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Videos of contemporary swordsmen frequently showcase their evaluation of a novel sword's efficiency by slicing through bamboo or similar objects. However, this approach differs from the methods employed by samurai during their era.
Samurai would commonly test their new blades on cadavers, or sometimes even on imprisoned criminals. This practice was called tameshigiri, which translates to "cutting test."
Samurai were the exclusive class authorized to possess and carry a pair of swords called the daisho. This set consisted of two swords and was always carried by samurai. No other class in Japan had the privilege of possessing or carrying a daisho.
The smaller of the pair, known as the wakizashi, had a double purpose: it was used to decapitate defeated enemies in battle and also for performing seppuku, which is the honorable act of taking one's own life.
The samurai are typically seen as a predominantly male group of fighters. However, there was also a female warrior group known as the onna-bugeisha. They were entirely composed of women and were just as skilled and formidable as their male counterparts.
Among Japanese society, the onna-bugeisha were equally feared and respected as their male counterparts, and were active from at least 200 CE. Unlike samurai who carried two swords, the onna-bugeisha chose to wield the naginata, a shorter blade located at the end of a pole arm.
A samurai was considered a true samurai only when serving a master. If the master passed away or became dissociated with his charge, the samurai would lose their social standing and could choose to either rejoin commoners or follow a life of constant wandering.
The individuals who chose the second option were called ronin. Despite the idealized portrayal of the term in movies, books, and comics, actual ronin were more like wandering vagabonds without a permanent home rather than honorable adventurers.
In addition to the samurai, there existed another group of warriors called the sohei. The sohei held a distinct social class and had complete autonomy, even from the emperor.
The sohei were in fact warrior monks responsible for mediating (through force if necessary) between the two sects of Buddhism that emerged in the 10th century.
Tea ceremonies held great importance in samurai society. Referred to as chanoyu, these ceremonies were regularly performed by samurai upon their return from travels or battles.
The samurai believed that mental and spiritual wellbeing were just as important as physical strength. They used tea ceremonies as a way to relax and rejuvenate themselves.
Widespread peace in Japan meant bad business for the samurai class. When the fighting had ceased during the Tokagawa period, some samurai expressed their pent-up energy in interesting ways.
A group known as the kabukimono, meaning "crazy one," gained fame for their unconventional and sometimes controversial style. They dressed in geisha makeup, wore short kimonos, and chose nontraditional colors.
As the samurai became less relevant, some of the kabukimono formed street gangs. These kabukimono gangs are often believed to have paved the way for the present-day yakuza gangs.
Another ex-samurai street gang that developed during the same period were the kyokaku, or "street knights." But they followed more of a moral code than the kabukimono, and generally protected the public from other gangs. They were easily recognized by the extra-long swords they carried.
One of the darker practices of ancient samurai was known as tsujigiri, which roughly translates to "roadside killing." True to its name, tsujigiri consisted of samurai sneaking up on innocent civilians on the road and striking them dead.
Historians suggest that this tradition had ancient and dignified origins, but based on documented evidence it appears that it was mainly conducted for pleasure and amusement.
While seppuku is widely understood, the practice of honorably ending one's own life known as jigai is not as familiar.
Jigai was a type of honorable self-destruction specifically for samurai wives. Unlike seppuku, the practice involved a woman cutting her throat instead of the belly. Typically, it was carried out alongside their samurai partner.
Although the samurai were known for their adherence to some brutal customs, they surprisingly demonstrated progressive thinking in certain areas. Notably, samurai embraced homosexuality to a remarkable extent, which set them apart from their contemporaries.
During the Edo period it was common for apprentices to engage in sexual relationships with their masters. A book titled 'The Great Mirror of Male Love' provides accounts of numerous such relationships.
Contrary to popular belief, one didn't have to be Japanese to become a samurai. In the late 1500s, an African samurai named Yasuke (not pictured) emerged, challenging traditional assumptions.
Yasuke arrived in Japan in 1579, according to historical documents. Despite limited records, it is known that Yasuke became a samurai and worked for Oda Nabunaga, a powerful feudal lord of that period, until Nabunaga's demise.
The common perception of samurai typically depicts them as warriors using swords, spears, or axes. However, guns were also utilized by these ancient fighters after their introduction to Japan in the 16th century. Rifles became a regular part of a samurai's arsenal during this time.
Also contrary to the typical samurai archetype is the fact that most were short, stout individuals. While other warriors of the world around that time, like English knights, stood tall and averaged over six feet (182 cm) in height, the average samurai didn’t sit quite so high.
According to studies, the average samurai had a height of slightly above five feet (160 cm). Their shorter stature was offset by the 40 lbs (18 kg) of armor they wore.
Sources: (Grunge) (Ranker)
See also: Fascinating photos of life in 1920s Japan
Keep reading to uncover further fascinating insights into these legendary warriors.
The cutting edge of life as a samurai
Samurai society ran deeper that just swords and honor
LIFESTYLE Japan
Samurai have long been revered as iconic and renowned warriors of history. Their exploits have inspired numerous books, movies, and TV shows that help capture the essence of these ancient Japanese warriors. Beyond their well-known code, weaponry, and battle gear, the samurai class played a multifaceted role as guardians of Japan for over six centuries.
Keep reading to uncover further fascinating insights into these legendary warriors.