Samurai
The Samurai (侍) were the noble warrior class of feudal Japan, renowned for their martial skill, loyalty, and strict adherence to Bushidō (武士道) – the way of the warrior. Emerging during the late Heian period, the samurai rose to become the military elite who served and protected their lords (daimyō) and upheld order in Japanese society.
Armed with the iconic katana and clad in intricate armor (yoroi), samurai were not only fearsome fighters but also cultured individuals, expected to master calligraphy, poetry, and strategy. Their lives embodied discipline, honor, and self-sacrifice. Even after the abolition of the samurai class in the 19th century, their legacy continues to shape Japanese culture, martial arts, and the enduring image of the noble warrior.
