The commander of the samurai. Who is a samurai? Japanese samurai: code, weapons, customs

Japanese samurai warriors (bushi) were skilled warriors of medieval Japan. As a rule, they were secular feudal lords, princes and small-class nobility. The term bushi means "warrior" and has a broader meaning, it should not always be referred to as samurai. The term samurai comes from the verb “saberu,” which meant “to serve.” Japanese warriors were fluent in sword, bow and hand-to-hand combat, and followed the strict code of bushido or “the way of the warrior.”

The occupation of Japanese warriors was not only waging war, they were often the personal bodyguards of their master - the daimyo, which literally translates as “big name”, and in peacetime the samurai were ordinary servants. The samurai have always been considered the elite in Japanese society, and the daimyo has been considered the elite among the samurai.

In this article we have collected for you the most interesting facts about samurai.

10. About samurai women. When we say the word samurai, the image of a male warrior immediately comes to mind, however, in ancient Japanese chronicles there are many references to female samurai, who were called onna-bugeisha. Women and samurai girls took part in bloody battles on an equal basis with male warriors. The naginata (long sword) was the weapon they used most often. An ancient Japanese bladed weapon with a long handle (about 2 meters) had a curved blade with a one-sided sharpening (about 30 centimeters long), almost an analogue of a melee weapon - a glaive.

There are practically no mentions of female samurai in historical chronicles, which is why historians assumed that there were very few of them, but the latest research into historical chronicles has shown that female warriors made their contribution in battles much more often than is commonly believed. In 1580, a battle took place in the town of Senbon Matsubaru. According to the results of excavations, out of 105 bodies discovered at the battle site, according to the results of DNA analysis, 35 belonged to female. Excavations at other sites of ancient battles have yielded approximately the same results.

9. Samurai armor. Unlike knightly armor medieval Europe Samurai armor was created with mobility in mind; it must be very durable, but at the same time remain flexible enough so as not to restrict the warrior’s movements. Samurai armor was made of metal or durable leather plates coated with varnish. The plates were neatly tied together with leather laces. The hands were protected by shoulder pads - small shields rectangular shape, as well as armored sleeves.

An interesting detail of a samurai's armor is a bowl-shaped helmet, assembled from metal plates fastened together with rivets. The warrior's face was protected by armor attached to the back of the head, under the helmet. An interesting detail of the samurai headdress is the balaclava, very reminiscent of Darth Vader's mask ( interesting fact: movie character helmet shape design " Star Wars"Darth Vader is taken precisely from the shape of the helmet of Japanese warriors). This piece of armor protected the warrior from blows from arrows and swords struck at small angles. Warriors attached masks of combat masks - mengu - to their helmets, protecting the warrior and frightening the enemy.

8. Sex and samurai. Sexual relationships between Japanese warriors can be called free. Approximately the same relationships between warriors took place in ancient Sparta. Same-sex relationships typically arose between more experienced samurai masters (mentors) and young warriors who were just beginning to train (novices). This practice of same-sex relationships was called wakashudo (the way of youth). Documentary evidence found suggests that almost the entire samurai class passed through the “path of youth.”

7. European samurai. Ancient Japanese chronicles say that under special conditions, a non-Japanese person could easily fight alongside the samurai, and becoming one of the samurai was considered a special honor. Such a warrior was given weapons and armor, and was also called a new name, Japanese. This honor could only be bestowed by very powerful leaders, such as the daimyo, or by the person who actually ruled Japan most of the time - the general, that is, the shogun.

In history there is a mention of four men who had the honor of receiving the title of samurai:

The English navigator and the first Briton to reach the shores of Japan, William Adams, also known as Miura Anjin, played a vital role in the development of trade relations between Japan and Holland and Japan and England.

Dutch navigator and merchant Jan Joosten van Lodestein, known as Yayosu, acted as adviser to the shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu on foreign policy and trade issues.

French naval officer Eugene Collache also took the title of samurai. Japanese name unknown. Upon arrival in France, he was dismissed by court martial as a deserter. He wrote the book Adventures in Japan 1868-1869, which was published in 1874.

Dutch by birth and arms dealer Edward Schnell, Japanese name Hiramatsu Buhei. He was a military instructor and weapons supplier for the Japanese.

