Muromachi Period (1336–1573): After a short period of imperial rule, the Ashikaga shogunate rose to power. This era was marked by social upheaval, and the spread of Zen Buddhism greatly influenced samurai culture and values. It also saw the Onin War, which led to over a century of civil warfare known as the Sengoku (or “Warring States”) period.
Sengoku Period (Late Muromachi, approximately 1467–1603): During this time of near-constant warfare among various daimyo (feudal lords), samurai played pivotal roles as commanders and warriors.
The word “ronin” evokes images of masterless samurai wandering the Japanese landscape, bound by honor yet freed from feudal…
The samurai, noble warriors and guardians of ancient Japan, have been celebrated in lore and legends. They not only…
