WIRED Japanese Expert Historian Talks About Samurai

Link to the original video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IEpd2SVw0F8 Also if you like what I do and wish to support my work to help me make sure that I can continue to tell it how it is please consider checking out my patreon! Unboxings are Patreon exclusives! https://www.patreon.com/themetatron Join this channel to get access to more old school Metatron videos the algorithm wouldn't prioritize! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIjGKyrdT4Gja0VLO40RlOw/join The samurai of Japan emerged as a distinct warrior class during the late 8th century, rising from provincial warriors who served local lords to become one of history's most renowned military aristocracies. Initially serving as armed guards for wealthy landowners and officials at the imperial court, these early warriors gradually evolved into professional soldiers who lived by a strict code of conduct known as bushido. During the late 12th century, as Japan transitioned from imperial rule to military government under the Kamakura shogunate, the samurai solidified their position as the dominant social class. They served their daimyo (feudal lords) with unwavering loyalty, receiving land and privileges in return for their military service. This period saw the refinement of samurai combat techniques, including masterful archery from horseback and sophisticated swordsmanship. The samurai culture reached its zenith during the Sengoku period, an era of constant warfare between competing daimyo that lasted from the 15th to the early 17th century. This tumultuous time shaped many of the iconic elements associated with samurai culture: the distinctive armor, the ritual of seppuku (ritual suicide), and the elevated importance of the katana sword. The tea ceremony, poetry, and other artistic pursuits became integral parts of samurai culture, as warriors were expected to balance martial prowess with cultural refinement. The establishment of the Tokugawa shogunate in 1603 brought an era of peace that fundamentally changed the role of the samurai. With no wars to fight, many became bureaucrats and administrators, though they maintained their privileged status and continued practicing martial arts. They adapted to their new circumstances by becoming scholars, artists, and government officials, while still adhering to the principles of bushido. The final chapter of the traditional samurai era came with the Meiji Restoration in 1868. The new government abolished the samurai class privileges, ended their right to carry swords, and dismantled the feudal system that had supported them for centuries. Many former samurai found roles in Japan's modernizing military, government, and business sectors, while others resisted these changes, leading to several rebellions that marked the end of their era. Though the samurai as a social class disappeared, their influence on Japanese culture persists to this day. Their code of honor, emphasis on discipline, and balance of martial and artistic pursuits continues to shape Japanese society and has fascinated people worldwide. From business ethics to martial arts dojos, the legacy of the samurai remains evident in modern Japan and continues to inspire people globally through literature, film, and popular culture. #samurai #japanesehistory #feudaljapan