Birth of the Samurai
Author: Andrew Thomas

Ancient Yayoi warriors developed weapons, armour and a code
during the ensuing centuries that became the centrepiece
for the Japanese Samurai. Early weapons included bows,
arrows and swords. Armour included a helmet that protected
head and neck, a breastplate that protected the chest, arm
and shoulder protectors plus a belly wrap. Later armour
included protection for the legs and thighs. Armour changed
as the type of battles changed. A big change occured in the
5th century when horses were introduced to Japan. Another
change occured in the 15th century because of the constancy
of war and the introduction of guns into battle. The code
developed from the Chinese concept of the virtues of
warriors doing battle to the Samurai code of chivalry known
as Kyuba no michi ("The Way of Horse and Bow") to the
Bushido ("Way of the Warrior") code.

"Bushido" means "Way of the Warrior." It was at the heart
of the beliefs and conduct of the Samurai. The philosophy
of Bushido is "freedom from fear." It meant that the
Samurai transcended his fear of death. That gave him the
peace and power to serve his master faithfully and loyally
and die well if necessary. "Duty" is a primary philosophy
of the Samurai.

The Samurai rose out of the continuing battles for land
among three main clans: the Minamoto, the Fujiwara and the
Taira. The Samurai eventually became a class unto
themselves between the 9th and 12th centuries A.D. They
were called by two names: Samurai (knights-retainers) and
Bushi (warriors). Some of them were related to the ruling
class. Others were hired men. They gave complete loyalty to
their Daimyo (feudal landowners) and received land and
position in return. Each Daimyo used his Samurai to protect
his land and to expand his power and rights to more land.

The Samurai became expert in fighting from horseback and on
the ground. They practiced armed and un-armed combat. The
early Samurai emphasized fighting with the bow and arrow
Japanese samurai warriors were ranked at the top of the
Japanese social hierarchy for hundreds of years until 19th
century. Shogun were the most powerful samurai who ruled
Japan at the time.

Ronin In Japanese history, master less samurai where know
as Ronin. These samurai retainers who were deprived of
their place in the usual loyalty based hierarchy of
Japanese feudalism. Perhaps the daimyo they had served
died, became too poor to maintain his samurai or were
exiled. The ronin was reduced to existing as farmers,
monks, soldiers of fortune, or even bandits. They where in
great demand during times of war. But in peace they were
often a burden on society. They are presented at there
noblest in the story of the 47 Ronin depicted by Chikamatsu
in his popular drama. In this drama they are the model of
loyalty and self-sacrifice exemplifying bushido. In modern
Japan, the term ronin is often given to high-school
graduates who, having failed to pass college entrance
exams, are preparing for another opportunity


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Birth of the Samurai
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