6. Number of samurai. There is an opinion that samurai were chosen warriors and there were very few of them. In reality, samurai were armed servants close to the nobility. Subsequently, samurai became associated with the bushi class - middle and upper class warriors. A simple conclusion suggests itself - there were significantly more samurai than is commonly believed; more than 10% of the Japanese population were samurai. And since there were many of them, they had a significant influence on the history of the empire; It is believed that today every Japanese has a piece of the blood of great warriors.

5. Samurai clothes. Samurai were, in a sense, standards, and the warrior's clothing style had a significant influence on the fashion of an entire era. Samurai almost never dressed outrageously. All of their clothing was designed to fit the needs of a warrior. It was intended for freedom of movement and should not restrict movement.

The samurai's clothing consisted of several basic elements: hakama (wide trousers, similar to bloomers), kimono (traditional clothing in Japan, usually silk), and hitatare (a kind of cape, ceremonial clothing that was worn under armor). This suit did not restrict movement and left your hands free. For footwear, samurai wore boots made of wood and simple sandals.

Perhaps the most characteristic feature There was a samurai hairstyle - hair collected in a bun. This may be due to the fact that wearing a helmet with this hairstyle is more convenient.

4. Samurai weapons. Being warriors, samurai were fluent in many types of weapons. The oldest sword carried by Japanese warriors was the chokuto sword. This was the name of all ancient type swords that appeared among Japanese warriors in the 2nd-4th centuries AD. They were straight and had a one-sided sharpening.

The weapons continued to be improved. Subsequently, the swords became more curved and over time turned into the legendary japanese sword, known to us under the name katana, is a curved Japanese two-handed sword with a single-sided blade and a blade length of more than 60 centimeters. Without a doubt, the Japanese katana sword is a symbol of the samurai, because, as the samurai code says, the soul of a warrior lives in his sword. Along with the katana, the samurai carried a smaller sword - the shoto, 33-66 centimeters long. Only samurai had the right to wear shoto. Together, the large and small swords were called daisho, which literally translates as “big-small.”

The samurai also had a long bow in his arsenal - yumi, more than two meters long. The bow is made from laminated bamboo, wood, and leather is also used in the work - this manufacturing method has not changed for centuries. The samurai practiced archery almost to the point of fanaticism. Also in battle, Japanese warriors used a spear - yari, a Japanese polearm with many modifications. But for the samurai, the spear was, for the most part, a symbol of personal courage.

3. Education of a samurai. The overwhelming majority of samurai, in addition to being skilled warriors, had an excellent education. Bushido, the samurai code, said that a warrior should always improve and improve himself by any means, even if it does not involve war. Japanese warriors wrote poetry, painted pictures, held tea ceremonies, studied calligraphy, many mastered the art of arranging bouquets - ikebana, read literature and had excellent knowledge of mathematics.

2. The image of a samurai. The armor and weapons of the samurai created a rather impressive appearance, and now in many films Japanese warriors are shown exactly like this. In reality, everything was not like that. Their height in medieval Japan was approximately 160-165 centimeters, and their physique was thin. In addition, there are many references that it is likely that samurai descended from ethnic group small people of the Ainu. They were much taller and stronger than the Japanese, their skin was white, and their appearance was largely the same as the Europeans.

1. Ritual suicide by ripping open the abdomen - seppuku or hara-kiri - is an immediate attribute of a samurai. Seppuku was committed at a time when a warrior was unable to follow the code of bushido, or when he was captured by an enemy. Ritual suicide was not only done voluntarily, but was also used as punishment, but in any case it was an honorable way to die.

The ritual of seppuku is a fairly lengthy ritual. It began with a washing ceremony. After bathing, the warrior was dressed in all white and brought his favorite food. Immediately after eating, a short sword was placed on the already empty dish. Next, the samurai wrote a dying poem - tanka (a five-line Japanese poetic form consisting of 31 syllables). After this, the samurai took a short sword, wrapped the blade in cloth so as not to cut his hand, and committed suicide by cutting his stomach.

The person nearby had to finish off the samurai by cutting off his head. In most cases it was the closest friend who was given the greatest honor and was given an honorable role. The assistant's greatest skill was to cut off the head so that it hung on a small strip of skin and remained in the arms of the already dead samurai.

Japanese culture appears to Westerners as a collection of ideas and colorful images. And the most striking of them is the image of a samurai warrior. It has a heroic aura and is considered a unique symbol of courage and perseverance in battle. But do we know everything about samurai? How does the truth about these warriors differ from legends and myths?

