History of the Samurai

The history of the samurai dates back over two thousand years ago. Back then, the Japanese lived in clans. The clans fought one another over land and power, two most important assets in the history of the samurai. At that time, there weren't any samurai warriors yet.

Yamato Clan

In about 400 C.E. the Yamato Clan ruled most of Japan. The Yamato Clan believed their leaders were descended from the Sun Goddess Amaterasu. The leaders of the Yamato Clan were pronounced the living gods so other clans did not dare attack them. The leaders of the Yamato Clan ruled for a long time.

Soga Clan

In 593, the leader of the Soga clan made Prince Shotoku regent to the Yamato clan's empress. Prince Shotoku used his power to transform Japan's government, science, religion and arts. Prince Shotoku borrowed ideas from the China which was the most advanced civilization at the time.

Fujiwara Clan

When Prince Shotoku died, the Fujiwara Clan gained power. Japan underwent many changes. When the Fujiwara Clan grew weak, the samurai warriors emerged.

• Oda Nobunaga and Toyotomi Hideyoshi
• Tokugawa Ieyasu
• Three Samurai
• End of Samurai Era
• Samurai today