Exploring the East: Japanese Journey

Exploring the History and Legacy of the Samurai Those who have studied Japan or have seen films or television shows with a Japanese theme know that there are stories of the samurai and the sword being an extension of the soul. The samurai have long been a part of Japan’s culture and have left behind a legacy of honour and duty. The origin of the samurai dates back to the 8th century, and over the centuries, the samurai came to represent the ultimate warrior group in Japan. Not only were the samurai physically strong, but they were also the spiritual and ideological guardians of their lords. They were the loyal followers who would risk their lives not only on the battlefield but also to maintain the honor and traditions of their lords. The origin and development of the samurai can be divided into three stages. The first stage is known as the Heian period, which began in 794 and lasted until 1185. Many of the samurai traditions arose during this period, such as the code of bushido, wh...