Samurai: definition of the word

In the understanding of Europeans, any Japanese warrior taking part in a battle is a samurai. In fact, this statement is completely incorrect. A samurai is a special class of feudal lords who received special education who have undergone the initiation ritual and have a distinctive sign - a Japanese sword. The purpose of such a warrior’s life was to serve his master. He must be devoted to him with all his being and unquestioningly carry out any orders.

This goal can be seen in the very definition of “samurai”. The meaning of the word translated from Japanese language sounds like the verb "to serve". Therefore, it is not surprising that the life of a samurai is closely connected with the life of his master - the daimyo. Many Europeans believe that a samurai is a service person who can be called by the Japanese word “bushi”. But this is also a mistaken opinion; these two words should not be confused.

Samurai has a broader and more comprehensive meaning; it war time represented better protection for the master, and in times of peace he was an ordinary servant. Bushi, on the other hand, belong to the class of simple warriors who could be hired for a period of time. Payment for services was made in money, but most often feudal lords paid for the services of warriors in rice.

History of samurai: a brief historical background

The samurai as a class originated in the seventh century. During this period, Japan was experiencing feudal fragmentation, and every major feudal lord needed well-trained professional warriors. They became samurai.

Young warriors were often starved and forced to stay awake for several nights in a row. They did all the hard work around the house, walked barefoot at any time of the year and woke up with the first rays of the sun. To prevent death from frightening future samurai, they were often taken to watch executions, and at night they themselves had to come to the bodies of those executed and leave their mark on them. Often they were sent to places where, according to legend, ghosts live, and were left there without drink or food for several nights. As a result, the young men developed fearlessness and amazing composure; they could think soberly in any situation.

In addition to martial arts, samurai were taught writing and history, but these disciplines were not what a samurai should actually do. It was just an addition that could help in battle in one way or another.

By the age of sixteen, the young man was considered fully trained and could begin the rite of initiation and initiation into the samurai.

Rite of initiation into warriors

The samurai's teacher and his future daimyo, with whom vassal relations were established, had to be present at the initiation ceremony. The ritual was accompanied by receiving one's own set of swords - daisho, shaving one's head and receiving new clothes as an adult samurai. At the same time, the young man underwent several tests that were supposed to show his strength and skills. At the end of the ceremony, he was given a new name, replacing the one given at birth. It was believed that this day was the samurai’s birthday, and under his new name he would be known throughout his independent life.

Could a commoner become a samurai?

In the European imagination, the legend of the samurai, who belongs to the upper class of Japanese society and has the totality of all positive qualities and crystal clear in thoughts. In fact, this is the most common myth about feudal warriors. Indeed, in reality, a samurai is not necessarily a person from high society; absolutely any peasant could become a warrior. There was no difference between the origins of the samurai; they were trained in the same way and subsequently received absolutely equal salaries from the master.

Therefore, samurai changed their masters quite often, feeling that they were losing the battle. It was quite normal for them to bring the head of the old one to the new master, thus deciding the outcome of the battle in their favor.

Women samurai: myth or reality?

In historical sources and Japanese literature of the Middle Ages, practically nothing is mentioned about women warriors, but they quite often became samurai. There were absolutely no restrictions on this in the code of honor.

Girls were also adopted from their families at age eight and initiated at sixteen. As a weapon, a samurai woman received from her teacher a short dagger or a long and sharp spear. In battle, it was capable of cutting through enemy armor with ease. Studies by Japanese scientists indicate the popularity of military affairs among women. They did a DNA test on the remains of samurai who died in battles found at excavations; to their surprise, 30% of the warriors turned out to be women.

Bushido Code: Brief Provisions

The samurai code of conduct was formed from numerous laws and regulations that were compiled into a single source around the thirteenth century. During this period, samurai were just beginning to emerge as a separate class of Japanese society. By the sixteenth century, Bushido had finally taken shape and began to represent the true philosophy of the samurai.

The warrior's code covered almost all areas of life, each with its own special rule of conduct. For example, according to this philosophy, a samurai is one who knows exactly how to live and die. He is ready to boldly go alone against a hundred enemies, knowing that death awaits him ahead. Legends were made about such brave men; their relatives were proud of them and placed portraits of samurai who died in battle in their houses.

The samurai's code of honor ordered him to constantly improve and train not only his body and mind, but also his spirit. Only a strong spirit could be a warrior worthy of battle. If ordered by the master, the samurai had to commit hara-kiri and die with a smile and gratitude on his lips.

