soldiers carrying guns) lived in these spaces. The structure is very simple, similar to a training camp today.

Samurai sword

Swords and blades are the representative weapons that characterize the Samurai. There are many different types of swords; please check them out below.

Chokuto (straight sword)

Chokuto (straight sword) originated from China and Korea and is considered to be the first single-edged sword. The sword means “straight” and does not have the curvature of the Japanese swords we generally imagine. Still, the shape changed after the 8th century, partly because it was easier to pull it out of their sheaths if it was curved.

Sword

The most well-known Japanese sword held by Samurai is the katana (single-edged sword). It is about 3 to 4 feet long and has a curvature of about 1 inch. The long blade part enables a samurai to quickly get in close with the enemy and attack from a long distance.

There are a wide variety of ways to make Japanese swords, including Shinogi-zukuri (ridged style), Shobu-zukuri (Iris Leaf), Kissaki moroha-zukuri (double-edged tip style), and others. The most prevalent type of Japanese sword is the shinogi-zukuri. Shobu-zukuri is an older variation and does not contain a line separating the main blade from the tip. Moreover, Kissaki moroha-zukuri features, as its name implies, both sides of the blade.

Kotachi (small sword)

Kodachi is a small sword with a blade length of 2 shaku (about 60 cm). It was first used after the 13th century and is not intended for use by full-fledged samurai in warfare. The main benefits of kodachi were for children of samurai and women who carried it for self-defense.

Odachi (Very Long Swords)

The Odachi (Very Long Swords) or Nodachi (field sword) came into use in the latter half of the 14th century. They were much longer and more extensive than standard swords and used for fighting when encountering enemies outside in the field.

However, since they are long and comprehensive, they are unsuitable for fighting in a small, confined space. These swords were primarily employed for battles in wide open fields, such as on the street.

Tachi (Long Swords)

Tachi (Long Swords) was the first sword for samurai warriors. It is longer than a sword and features a strong curvature. It has a length of 75 cm and is a great sword. Owing to its wide range, you can use it even while riding a horse.

Other weapons

Samurai used not only swords as weapons. They also wielded a great variety of other weapons to fight in battle.

Yari (Spear)

Many people may imagine the Sengoku period as a time when warriors fought each other by slashing with swords. However, the spear was the primary weapon employed during the Warring States period. The most significant advantage of the spear is that it is longer than the sword, and it is easier to keep a distance from the target, thereby avoiding the risk of getting close to the enemy.

In the case of attacking with a spear, one tends to think of thrusting with the blade’s sharp edge. However, the tactic adopted in warfare during the Warring States period was to “strike”. Striking the enemy’s head with a long, flailing spear caused severe damage. The impact was reportedly ten times more potent than a thrust.

The spear did not require significant special skills. It was relatively easy to handle compared to other weapons, contributing to its widespread use in warfare.

Yumiya (bow and arrow)

The bow and arrow are ideally suited for long-range attacks. Children from Samurai families received training in the bow and arrow and horsemanship from early childhood, demonstrating that the bow and arrow was an incredibly vital weapon in warfare.

During the Warring States period, the prevailing fighting style in warfare was not one-on-one combat but rather groups of bowmen firing their bows simultaneously. The most significant advantage of the bows was that they could damage the enemies with long-range attacks as supporting shots from behind the front-line soldiers.

Firearm

In the Battle of Nagashino, Oda’s forces prevailed primarily due to the achievements of the artillery. The tremendous appeal of guns is that they can target the opponent without taking risks. You inevitably have to fight closely with your opponent when fighting with swords. On the other hand, with guns, you can aim at the target from a long distance on top of their highly dynamic attack power.

Cannon

During the Warring States period, cannons also appeared in warfare. Although cannons cannot attack successively, they are large-scale weapons with overwhelming destructive power and the capability to damage a wide range of areas. Because of their great destructive ability, cannons were mainly used for invading castles.

Samurai armor

Samurai wore armor to protect themselves. There are several types of this armor so we will check them out.

