The Samurai role in the Social Class of Japan
Links
http://www.samuraiweapons.com/
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2127.html
Samurai were elite warriors in feudal Japan. They served daimyos, otherwise known as lords and shoguns that were like kings in Europe during the Middle Ages. Their job was to protect their daimyo or shogun and ride into battle when they were needed. They were the knights of Japan.
The Samurai had a code of honor that was very much like the knights in Europe's code of honor called chivalry. Their code of honor however was called Bushido. It emphasized self-disciple, courage, and loyalty. Bushido was not just a code of honor, but was also a way of life and what governed their behavior in society.
Samurai carried and used a multitude of weapons. The three main ones are the katana, wakizashi, and tanto. The smallest sword was the tanto and it resembled a dagger or large knife. The tanto was usually hidden away and used for surprise attacks. The wakizashi was a short sword that was usually used for the killing blow and the katana was the long sword. The katana was the longest sword a samurai would carry and the most important.
Samurai were at the top of the social structure of Japan. The only ones that were above samurai were daiymo and shoguns which samurai served. The Emperor was just a figurehead to the people of Japan at that time, the true leaders were the militaristic shoguns. Those that are without a daiymo or shogun were called ronin. Below the samurai were farmers, merchants, and artisans.
Throughout history there has always been a warrior class, social classes, and often at times figureheads that lose power to militaristic leaders. Samurai are just one example of the distinct warrior class that has been in any society all over the world. Like knights, modern soldiers, and other warriors samurai have served leaders for protection and with honor. Their only goal in life was to serve with pride and for their nation.