History of the samurai tradition

Samurai culture has been deeply embedded in Japanese history and tradition and has influenced many aspects of Japanese society. It developed in Japan during the Kamakura period (1185-1333) and lasted until the end of the Edo period (1603-1867).

During this time, the samurai became an important force in Japanese society. They were warriors who fought for their daimyo - Japan's feudal lords. In the Kamakura period, the samurai became the most important forces in Japan and began to play an important role in Japanese politics and culture.

Samurai were armed with swords and proficient in martial arts such as kendo, iaido and spear fighting. These skills were essential in combat situations and also became part of the samurai culture and way of life.

Samurai culture was also heavily influenced by Confucian ideas, which became an important philosophy in Japan at the time. Confucian ideals of justice, loyalty and moral principle became the basis of samurai ethics. These ethics were manifested in various aspects of samurai life, such as bushido, the samurai way of life, which emphasises these values.

Another important part of samurai culture was their armour and weaponry. Swords were considered a symbol of samurai status and many swords were made with great precision and care. In addition, samurai often dressed in jinbaori, which are dyed cloaks adorned with family markings and symbols.

In the Edo period, samurai culture became increasingly formalised and was greatly influenced by the Tokugawa Shogunate, which established peace in Japan and restricted samurai activity.