The samurai are often portrayed as noble warriors of ancient Japan, bound by honor and discipline, but behind the stoic armor and legendary swordsmanship, there are some surprising aspects of samurai life that are far less well-known. From unusual practices to complex relationships, the life of a samurai was much more than just battles and honor. Here are some "shocking" facts about samurai warriors that might surprise you!
1. Samurai Women Were Warriors, Too
When we think of samurai, we usually imagine male warriors, but samurai women, known as onna-bugeisha, were also trained to fight and defend their homes. These women were skilled in the use of weapons such as the naginata, a long pole weapon, and were expected to protect their families in times of war. One of the most famous female warriors was Tomoe Gozen, who fought in the Genpei War in the late 12th century, known for her bravery and combat skills.
2. They Practiced Ritual Suicide (Seppuku)
One of the most well-known but still shocking practices of the samurai was seppuku (or hara-kiri), a ritual form of suicide that involved disembowelment. This was considered an honorable way to die, used to restore one’s honor after defeat or to avoid capture by enemies. The samurai would stab themselves in the abdomen with a short blade and, if possible, have a trusted companion (called a kaishakunin) decapitate them to end the suffering. Seppuku was a highly formalized and respected practice, even though it was incredibly gruesome.
3. Samurai Were Also Poets and Artists
Though they are often seen as fierce warriors, samurai were also cultivated individuals who practiced poetry, calligraphy, and other forms of art. Being educated and cultured was seen as an essential part of the samurai code, known as Bushido ("The Way of the Warrior"). Many samurai took pride in their knowledge of the arts and philosophy, considering it just as important as their skills in battle. Haiku poetry, for instance, was a popular form of artistic expression among samurai.
4. They Followed a Strict Code of Honor (Bushido)
The Bushido code guided every aspect of a samurai’s life. It was a set of principles that emphasized loyalty, courage, honor, and self-discipline. Samurai were expected to show unwavering loyalty to their daimyo (feudal lord) and to act with integrity in every aspect of life. Failure to follow Bushido could result in severe punishment, including being ordered to commit seppuku. However, Bushido was not just about martial prowess—it also valued compassion and benevolence, requiring warriors to be just as strong in character as they were in battle.
5. Samurai Were Masters of Multiple Weapons, Not Just the Katana
The iconic katana is often seen as the ultimate symbol of the samurai, but these warriors were trained in the use of many different weapons. In addition to swords, samurai used bows (yumi), spears (yari), and even guns (once they were introduced by the Portuguese in the 16th century). The katana was indeed a prized weapon, but a true samurai was expected to be proficient with a variety of arms, depending on the situation in battle.
6. Some Samurai Were Buddhist Monks
While many samurai were staunch followers of Shintoism or adhered to the Zen Buddhist philosophy, some warriors went a step further and actually became Buddhist monks. Known as Sohei, these warrior-monks were fierce fighters who wielded weapons and engaged in military campaigns, while also maintaining their religious duties. They often fought to protect their temples or for political influence, merging the spiritual and martial aspects of samurai life in a unique way.