Oyoroi (large armor)

Oyoroi (large armor) is a protective gear that originated in the mid-Heian period (794-1185) when Samurai warriors were rising. During the Heian period, cavalry battles were the main form of warfare. Warriors fought one-on-one against each other with bows and arrows. However, samurai could not defend themselves against enemy attacks only with their bodily actions, which left some uncertainty. By equipping themselves with large armor, the warriors could reduce the damage caused by their opponents’ bow attacks.

The oversized armor also made it easier to shoot bows and arrows while mounted since it designed the upper half of the body was easily movable.

Domaru (domaru armor)

Throughout the Heian period, senior warriors fought with bows and arrows. On the other hand, their followers and lower-ranked warriors mostly fought in close quarters with swords and Naginata (Pole Swords). Therefore, they had to wear armor that enabled them to move more smoothly than large armor.

Accordingly, the armor used for close combat was the Domaru. Compared to the large armor, the Domaru was designed to wrap around the torso. The lower part of the torso, called Kusazuri (armor for the underbody), was attached in eight sections to ensure greater mobility of the leg parts.

Haramaki (something worn to protect one’s chest and stomach)

The hanamaki is a more simplified version of the Domaru, a form of armor in which the lower-ranked samurai are lightly equipped for battle. The back of the armor is open, allowing the body to be inserted and pulled together at the back. Since there is inevitably a gap in the back, any attack from behind could be fatal.

The advantage of this simplified version of the Domaru is that it is lightweight and easy to move around. Still, its defensive capabilities remain a bit of a concern.

Tosei-gusoku (a type of armor)

Unlike the Oyoroi (large armor), the Domaru (body armor), and the Hanamaki (belly armor), the Tosei Gusoku (full-body armor) encompassed the entire body. During the Warring States period, in addition to fighting with bows and arrows and swords, weapons with penetrating power, such as guns and cannons, were also used. Conventional armor that protected the torso was insufficient, so the Tosei Gusoku came to replace the traditional armor.

The use of iron plates and other materials significantly increased. In preparation for close-quarters combat, these armor pieces could provide mobility.

What is Bushido (samurai spirit)

Bushido is a term that originated in the Middle Ages and later. It refers to a distinctive sense of ethics primarily rooted in the warrior class. It continues to persist in the hearts and minds of people living in modern times.

Nevertheless, there is no clearly defined definition of bushido, and many people may recognize it somewhat as a sense of “the way of life of a samurai.” No books specifically describe bushido; even among the Japanese, the concept of bushido is very obscure.

Incidentally, do you know the famous passage from “Hagakure” (the book of Bushido) by Yamamoto Tsunetomo: ‘I found that Bushido means dying.’ This is a statement of the spirit of the samurai passed down from generation to generation in the Nabeshima family of the Saga Clan. By bracing oneself for death, one can find the value of life and realize the spirit of the samurai to strive for the present moment.

As these words indicate, the Samurai always lived in the moment. Amid their day-to-day fighting, it is evident that they were never in a situation where they could find relief in their hearts. Unlike other ordinary people, the Samurai engaged in the only occupation where they risked their lives. Therefore, they became constantly aware of their way of life. This attitude became widespread as the Bushido (way of the samurai).

Samurai never squander their days because they permanently live side by side with death. They always live with the awareness that “today may be the day of my death,” so they accomplish what they want to do and strive to live each day to the fullest. This is another aspect of Bushido, where one always focuses on “the best one can do right now” and lives daily without wasting anything.

The five main aspects valued in Bushido were sacrificed, courtesy, simplicity, frugality, and Shobu (martial spirits). Shobu means to respect the military, and it is evident that the ideal philosophy was to be loyal in battle and to live humbly, never arrogantly.

No matter how high the rank of Samurai was, those with an arrogant attitude did not prosper greatly. Intelligent Samurai always looked ahead and took steady steps forward. Only those who possessed this attitude made a name for themselves.

