While samurai are often romanticized as noble, honorable figures living by the bushido code, this wasn’t always the case. In the early days of their existence, samurai were essentially mercenaries. They served feudal lords and were more concerned with power and wealth than with any sense of moral integrity. The rise of the samurai coincided with the decentralization of Japan’s imperial power, and as a result, many samurai were motivated by personal ambition and loyalty to their lords rather than any sense of a higher moral code.
2. They Would Commit Ritual Suicide Over Disgrace
One of the most shocking aspects of samurai culture is their practice of seppuku (also known as hara-kiri), a form of ritual suicide. If a samurai brought dishonor to himself, his lord, or his family, he might be ordered to commit seppuku as a way to restore honor. The act was performed with a short sword and involved cutting open the abdomen. It was considered a more honorable death than being executed or dying in battle. In some cases, samurai who feared disgrace would choose to end their lives before their dishonor could be revealed.
3. Samurai Women Had Their Own Code of Conduct
While the samurai warriors are most often thought of as male, samurai women, known as onna-bugeisha, played a significant role in maintaining the honor of their families. These women were trained in martial arts and were often responsible for defending their homes when their husbands were away at war. Some of these women were skilled with weapons, including the naginata (a pole weapon) and the katana, and they fought alongside their male counterparts in battle. Though not as common as male samurai, these women were an essential part of the samurai legacy.
4. Samurai Wore Armor Made from Leather and Wood
Contrary to popular belief, samurai armor was not always made of the sturdy steel plates seen in modern depictions. Samurai armor was often crafted from a combination of materials, including lacquered leather, silk, and wood. This design made the armor flexible, light, and well-suited for agility in battle. The iconic yoroi armor, which was worn by samurai, was made from thousands of small plates of metal, leather, and fabric that were laced together with silk or leather cords. The armor was designed to allow the wearer to move freely and fight effectively.
5. Samurai Fought With More Than Just Katanas
While the katana is the most famous weapon of the samurai, it was not the only weapon they used. Samurai were trained in a wide array of weaponry, including the bow (yumi), the spear (yari), and the naginata. In fact, archery was often considered a crucial skill for a samurai, especially during the early feudal periods. The samurai also used firearms, particularly during the later periods, after the arrival of European muskets in Japan. These firearms, known as tanegashima, were used by samurai alongside their traditional weapons.
6. They Had an Insatiable Love for Tea
Samurai warriors were not only skilled in the art of battle but also in the art of tea. The practice of chanoyu (the Japanese tea ceremony) became an important cultural pursuit for samurai during the 15th and 16th centuries. Tea ceremonies were a symbol of elegance, discipline, and spiritual refinement. Samurai often used tea ceremonies as a way to bond with their lords and retainers, and they were an essential part of their social life. The act of preparing and drinking tea was considered an art form, and many samurai became highly skilled in the ritual.