10. Samurai lived and died by a strict code of ethics, and their learning and fighting skills made them the elite of Japanese society
The Samurai warriors were the knights of pre-modern Japan. They were not only skilled fighters, they were also known for their chivalry. In fact, they not only adhered to a strict set of rules of combat, they were required to live their whole lives according to the ethical code of bushido, or the ‘way of the warrior’. At their peak, they were more than just elite soldiers. For around 300 years, they were the elite of Japanese society, enjoying a wide range of privileges over their countrymen.
The first samurai is believed to have emerged in around 920 AD. However, it was only really in the 12th century that they came to prominence in Japanese society. From this point onwards, they served as military officers for different clans and lords. Not only were they skilled fighters, they were trained in tactics and grand strategy, setting them apart from normal soldiers. So, when different clans went to war with one another during the 15th and 16th centuries, the Samurai were called upon to put their skills to good use for their masters.
Unlike the Ninja, the Samurai believed in fighting out in the open, ideally in the form of a duel or one-on-one combat. Influenced by the philosophies of Buddhism, Zen and Confucianism, true warriors would behave ethically and respectfully at all times. They believed in dying as honorably as they lived, too, and looked forward to a glorious death. If they felt they had failed, then a Samurai was supposed to commit ritual suicide, or Seppuku. For their service, Samurai enjoyed an elevated status in society, were the only ones permitted to carry swords at all times, and were often well paid, even if this was not supposed to be their motivation.
When relative peace returned to Japan during the Edo Period (1603-1867), the Samurai became the upper class of Japanese society. Since their formidable martial arts skills were not needed as much, many became teachers or even artists, and some went into business. According to some scholars, the Battle of Shiroyama in 1877 was the last true Samurai stand. However, the elite warriors’ shadow continued to fall over modern Japan – indeed, during the Second World War, some officers in the Japanese Imperial Army performed ritual suicide rather than let themselves be dishonored by being taken prisoner.