Moreover, warriors did not wield their blades without restraint. They respected their opponents in battle and honored them even in defeat. This aspect of Bushido also applies to modern-day sportsmanship.

By the way, Inazo Nitobe, a well-known politician, is also referred to as bushido. He placed importance on “righteousness” and “valor” as Bushido.

Gi refers to “righteousness,” which is, of course, “justice.” The word “morals” would be easier to understand in modern terms. The samurai always pursued the right path, never doing anything crooked, and such is the “righteousness” of the samurai. Inazo Nitobe held up this “righteousness” as the most crucial spirit of Bushido.

However, there is no point in having the spirit of “righteousness” if one cannot perform it. Just as necessary as righteousness is the “courage,” or “valor,” to put that righteousness into action. Courage is an essential part of the spirit of Bushido, along with justice. No matter how strong your convictions may be, you will never be able to fulfill them without courage.

Even if you have enough “courage,” without “righteousness,” you may still head in the wrong direction. We must always possess conviction when taking action.

Such Bushido practices are still relevant today. Although we do not live in a tense situation like in turbulent times, we nevertheless need “righteousness” and “courage” to discipline ourselves with Bushido’s spirit and strive for our goals.

To realize your dreams and achieve your goals, it is vital to “devote your life to the present moment.” Even in situations that are not next to death, our time in life is limited. While we never know what will happen, we also never know when we will die. Therefore, to live each day without regrets, we must be aware of the spirit of Bushido.

Famous Samurais

Many Samurai who lived through the Warring States period made an excellent name for themselves. Therefore, here, let us introduce some generals who survived the Warring States period with a strong bushido spirit.

Oda Nobunaga

Oda Nobunaga is a well-known ferocious general of the Warring States period. He is still one of Japan’s most beloved and charismatic figures and has many fans overseas.

He triumphed in battle after battle with his unparalleled strength and leadership, but unfortunately, his desire to rule over the whole country did not come true. On the verge of unifying the country, his vassal, Akechi Mitsuhide, suddenly rebelled against him. Nobunaga was driven to defeat at Honnoji Temple in Kyoto and committed suicide amid his ambition.

Toyotomi Hideyoshi

Toyotomi Hideyoshi was a military commander who played an instrumental role as a chief vassal of the Nobunaga, as mentioned earlier. Originally from a peasant background, he started his career at 15. After serving under Yukitsuna Matsushita as a samurai, he became a servant of Nobunaga Oda. He rapidly advanced his skills and climbed the ladder to the rank of head of the Ashigaru clan. He continued to accomplish numerous feats and gained Nobunaga’s trust. He eventually avenged Nobunaga’s death and unified the country.

Tokugawa Ieyasu

Tokugawa Ieyasu is another prominent feudal lord discussed alongside Oda Nobunaga and Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Formerly a hostage of the Imagawa family, he became independent and powerful after the fall of the Imagawa family. Following Hideyoshi’s death, he gained victory in the Battle of Sekigahara and ascended to the country’s top. He established the Edo shogunate and, for the next 15 generations, continued to hold the real power of the shogunate.

Takeda Shingen

Takeda Shingen, known as the “Tiger of Kai,” was a fierce general who tormented even the legendary Oda Nobunaga. He commanded a cavalry troop, was said to be the strongest at the time, and prevailed in numerous battles. In his final days, he fell ill and ended his life, but some say that if he had not died, perhaps Japanese history would have been different.

Uesugi Kenshin

Uesugi Kenshin, known as the “Dragon of Echigo,” was a military commander known as a historical rival to Takeda Shingen. He possessed an exceptional talent for warfare and performed numerous feats.

Kenshin was a military commander who valued “righteousness.” When he learned that his rival Kai was suffering from a salt shortage due to the schemes of a neighboring country, he sent salt to help Kai, even though it was an enemy country. From this anecdote, the phrase “sending salt to the enemy” remains today.

