Samurai: member of the Japanese warrior caste.  The term samurai was originally used to denote the aristocratic warriors (bushi), but it came to apply to all the members of the warrior class that rose to power in the 12th century and dominated the Japanese government until the Meiji Restoration in 1868. The ideal samurai was supposed to be a stoic warrior who followed an unwritten code of conduct, later formalized as Bushidō, which held bravery, honor, and personal loyalty above life itself.

In modern usage, bushi is often used as a synonym for samurai; however, historical sources make it clear that bushi and samurai were distinct concepts, with the former referring to soldiers or warriors and the latter referring instead to a kind of hereditary nobility.

The origins of the samurai can be traced to the eighth and ninth centuries, when large landholdings moved into the hands of the imperial family and related members of the aristocracy. The need to defend these distant estates from attacks by local chieftains led to the birth of the samurai. Forerunners of the early samurai, these deputies built local and regional power by creating privately controlled militia known as “warrior bands.” These fighting forces were maintained long enough to wage a specific war, after which the soldiers would return to their lands.

The samurai, often romanticized and revered as legendary warriors of ancient Japan, embodied a unique way of life that blended martial prowess, discipline, and a deep sense of honor. Becoming a samurai was not merely a matter of picking up a sword but required a lifelong commitment to a strict code of conduct and rigorous training. To become a samurai, one typically had to be born into a family belonging to the samurai class. From an early age, children would be exposed to the culture and traditions associated with samurai life. They would be taught the fundamental values of loyalty, integrity, and martial skills, while also receiving a formal education in subjects such as literature, calligraphy, and strategy.

It was not until the Edo period (1603-1868) that a fully standardised system of status and rankings developed for samurai. There were three principal ranks:

• gokenin (housemen), the lowest and vassals of a feudal lord.
• goshi (rustic warrior), they could farm their land but could not have the two swords of the full samurai rank.
• hatamoto (bannermen), the highest rank. Only these warriors were expected to die to protect their lord’s interests.

Samurai were not just skilled warriors but were expected to be well-rounded individuals with intellectual depth. They received education in various subjects, including poetry, history, Confucianism, and the art of war. This breadth of knowledge cultivated their wisdom, strategic thinking, and appreciation for aesthetics.

The path of the samurai demanded rigorous physical training and mastery of combat skills. Young samurai would be trained in various martial arts such as archery, horseback riding, swordsmanship (kenjutsu), and unarmed combat (jujutsu). They would spend countless hours honing their techniques, perfecting their form, and developing the speed, strength, and agility required to excel in battle.

Samurai made up just 5-6% of the total population (18 million in 1600), and none of these were women (although there was a separate and very small warrior class of women known as onna bugeisha or ‘martially skilled women’).

At the core of the samurai ethos was the code of conduct known as bushido, which encompassed principles of honor, loyalty, courage, and self-discipline. Samurai were expected to embody these virtues in every aspect of their lives. They held themselves to the highest standards of integrity and moral rectitude, adhering to a strict hierarchy and displaying unwavering loyalty to their lord.

Samurai life was steeped in ritual and ceremony, with specific practices designed to cultivate a sense of discipline and mindfulness. Tea ceremonies, calligraphy, flower arranging, and meditation were not only artistic expressions but also served as means to develop focus, concentration, and inner tranquility.

As a rite of passage, samurai underwent a formal ceremony called “genpuku” or “genbuku.” This ceremony marked the transition from childhood to adulthood, symbolizing the samurai’s readiness to assume the responsibilities and obligations of their class. It included the donning of the traditional hakama (a wide-legged pleated pants) and the tying of the topknot (chonmage) hairstyle. While Miyamoto Musashi may be the best-known “samurai” internationally, Oda Nobunaga (1534-1582) claims the most respect within Japan.

The samurai class lost its privileged position when feudalism was officially abolished in 1871. Discontented former samurai rose in rebellion several times during the 1870s, but these revolts were quickly suppressed by the newly established national army. In a peaceful Japan, many samurai were forced to become bureaucrats or take up some type of trade, even as they preserved their conception of themselves as fighting men. In 1588, the right to carry swords was restricted only to samurai, which created an even greater separation between them and the farmer-peasant class.

Becoming a samurai was a lifelong pursuit that demanded unwavering dedication, discipline, and a commitment to honor. It required not only the acquisition of martial skills but also the cultivation of intellectual and moral virtues. The path to becoming a samurai was arduous, but those who successfully embarked upon this journey became revered guardians of their clan, embodying the spirit of ancient Japan and leaving a lasting legacy in the pages of history.