The Japanese sword, often epitomized by the katana, is more than just a weapon. It is a symbol of Japan’s rich cultural history, craftsmanship, and the ideals of the samurai who wielded it. Known for ...

In 1180, the Minamoto clan resumed hostilities with the Taira in what became the first armed conflict of the Gempei War (so-named for the Chinese reading of both clans' names). The war spelled defeat ...

An expansive exhibition focuses on the Japanese warriors—from their rise as masters of warfare to their domestication as part ...

The city of Kumamoto is steeped in the spirit of its samurai past, which many of its citizens point to as a major influence on their hometown to this day. In addition to its famed castle, the city ...

At their peak, in the 17th and 18th centuries, there were an estimated 1 million to 3 million samurai. These ranged from the shogun or military ruler and his generals to feudal lords and ...