The World of the Samurai

The World of the Samurai

A Resource Page by Nancy Leek

The World of the Samurai

The samurai were the warrior class in feudal Japan. For centuries the samurai class ruled Japan.

Above the samurai class were the Emperor and his court. Below them were the farmers, craftsmen, and merchants. Japan had a rigid class system with very little movement between the classes. Strict rules on dress, weapons and transportation ensured that people always knew their place in life.

The samurai were trained in martial arts, especially archery and sword-fighting. They were the only men allowed to carry two swords. They lived by a code of honor known as bushido, the way of the warrior. A samurai was expected to give his life in service to his lord.

The most famous story from this period is Chushingura, or The Tale of the 47 Ronin. Use the links to the left to learn more about this true story. Follow the links below to explore the world of the samurai.

Quizzes

Journey to Japan crossword

Japan Match

The World of the Samurai Fill-in-the-blanks

History	Religion	Bushido	Arms & Armor
Culture	Sports	Clothing & Food	Just for Fun

General Resources

Samurai Archives Japanese History Page A comprehensive site covering the history and culture of Japanese samurai. Includes information on famous warriors, military rulers, women, battles, armor, weapons, and family crests.
Welcome to Edo Take a tour of the Shogun's capital city. Edo is the ancient name for Tokyo. During the reign of the Tokugawa Shoguns, it was the center of power, government, the economy and social life. Explore the city and visit the sights.
The Way of Horse and Bow "Kyuba no Micho," the way of the horse and the bow, was the way of life followed by the samurai. This site contains information on history, weapons, code of conduct, and famous stories.
Samurai Culture Information on clothes, food, names, the attitude toward death, and the tea ceremony.
Samurai House Photos of castles, armor, helmets, and swords.
Electric Samurai Visit Cobweb Castle and Cyber Shrine to see paintings of famous warriors and photos of shrines around Japan.

History

Castles of Japan Follow the links in the index to see the beautiful castles of Japan. Himeji Castle and Matsumoto Castle are especially impressive.
Japan Guide: History of Japan Get an overview of Japanese historic periods, and encyclopedia type entries on subjects like "samurai," "emperor," and "Shinto."
Tokugawa Japan Read the history of the Tokugawa Period and biographies of famous leaders like Oda Nobunaga and Tokugawa Ieyasu.
Life in Tokugawa Japan Describes the caste system, with the samurai at the top and eta (untouchables) at the bottom.
History of Japan Click on The Edo Era to read the basic facts of Japan during the Tokugawa Period, when the capital was at Edo (present-day Tokyo.)

Religion

Religion in Japan

Links to good overviews of Shinto and Buddhism, as well as information about shrines, temples, weddings, funerals, and festivals.
The Faces of Buddhism and Shintoism in Japanese Art
All the gods and goddesses of Japan A-Z.
Shinto Ritual in Words and Pictures
An explanation of implements used in ritual, including how to make Shime (zigzag paper strips).
Buddhism
Basic information on how Buddhism came from China to Japan, and became a part of Japanese life.
Buddhism (Religions of the World)
A basic introduction to Buddhist beliefs and practices. From the BBC.
Essentials of Buddhism
Learn about the Four Noble Truths, the Noble Eightfold Path, and other Buddhist beliefs.

Bushido

Bushido and the Samurai An explanation of bushido, "the way of the warrior," including the seven principles of bushido.
Bushido Explains how Bushido's emphasis on loyalty, justice, and honor developed from a combination of Zen Buddhism, Shinto, and Confucianism.
What is Bushido? The code of samurai conduct explained.
Samurai Proverbs "One who is samurai must keep constantly in mind, by day and by night....that he has to die," and other sayings.

Arms and Armor

Traditional Japanese Weapons A description of swords, daggers, and spears used by the samurai.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art - The Collection: Arms and Armor: View 1 Items 37-43 show Japanese helmets, swords, and armor.
Richard Stein's Japanese Sword Index A comprehensive site on Japanese weaponry. See the visual glossary for a thorough description of swords and scabbards.
Defensive Weapons of the Japanese Samurai Find out how fans and flutes could be weapons as well as swords and spears.
Southern California Naginata Federation The naginata (spear) was a formidable weapon.

Culture

Gardens in Japan Images and descriptions of rock gardens, hill gardens, and other classic Japanese gardens.
The Japanese Garden

Japan-Guide Tea Ceremony Basic information.
The Tea Ceremony Description and history with photos.

Beginner's Guide to Sumo Learn about the history, rules and culture of the ancient Japanese sport of wrestling. From the official Japanese Sumo organization.
Sumo East and West An interactive guide to a sumo wrestler's size, hair, clothing, and activities. From the PBS show "Sumo East and West."

Clothing & Food

Kimono FAQs

Photos and descriptions of various types of kimono, with instructions on how to wear a kimono and how to tie an obi (sash.)

A Man's Kimono-Hakama

Hakama are pleated pants worn over a kimono. Hakama are worn on formal occasions, and are used in traditional martial arts such as Aikido, Kendo (fencing), and archery.

JP NET Kimono Hypertext

History of kimono, and pictures of kimono for women, men, and children.

History of Kimonos

A good brief introduction to the development of traditional Japanese clothing, with pictures.

Virtual Kimono

Design your own kimono outfit! Requires Shockwave player.

Asia Recipes (Japan)

Recipes for favorite Japanese dishes.

A Japanese Cookbook for Kids

Easy recipes and clear instructions for beginners.

Popular Japanese Main Dishes

Lots of great recipes for Japanese dishes.