Samurai

 Samurai is one of the Japanese cultures as you know. But, the history of samurai is concerned with Kyoto. Samurai has long sword, and wears Kimono.

"Samurai" is a relatively new word that emerged in the 16th century. It had been pronounced "Saburai" during the Muromachi period. (It is verb "saburau" in origin) The begining of samurai was in Heian period. Until manor was made, the court had the all of land in Japan. But since Taika revolution has took palce, the rule was made that court rent farmland for people. Then, people began to increase their land in competition with other. For these reasons, in this period, there were many people who conflict for border. So people began to arm to defend their farmland. This is the beginning of the samurai. In end of Heian period, samurai began to have a power comparale to the court. The Genji and Heishi was particularly influential in these.(Genzi and Heishi are group of samurai) First, Taira Kiyomori who was in group of Heishi has got highest position ”seiitaisyougun" for the first time as asamurai. So, During this time, Heishi had wielded power, but Yoshitune Minamoto and Yoritomo minamoto member of Genzi destroys Heishi immediately, so Genzi became the highest power in the end.(the war in which Genzi destroys heishi is called battle of dan no ura, is known as good battle.) But soon after this, Genji disappear in the infighting, so both of Genzi and Heishi disappear. However Taira and Genji, had perished in, it is needless to say they affected samurai after this era. 
   
 After this, quiet period is followed  for a while, but in Sengoku which is followed this quiet period, many war had took place.One of the most famous samurai in this period was Nobunaga oda.

  Oda Nobunaga hold on innovations in the area of organization and war tactics, developed commerce and industry. The most famous feat Nobunaga did would be using the gun for the first time in the war. It takes some time to launch first gun in those days. And, to shot every time, user had to repack the next bullet from the tip of the gun each time. So, people think that gun is not so useful as it costs much money. But Nobunaga devised a revolutionary tactics that divided gun crews into three rows, each rows attack different time. Using this tactic, Nobunaga finally became one of the extremely famous samurai. After sengoku period end, because samurai declined, samurai return to the court the power again. (It is called taiseihoukan) In this time,court prohibited to possess the sword by low. This is the end of the samurai. 

 Samurai culture is still very popular. In japan Rekizyo (That of women who love the brave samurai) appear because current man is so week... Of course, samurai who dress Japanese original costume, and battle desperately every time is loved not only Japanese man but also all over the world people. You can say that It is great culture in Kyoto.

 

 cite  http://kb6400.blog38.fc2.com/blog-entry-508.html

         http://www.geocities.co.jp/CollegeLife/3776/bushido.html