In Japan there are many famous Samurai (of course)! In the Western countries, we have
generally heard of some of these people or events. Here's a small collection of the more
commonly known (in the West) Samurai's and some links to others.
Musashi
Musashi is probably THE most famous (real) Samurai in the West. I am not sure whether this is
due to his "Book of Five Rings" (Go-Rin-No-Sho), the fictional book of his exploits by Eiji
Yoshikawa, the many films in Japan about him or because of his distinctive two-sword
style of fighting. Whatever the reason it seems to be true. In Japan, he is often
referred to as "Sword Saint".
Musashi is said to have fought and won at least 60 sword duels in his lifetime, and his
success was not just limited to single combat either. He is also respected as a tactician,
an artist and carver. He taught that a Samurai should understand all trades and he had
himself dabbled at most trades in his wanderings. He has had warships, and a whole range of
products named after him to capitalise on his fame. The Yoshikawa book is a good read!
Yagyu Munenori
Yagyu Munenori lived around the same time as Musashi and achieved the goal that Musashi did
not achieve - that of Sword tutor to the Shogun. The Yagyu family was a strategically
important aly for the Shogun as their lands were in an important location. Some say that
this over the sword prowess was the main reason that Munenori rose to such prominence in the
Shogun's court. Whatever the reason(s), it is an historical fact that Munenori was a key
figure to the Shogun, and as a result the Yagyu family name is assured of a lasting place in
history. Yagyu Shinkage Ryu is one of the more widely practised sword art styles of today,
and is the result of the style started by the Yagyu family and promoted through the Shogun
by Munenori.
Munenori is also remembered as the author of the book "The Life Giving Sword". See
Samurai Resources section.
Tokogawa Shogun's
Following the Sengoku Period of "warring states", Oda Nobunaga set about unifying Japan.
He had largely achieved his goal when he was murdered in 1582 and Toyotomi Hideyoshi, one of
his generals, quickly took over command and continued the unification process battle by battle.
After defeating the Hojo family in Odawara in 1590, Japan was finally reunited, but absolute
control still needed great efforts and Hideyoshi undertook many actions to this end until his
death in 1598. He was suceeded by Tokugawa Ieyasu who had been a loyal companion of the two
famous Generals. After the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600,
central authority fell completely to the victor - Tokugawa Ieyasu
who then stabilised the country and received the title of shogun in 1603, thus establishing
the Tokugawa shogunate that lasted until 1868. The Tokugawa shogunate ruled from Edo castle
until the Meiji Restoration. Tokugawa Shogunate at Wikipedia A history of the Shoguns website about the Tokugawa Shogunate Oda Nobunaga and Toytomi Hideyoshi at Wikipedia About the Tokugawa clan
The 47 Ronin
Also known as the 47 Samurai, the Ako Ronin, and Chushingura. This is one of the more well
known Samurai stories in the West.
The incident started due to Lord Asano of Ako drawing his sword to strike Lord Kira when at
the Shogun's palace in Edo. Since drawing sword here was strictly forbidden, Lord Asano was
ordered to commit seppuku and his lands and castle was forfeit. The Samurai of Ako were made
Ronin as a result and some vowed revenge. Since it was suspected they would want to take revenge,
they had to bide their time and convince everyone this was not possible, while secretly preparing
to do so. Eventually, 47 of the Ako Samurai stormed Lord Kira's house and found and killed him.
They then transported his head to the grave of Lord Asano and turned themselves into the
authorities. While there were conflicting views of what to do with them, they ultimately
were ordered (or allowed depending on your point of view), to commit seppuku and they were
then buried alongside their Lord. The temple where they are buried (in Tokyo) is still a
popular site today and incense will be found burning at their graves to honour their actions.
Ryoma Sakamoto
Ryoma Sakamoto was one of the true 'last Samurai'. He witnessed Commodore Perry's ships
arrival in Edo and went to USA to learn the foreign ways. On his return, he played a major
part in the Meiji reform and government changes. about Ryoma Sakamoto Ryoma Sakamoto museum
Famous Samurai Gallery
