The origin of the Samurai

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The Samurai have always been fascinating to me. I remember seeing the Samurai portrayed in movies for as long as I have been watching television. As I got older and learned about the Samurai through history classes and television shows I became more intrigued. To learn of the impact they had and continue to have on Japanese culture amazes me. Some of their history is good and some of it is bad. They were a very honorable group of warriors but at the same time were also violent and unforgiving. Religion has had a major influence on the development of world civilization. The Samurai were no exception to this. They were very devoted to their beliefs and not easily influenced by outside cultures which still has an influence on Japan today. There is one particular name when mentioned together with Samurai and Japanese history has played a huge part in Japanese culture. That name is Toyotomi Hideyoshi. His life and accomplishments have helped shaped Japan into what it has become.
The origin of the Samurai dates back to early Japanese rule during the 11th and 12th century. This period was called the Kamakura period. This period was preceded by other periods which were influenced by China and Buddhism. After several failed imperial rules Japan was able to break away from China and develop their own system of writing. During the Kamakura period there was an established administrative body which was ran by a person called a Shogun.
During this period there was a need for protection for property owners as well as others to have protection. This protection was needed from the government officials that were sent to collect taxes on the lands. This led to the development of small warrior armies called Samurai. The word Samurai translates to “...

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...d and bad for Japan. It ensured that it was not influenced by outside influence. But at the same time it caused internal struggles to Japan that had to be dealt with. Both the Samurai and Hideyoshi helped keep Japan together during its difficult times. Today you can still see the influences in Japan left by the Samurai. Although as a group they were mostly disbanded after the world wars you can still see remnants of them in the arts and martial arts in Japan. Hideyoshi’s legacy is more visible in present time. His impact on Japan made it a more united country with laws and regulations that make it such a strong power today. Not all of Hideyoshi’s victories were battles fought but were his accomplishments in starting with nothing and working his way up. This gives the Japanese a sense of pride and hope. It makes Japan what is today. Strong in body and strong in mind.

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