In Japan, the story of the samurai is still successfully used; it brings fabulous money to the country's tourism industry. After all, Europeans romanticized everything connected with this period in the country’s history. Now it is difficult to find grains of truth among the numerous legends, but one thing is quite difficult to argue with: the samurai is as bright a symbol of modern Japan as a kimono or sushi. It is through this prism that Europeans perceive the history of the Land of the Rising Sun.

Anyone who has heard of Japan, I've probably heard about samurai. Samurai were a group warriors who were famous for their ferocity and loyalty. They have an indelible place in Japanese history, having shaped civilization. Samurai are symbols Japanese culture, and a code of honor is rooted in them. Here is a list of the 10 greatest samurai warriors in history.

10. Shimazu Yoshihisa

One of the most famous military leaders of the period Sengoku, Shimazu Yoshihisa, was from the province Satsuma. He was married to his aunt for some time. He started a campaign to unite Kyushu and he had many victories. His clan ruled large parts of Kyushu for many years, but were eventually defeated Toyotomi Hideyoshi. After defeat Yoshihisa is believed to have resigned and become Buddhist monk. He died a peaceful death.

9. Date Masamune

Known for its proximity to violence And lack of mercy, Lady Masamune was one of the most terrible warriors of his era. Having lost his right eye as a child due to smallpox, he had to make extra efforts to be recognized fighter. After a series of defeats in the early days, he slowly built his reputation and became one of the most effective warriors that time. When his father was kidnapped by his clan's enemies, Masamunne responded by killing everyone and his father during the mission. He later served Toyotomi Hideyoshi And Tokugawa Ieyasu.

8. Uesugi Kenshin

Known as Dragon Ehigo, Kenshin was a fierce warrior and clan leader Nagao. He was known for his rivalry with Takeda Shingen. They fought each other for years, dueling several times. He was also one of the military leaders who resisted the campaigns Odes to Nobunaga. He was an authoritative commander. There are various stories surrounding the cause of his death.

7. Tokugawa Ieyasu

Originally an ally Odes to Nobunaga and his successor Toyotomi HideyoshiTokugawa Ieyasu used more brains than swords. After death Hideyoshi he gathered the clan's enemies Toyotomi and fought against them for power. He won Toyotamisa V Battle of Sekigahara in 1600 and became the first Togugawan shogun in 1603. Tokugawa Shogunate ushered in a new era of peace in Japan and ruled until 1868.

6. Hattori Hanzo

Clan Leader Iga, Hattori Hanzo was one of the rare samurai who was also ninja warriors. He was a faithful servant Tokugawa Ieyasu, who saved his master from death several times. His main weapon was a spear. In his older years, Hanzo became a Buddhist monk. He is one of the most famous warriors in Japanese pop culture and has inspired many warriors.

5. Takeda Shingen

Often called Tiger Kai, Takeda Shingen was a terrible warrior and also a poet. He fought in numerous battles. In the fourth battle in Kawanakajime he met his match Uesugi Kenshin in a one-on-one battle. He was one of the few warriors who achieved success against Odes to Nobunaga and had the opportunity to stop him. However, Shingen died under mysterious circumstances in 1573, after which Nobunaga consolidated power.

4. Honda Tadakatsu

Also known as "The Warrior Who Surpassed Death" , Honda Tadakatsu was one of the most brutal warriors, which were created by Japan. One of the Four Kings Tokugawa, he participated in more than hundreds of battles, and was not defeated in any of them. His main weapon was a spear known as Dragonfly cutter, which caused fear in every opponent. Tadakatsu fought in the decisive battle of Sekigahare which led to new era in Japanese history.

3. Miyamoto Musashi

The most famous samurai warrior for many years, Miyamoto Musashi was one of the greatest swordsmen who ever lived in Japan. His first duel was aged 13 years. He fought in the battle between the clan Toyotomi against the clan Tokugawa, on Toyotomi's side, would eventually be defeated. He later traveled throughout Japan, winning over 60 duels and never losing. Musashi's most famous duel took place in 1612, in which he fought a master swordsman Sasaki Kojiro and killed him. In subsequent years he spent more time composing and wrote The Book of Five Rings, which details various methods fighting with a sword. Kyoto laid the foundation unification of Japan. He used firearms in battles, a new weapon at the time. His death was caused by the betrayal of one of his own generals, Akechi Mitsuhide, who set fire to the temple in which he was resting. However, Nobunaga committed suicide, a more honorable way to die.