Date Masamune

Date Masamune, known as “One-Eyed Dragon Masamune,” was a military commander in the Dewa and Mutsu Provinces. He excelled in the art of deceit. An anecdote remains that he escaped execution through his skill at deception, even though he was captured by Toyotomi Hideyoshi and on the verge of death.

Imagawa Yoshimoto

Imagawa Yoshimoto was the fifth son of Imagawa Ujichika and the ruler of Suruga Province. He was a fierce general called “the most skilled archer on the Tokaido,” boasted overwhelming strength, and took the young Ieyasu Tokugawa as a hostage.

He used to be an experienced fighter and was highly respected by those around him; however, when he momentarily let his guard down during the “Battle of Okehazama,” Oda Nobunaga defeated him.

Akechi Mitsuhide

Akechi Mitsuhide first served Yoshikage Asakura in Echizen and became an influential vassal under Nobunaga Oda. Like Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Mitsuhide originated from a low family background, but he accomplished considerable feats and gained Nobunaga’s trust, eventually ascending to the rank of the chief vassal.

However, in the Honnoji Incident, he committed a rebellion and compelled his supposed master, Nobunaga Oda, to commit suicide. After the Honnoji Incident, he ruled the country for only ten days, but Toyotomi Hideyoshi, possessing a vow to avenge his master’s death, cornered him and beat him in the Battle of Yamazaki.

Saito Dosan

Saito Dosan, Mino’s ruler, was highly adept at intrigue and intrigues. He skillfully deceived others and rose through the ranks, earning the feared nickname “Mamushi,” which means “pit viper” in Japanese, as people believed Mamushi would devour their parents’ bellies and come up through their own.

In his final days, however, due to a feud with his son Yoshitatsu Saito, he lost a war and died in battle. Incidentally, Dosan’s daughter, Nohime, married Nobunaga Oda, a feudal lord of the neighboring country of Owari.

Museum

There are many museums featuring samurai themes. In this article, we will introduce some of the most popular spots.

Samurai Museum

The Samurai Museum displays armor, helmets, swords, and other items symbolizing the Samurai. Visitors can see actual weapons and armor up close and personal, so they can better appreciate the realistic aspects of the Warring States period. Visitors can also immerse themselves in history by viewing famous poems by prominent military commanders.

Additionally, visitors can watch a real sword-fighting show at the Samurai Museum. If you wish, you can even hold a sword in your hand and receive instruction on how to practice the forms of the blade. Visitors can also take commemorative photos wearing Jinbaori (sleeveless campaign jacket worn over armor) or kimono.

Ii Art Museum

A direct descendant of Naomasa Ii has managed the Ii Art Museum, the foremost of Tokugawa- Shitenno (Four Generals Serving Tokugawa Ieyasu). For this reason, many historical works of art are on display. In addition to exhibits of armor and armor, historical documents are also on display, so this museum is a must-see for history buffs.

Most materials are mainly related to the Ii family, but there are also special features on Akechi Mitsuhide, Mondo Kawate, and others. The director’s essays and other materials are available online, so please check them out if interested.

Samurai Art Museum

The Samurai Art Museum is located in Berlin, Germany. Initially a private museum owned by a German man, this museum moved to a new location. Considered to have the best collection of samurai art in Europe, the museum displays a variety of armor. And we are impressed by the overwhelming number of items on display, which number as many as 3,000.

The museum also has a Noh stage and a tea ceremony room. The great appeal of the museum is that visitors can experience the culture of the Warring States period even though they are outside of Japan.

Sword Museum

The Sword Museum has the purpose of preserving and exhibiting Japanese swords in Japan and promoting the culture of Japanese swordsmanship. Different from other museums, it focuses exclusively on Japanese swords, which makes it popular not only among Japanese but also among foreign tourists and other visitors.

Theme Park

There are many theme parks in Japan where you can experience the samurai spirit. You can become a samurai and experience it yourself in many places, so check them out.

