Samurai

A Samurai was a member of the military nobility and officer caste in feudal Japan, known primarily for their adherence to the code of bushido, which emphasized loyalty, honor, and martial skill. Samurai served as warriors for aristocratic lords, known as daimyo, and played a significant role in Japanese politics and society from the Heian period through the Edo period. They were skilled in various martial arts, particularly in the use of the katana, a traditional Japanese sword. Beyond their warrior status, many samurai also became involved in administration, culture, and philosophy, contributing to art and literature. The samurai era ended in the late 19th century during the Meiji Restoration, which sought to modernize Japan and dismantle the feudal system. Today, samurai are often evoked in popular culture as symbols of discipline, honor, and martial prowess.