The samurai embodied the image of an ideal warrior who revered culture and laws, who took seriously what he had chosen life path. When a samurai failed his master or himself, according to local customs he had to be subjected to the ritual of “seppuku” - ritual suicide, i.e. hara-kiri.

1. Hojo Ujitsuna (1487 - 1541)

Ujitsuna sparked a long-standing feud with the Uesugi clan - the owner of Edo Castle, which has now grown into the giant metropolis of Tokyo, but then it was an ordinary castle covering a fishing village. Having taken over Edo Castle, Ujitsuna managed to spread his family's influence throughout the Kanto region (the most populous island of Japan, where the capital of the state is located - Tokyo) and by the time of his death in 1541, the Hojo clan was one of the most powerful and dominant families in Japan

2. Hattori Hanzo (1542 - 1596)

This name may be familiar to fans of Quentin Tarantino, since it was based on the real life biography of Hattori Hanzo that Quentin created the image of the swordsman for the film Kill Bill. Starting at the age of 16, he fought for survival, participating in many battles. Hanzo was devoted to Tokugawa Ieyasu, saving the life of this man more than once, who later founded the shogunate, which ruled Japan for more than 250 years (1603 - 1868). Throughout Japan he is known as a great and devoted samurai who has become a legend. His name can be found carved at the entrance to the imperial palace.

3. Uesugi Kenshin (1530 - 1578)

Uesugi Kenshin was a strong military leader and also the leader of the Nagao clan. He was distinguished by his outstanding ability as a commander, resulting in his troops achieving many victories on the battlefield. His rivalry with Takeda Shingen, another warlord, was one of the most widely known in history during the Sengoku period. They feuded for 14 years, during which time they engaged in several one-on-one fights. Kenshin died in 1578, the circumstances of his death remain unclear. Modern historians believe it was something similar to stomach cancer.

4. Shimazu Yoshihisa (1533 - 1611)

This is another Japanese warlord who lived throughout the bloody Sengoku period. While still a young man, he established himself as a talented commander; later this trait allowed him and his comrades to capture most Kyushu region. Yoshihisa became the first to unite the entire Kyushu region; it was subsequently defeated by Toyotomi Hideyoshi (a military and political figure, the unifier of Japan) and his 200,000-strong army.

5. Mori Motonari (1497 - 1571)

Mori Motonari grew up in relative obscurity, but this did not stop him from taking control of several of the largest clans in Japan and becoming one of the most feared and powerful warlords of the Sengoku period. His appearance on the general stage was sudden, and equally unexpected was the series of victories he won over strong and respected opponents. He eventually captured 10 of the 11 provinces in the Chugoku region. Many of his victories were against much larger and more experienced opponents, making his feats even more impressive.

6. Miyamoto Musashi (1584 - 1645)

Miyamoto Musashi was a samurai whose words and opinions still mark modern Japan. Today he is known as the author of The Book of Five Rings, which describes the strategy and philosophy of samurai in battle. He was the first to use a new fighting style in the sword technique of kenjutsu, calling it niten ichi, when the fight is fought with two swords. According to legend, he traveled through ancient japan, and during the journey managed to win many fights. His ideas, strategies, tactics and philosophy are the subject of study to this day.

7. Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1536 - 1598)

Toyotomi Hideyoshi is considered one of Japan's Founding Fathers, one of three men whose actions helped unify Japan and end the long and bloody Sengoku era. Hideyoshi succeeded his former master Oda Nobunaga, and began to implement social and cultural reforms that determined the future direction of Japan for a period of 250 years. He banned sword ownership by non-samurai, and also began a nationwide search for all swords and other weapons that were henceforth to belong only to samurai. Despite the fact that this concentrated all military power in the hands of the samurai, such a step was a huge breakthrough towards common world since the reign of the Sengoku era.

8. Takeda Shingen (1521 - 1573)

Takeda Shingen was perhaps the most dangerous commander of the entire Sengoku era. When it turned out that his father was going to leave everything to his other son, Shingen allied himself with several other powerful samurai clans, which pushed him to expand beyond his home province of Kai. Shingen became one of the few who were able to defeat the army of Oda Nabunaga, who at that time was successfully capturing other territories of Japan. He died in 1573, suffering from illness, but by this point he was well on his way to consolidating power over all of Japan.