Nikko Edomura

No introduction to samurai theme parks would be complete without a visit to Nikko Edo-mura. It is a theme park that recreates the Edo period (1603-1868) and has many exhibits related to samurai. Once you enter the park, you will feel like you are in the Edo period, and you may even pass by a samurai as you walk around. This park is recommended for those who want to experience the Samurai period firsthand.

Of the five areas, you can feel the samurai spirit most in the samurai residences. Samurai live there so that you can get a glimpse of their lifestyle.

Another great attraction is that visitors can dress up in Edo-period clothing at the transformation hall and enjoy strolling around the town while wearing it. There is also a service called the Edo Work Experience, which allows visitors to experience the occupations of the Edo period, and children find this service very enjoyable.

Samurai Ninja Experience Museum

At the Samurai Ninja Experience Museum in Kyoto, visitors can admire armor and other artifacts and experience pretending to be a samurai or ninja. Visitors can also take a commemorative photo wearing an armor costume or a helmet, bringing the world of the Samurai closer to their hearts. There is also an experience where you can hold a sword and receive a lecture on controlling and maintaining it.

Of course, the museum also has an extensive collection of authentic samurai armor and weapons. One of the most remarkable points is that you can appreciate the weapons in a more realistic way, not in a glass case like in most museums.

Toei Movie Land (Kyoto Uzumasa Eigamura)

Toei Movie Land (Kyoto Uzumasa Eigamura) is, as its name suggests, a theme park featuring a movie motif. There are period drama sword fighting shows and other events, so visitors can see actual samurai fighting up close, which is a desirable feature of the park.

Moreover, the park includes a transformation studio where you can play the role of a character from a period drama. Visitors can see a samurai’s life and experience it, making this a trendy spot for adults and children. You can enjoy the atmosphere by pretending to be a samurai or a lord, so this service is a must-see for history and samurai enthusiasts.

Samurai Movie

There are many movies based on Japanese samurai who were once heroes of Japan. Here are some of the most recommended films we have picked among them.

Love and Honor

Love and Honor is a classic samurai film starring Takuya Kimura, based on the novel by Shusaku Fujisawa and directed by Yoji Yamada. The story unfolds as one samurai named Shinnojo lives a humble life, loses sight, and becomes blinded by poison from a shellfish he ate.

Due to his blindness, he almost loses his job in the clan. Hence, his wife, Kayo, asks Shinnojo’s boss for a favorable arrangement for him. However, his boss Shimada, attracted to Kayo for a long time, takes advantage of her weakness and uses her for his purposes. When Shinnojo discovers this, he starts to burn with a vengeance. Despite his overwhelming disadvantage as a blind man, he desperately practices and then dares Shimada to fight him in a duel. This work makes us think about “The Honor of a Samurai.”

Thirteen Assassins

Another masterpiece that drew a great deal of attention, this film also takes place in the Edo period (1603-1868). To deal with the tyrant Matsudaira Naritsugu, who was repeatedly abusing his power, the old chief retainer Doi ordered his guard, Shimada Shinzaemon, to assassinate him. Shimada investigates Naritsugu’s exploits and gathers 12 brave warriors to carry out the plan.

Starring Koji Yakusho and supported by Takayuki Yamada, Goro Inagaki, and others, this is a dynamic and powerful film.

Zatoichi

Zatoichi is a masterpiece of samurai cinema starring Beat Takeshi (Takeshi Kitano). A blind samurai, Ichi, arrives in an inn town dominated by gangster Ginzo’s family, called Yakuza (Professional gambler or ruffian, especially a member of the Japanese mafia), where the townspeople suffer a hard life.
Two geisha attack the man Ichi who made money at a gambling game in the town. They are looking for revenge for the death of their parents, who bandits killed in their childhood. The geisha suddenly learns that the avenger is Ginzo and sets out for their mansion.

This story is also an epic revenge drama involving the blind samurai, Ichi, creating a disturbance. Directed by and starring the world-famous filmmaker Takeshi Kitano, this film has received significant publicity.