The samurai are renowned for their strong code of honor and legendary fighting skills. But what do we really know about them beyond that? And how much of the little we do know is actually true? I was fascinated by Samurai as a nerdy, history-loving teen. In fact, I’m still a history-loving geek, just older and a bit more cynical, so Samurai and ancient Japanese culture still hold special significance and interest for me.
Samurai Weren’t Always Noble Warriors
Contrary to popular belief, samurai didn’t start out as noble warriors. In their early days, they were more like thugs or mercenaries hired by wealthy landowners to protect their property. It wasn’t until later that they developed the code of honor and loyalty we associate with them today. This transformation took place over centuries as Japan’s political and social structure evolved.
They Didn’t Just Use Swords
While the katana is the weapon most associated with samurai, it wasn’t their only or even primary weapon. Samurai were skilled in using a variety of weapons, including bows, spears, and even early firearms. In fact, the bow was considered the samurai’s most important weapon for centuries. Swords were often used as backup weapons or for close combat.
Female Samurai Existed
History books often overlook the existence of female samurai, known as onna-bugeisha. These women were trained in martial arts and fought alongside male samurai. One of the most famous onna-bugeisha was Tomoe Gozen, who lived in the 12th century. She was known for her skill with the sword and bow, and for her bravery in battle.
Samurai Didn’t Always Wear Armor
The image of a samurai in full armor is iconic, but they didn’t wear it all the time. Armor was heavy, expensive, and impractical for everyday use. Samurai often wore simple kimono for daily activities. They would only don their armor for battles or formal occasions. In peacetime, many samurai focused more on administrative duties than combat.
They Were Highly Educated
Samurai weren’t just warriors; they were also expected to be cultured and educated. Many samurai studied literature, philosophy, and the arts. They practiced calligraphy, tea ceremony, and flower arrangement. This emphasis on education and culture was part of the samurai ideal of balance between the martial and the artistic.
Ritual Suicide Wasn’t Common
Seppuku, or ritual suicide, is often associated with samurai. However, it wasn’t as common as movies might have you believe. Seppuku was a serious and solemn act, usually performed as a form of capital punishment or to avoid capture by enemies. It wasn’t something samurai did lightly or frequently. Many samurai lived long lives without ever performing seppuku.
Samurai Didn’t Always Serve One Master
The idea of unwavering loyalty to a single lord is a romanticized view of samurai. In reality, many samurai changed allegiances throughout their careers. This was especially true during times of political upheaval. Samurai would often seek out lords who could offer them better positions or more stability.
They Weren’t All Skilled Swordsmen
While samurai were trained in martial arts, not all of them were master swordsmen. Like any profession, there were varying levels of skill among samurai. Some excelled in combat, while others were better at strategy or administration. The image of the samurai as an unbeatable warrior is more myth than reality.
Samurai Engaged in Commerce
Despite the popular belief that samurai looked down on merchants, many samurai engaged in trade themselves. As Japan entered peacetime during the Edo period, many samurai found themselves without battles to fight. Some turned to commerce to supplement their income. This blurred the lines between the samurai and merchant classes.
They Didn’t All Follow Bushido
Bushido, the samurai code of conduct, is often portrayed as a strict set of rules all samurai followed. In reality, Bushido as we know it today was largely formalized in the peaceful Edo period. Earlier samurai had codes of conduct, but they varied and weren’t as formalized. The idea of a universal Bushido code is more modern than historical.
Samurai Used Guns
Many people think samurai rejected firearms, but they actually embraced them. Guns were introduced to Japan in the 16th century, and samurai quickly adopted them. Some of the most famous samurai, like Oda Nobunaga, used guns to great effect in battle. The idea that samurai disdained firearms is a myth.
They Weren’t Always From Noble Families
While many samurai came from established samurai families, it was possible for common people to become samurai. During times of war, skilled fighters could earn samurai status through their actions on the battlefield. Some rulers also granted samurai status to loyal retainers or administrators, regardless of their birth.
Samurai Didn’t Disappear After the Meiji Restoration
The popular narrative is that samurai vanished after the Meiji Restoration in 1868. In reality, many samurai adapted to the new era. Some became businessmen or politicians, while others joined the new national army. The samurai class was officially abolished, but the individuals found new roles in modern Japan.
They Didn’t All Wear Topknots
The chonmage hairstyle, with a shaved pate and topknot, is often associated with samurai. However, this style wasn’t universal among samurai and changed over time. In earlier periods, samurai wore their hair long. The chonmage became popular later and was eventually adopted by other social classes as well.
Samurai Weren’t Always Fighting
Movies often portray samurai constantly engaged in battles, but this wasn’t the case. Japan had long periods of peace where samurai served as administrators, teachers, or advisors. Many samurai never saw actual combat. During peaceful times, they focused on education, arts, and governing their domains.
Katy Willis is a writer, master herbalist, master gardener, and certified canine nutritionist who has been writing since 2002. She’s finds joy in learning new and interesting things, and finds history, science, and nature endlessly fascinating.
