The samurai were a preeminent class defending Japan for centuries. But as the Tokugawa shogunate ushered in an era of ...

The swastika is one of the most ancient symbols used by humans ... doorways or on motor vehicles. In Japan the swastika is known as manji. It was used on Samurai swords and traditional kimono ...

For centuries, its sleek yet lethal design has held great sway over Westerners’ minds and hearts alike. While most commonly associated with Japanese samurai culture and ancient Japan traditions, its ...

Hara Takashi is a symbol of the new Japan. He was born into a minor Samurai family and opted to be classed as a commoner. He ...

High-ranking samurai practiced mounted warfare, shooting arrows from horseback. When infantry warfare became the norm, armor lost its practicality and became a symbol of a samurai's power.