The Samurai

The Samurai were Japan's elite warriors. Bound by a strong code of honor, known as bushidō (武士道), they played a critical role in defending Japan from the Mongol invaders. The Samurai believed strongly in honor, swearing allegiance to their Feudal lords.

Daishō
Samurai were the defenders of Japan, the Sunrise Land. They are most known for the use for their twin swords, known as daishō (大小), which consisted of the longer katana (刀) and the shorter companion sword know as the wakizashi (わきざし). The samurai's swords were said to be a representation of his spirit. However, with the first Mongol invasions, the samurai's swords proved to be ineffective against the Mongol's armor of thick leather, which would cause the swords to embed, get struck or snap. In the seven years of peace following the incursion, the samurai worked together with their smiths to overcome this problem, anticipating the Mongol's return. They engineered new, heavier swords, made of stronger steel and with boarder blades and large points designed to penetrate the soft armor of the Mongols.⁽²⁾

Yumi
The Yumi (弓) refers to the types of bows used by the Samurai. The bows have a reputation as some of the largest in the world, standing over two meters tall. They feature a structure of laminated bamboo and regular wood with a hemp string and a leather grip. The Yumi began to fall out of use with the Mongol invasions, however, as it proved ineffective against their thick leather armor. The Mongols also wore a layer of silk under their armor, meaning even if an arrow did pierce the leather it could be removed as quickly and painlessly as possible.⁽¹⁾

Tantō
The Tantō (短刀) was a short dagger used by the samurai. It was often not used as a primary method, but hidden in concealment for surprise attacks. It was often only a single-edged weapon of about 30cm long.⁽²⁾

Naginata
The Naginata (なぎなた) was a single-edged, curved blade attached to a long wooden pole for slashing and stabbing. The blade allowed for the wielder to press an attack on the opponent while at little risk from a counter-attack. In the hands of a skilled practitioner, a single 150cm-tall wielder could conceivably cover and attack in 45 m² of open, level ground with a 150cm shaft, 90cm blade, and a further 90cm of arm reach.⁽²⁾

The Role of the Samurai
The samurai were Japan's elite warrior class. To become a sumurai, one was required to have undergone large amounts of training in topics such as martial arts, swordsmanship, and archery. Children of wealthier families were likely to have studied literature, the arts and history. Training on basic topics such as martial arts becan as young as at the age of 5. Although all following the same code of bishido and obeying the Emperor, the samurai would have sworn loyalty to their local lord and would often meet each other of the fields of battle during times of conquest for riches and land. As such, the samurai spent the majority of their history warring among themselves. The Mongol Invasions changed this, however, with the samurai uniting for the first time in their history to fight a common enemy. Notable Samurai include Miyamoto Musashi who is well-known for his publication of the Book of Five Rings.⁽¹⁾⁽³⁾