Samurais were the warrior class of pre-industrial Japan. They were followers of bushido code, meaning “the way of the warrior”, which puts emphasis on loyalty, frugality, mastery of the martial arts, and honor unto death. The following are only some of the most notable samurais in Japanese history.
Miyamoto Musashi
Arguably one of the greatest samurais of all time, the legendary Miyamoto Musashi (1584 – June 13, 1645) was known for his duels and exceptional style. Born in Harima Province in 1584, he demonstrated outstanding swordsmanship even from a young age and defeated his first opponent when he was thirteen. He founded Hyoho Niten Ichi-ryu, a two-sword kenjutsu technique in which the swordsman uses a large sword (e.g., a katana sword) and a companion sword at the same time.
Musashi, as he was often called, was also an accomplished artist, sculptor and calligrapher, and was knowledgeable in architecture. His work Go Rin No Sho (The Book of Five Rings) is regarded as a classic military strategy piece and has been translated several times over the years. He also wrote Dokkodo (The Way of Walking Alone), a text about self-discipline.
Musashi died peacefully in Regando around June 13, 1645 shortly after finishing Dokkodo. The cause of his death was most likely thoracic cancer.
Oda Nobunaga
Oda Nobunaga (June 23, 1534 – June 21, 1582) was a well-known daimyo (feudal lord) of Owari Province during the Sengoku period. He started the unification of Japan, which would be completed by his supporter and successor Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
Nobunaga made innovations in organizational systems and war tactics, changing the way war was fought in Japan and transforming the Japanese military into one of the most modernized forces in the world during that time.
Nobunaga was also a businessman who was knowledgeable in microeconomics and macroeconomics. He supported the arts, and one of his castles, Azuchi Castle, is considered to have been the greatest in the history of Japan, covered with gold and decorated lavishly.
Nobunaga died in 1582 when Akechi Mitsuhide, one of his generals, turned on him. It is possible that he died by his own hand or in the fire that took place during the course of the fighting.
Saigo Takamori
Saigo Takamori (January 23, 1828 – September 24, 1877) was the military leader of Satsuma province during the decline of the Tokugawa shogunate. He was one of the most powerful samurais in Japanese history, and played a key role in the restoration of imperial rule in the country. He was involved in the abolition of the han (traditional feudal domain) system and the establishment of a conscript army.
Saigo initially opposed the modernization of Japan and trading with the West. He famously disagreed with the building of a railway network and believed that money should be spent on military modernization instead.
Saigo has been dubbed “the last true samurai”. He died while leading around 400 samurais in the Satsuma Rebellion against the Meiji government which he helped establish. The film The Last Samurai (2003) was based on his last stand against the Meiji government in the Battle of Shiroyama.
