The samurai adhered to a code known as bushido, which translates as “warrior's way”. It was (and still is) ethically comparable to the concept of chivalry in the European culture. ¹⁾

The bushido code evolved throughout time, but most elements centered on preparing for a good death via personal care, retaining honor, and frequently dying in battle. ²⁾

Samurai are commonly referred to as bushi or buke in Japanese. The name “samurai” is said to have originated from the Japanese word “saburau,” which means “those who serve in close attendance to the nobles”. ³⁾

Nitobe Inazo envisioned bushido as a set of eight qualities in the twentieth century, in an effort to unite samurai doctrine. Righteousness, Heroic Courage, Benevolence or Compassion, Respect, Honesty, Honor, Duty and Loyalty, and ultimately Self-Control were among them. ⁴⁾

In Japan, the samurai were an aristocratic elite, yet even samurai soldiers served the daimyos, feudal lords who ruled over local territories. The daimyos, in turn, served the shogun, who de facto governed Japan under a military dictatorship known as a shogunate, despite the Emperor being the figurehead monarch. ⁵⁾

The name “shogun” dates back to the early Heian era, when Emperor Kanmu tried to expand his power by recruiting local clan soldiers, referring to the chiefs of these clans as “shoguns.” Originally, this was merely a transitory title with little power. The Emperor's influence, however, began to wane in Japanese culture, paving the way for the reign of the shogun—and the samurai. ⁶⁾

If a samurai was without a lord or master, either because their master had died or the samurai had fallen out of favor, he or she was referred to as a ronin, a Japanese term for a “wandering man.” Because a samurai was meant to kill himself after his master's death or if he dishonored himself, ronin were the bad boys of medieval Japan who broke social rules. They frequently worked as mercenaries. ⁷⁾

Many people assume that samurai were a tiny, elite fighting force similar to modern-day Navy SEALS; nevertheless, they were a whole social class in their own right. At their heyday, samurai accounted for around 6-8 percent of Japan's population. ⁸⁾

Samurai were fashion influencers, influencing the attire of the day. Despite their magnificent attire, every part of it was tailored to meet their demands as warriors. Their typical costume comprised of broad hakama pants and a long-sleeved vest, known as a hitatare. These robes allowed you a lot of mobility. ⁹⁾

The chonmage hairstyle, which we know now as the topknot, was perhaps the most distinguishing element of samurai dress. Although the style has an aesthetic appeal, the original aim of those who wore it was certainly practical: the high knot of hair at the back of the head assisted in keeping a samurai's helmet on while engaged in combat. ¹⁰⁾

In addition to the topknot, samurai would frequently shave their heads to make it easier to wear a helmet. ¹¹⁾