Samurai

Samurai

Author: John Malam

Publisher: 100 Facts

Published: 2010-06

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9781848102989

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

"The rise of the samurai is brilliantly portrayed through 100 facts, fantastic images and fun cartoons. Get the inside story of famous commanders, find out how weapons were made and learn about the clever tactics behind battle formations"--Cover [4].


The Way of the Samurai

The Way of the Samurai

Author: Inazo Nitobe

Publisher: Arcturus Publishing

Published: 2017-09-21

Total Pages: 89

ISBN-13: 1788880382

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

This classic text by Inazo Nitobe defining the moral code of the warrior class or Samurai has had a huge impact both in the West and in Japan itself. Drawing on Japanese traditions such as Shinto and Buddhism, and citing parallels with Western philosophy and literature, Nitobe's text is essential reading for anyone who wishes to understand the culture and morals of Japan.


A History of the Samurai

A History of the Samurai

Author: Jonathan Lopez-Vera

Publisher: Tuttle Publishing

Published: 2020-06-02

Total Pages: 210

ISBN-13: 1462921345

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

A History of the Samurai tells the complete story of Japan's legendary warrior class from beginning to end--an epic tale of intrigue, bloodshed and bravery that is central to an understanding of the Japanese character and of Japanese history. It describes in detail the core Samurai philosophy of Bushido--"the way of the warrior"--a complex code of conduct embracing ideals of honor and loyalty that continues to govern the Japanese way of life today. Historian Jonathan Lopez-Vera offers a compelling look at these enigmatic warriors including: The lives of famous Samurai--Miyamoto Musashi, Japan's greatest swordsman; Tomoe Gozen, the woman who became a Samurai; Tokugawa Ieyasu, the last Shogun; and many more The tragic tale of the 47 Ronin who chose honor over their own lives and were forced to commit ritual suicide after avenging their fallen master The philosophy of Bushido, "the Way of the Warrior," the code of conduct that embraced the ideals of honor and loyalty and governed the Samurai way of living The decline of the Samurai and their transformation from rough, battle-hardened warriors to highly educated philosopher-poets Illustrated with 125 archival prints and photos, the nobility and grandeur of the Samurai is brilliantly showcased in this book. Readers will enjoy immersing themselves in the Samurai's world, as historian Jonathan Lopez-Vera traces the fascinating story of the rise and fall of these enigmatic warriors throughout Japanese history.


Samurai

Samurai

Author: Thomas Louis

Publisher: Sterling Publishing Company, Inc.

Published: 2008-08

Total Pages: 212

ISBN-13: 9781402763120

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

"'Samurai' explores the essence, truth, and wisdom of these remarkable warriors. It features renowned samurai warriors, their weapons, armor, and military strategies and illuminates their unwavering "Bushido" philosophy--the strict code of honor requiring absolute loyalty to their master above all else, and ritual suicide in preference to dying a dishonorable death. This book explores the spirit, body, and minds of these sublime paladins who long ago passed into legend, but still live on today"--Back cover


Japan's Hidden Gems: 100 Surprising Facts About History and Cultures of the Land of the Rising Sun That Will Blow Your Mind

Japan's Hidden Gems: 100 Surprising Facts About History and Cultures of the Land of the Rising Sun That Will Blow Your Mind

Author: Andrea Febrian

Publisher: Andrea Febrian

Published: 2024-07-05

Total Pages: 65

ISBN-13:

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Discover the captivating secrets and awe-inspiring wonders of Japan with "Japan's Hidden Gems: 100 Surprising Facts About the Land of the Rising Sun That Will Blow Your Mind." This extraordinary book takes you on an unforgettable journey through the rich history, vibrant culture, and fascinating traditions of one of the world's most enigmatic nations. Uncover the truth behind the mysterious samurai warriors, learn about the incredible health benefits of Japanese cuisine, and be amazed by the mind-boggling innovations that have shaped Japan's past and present. With each turn of the page, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the intricate tapestry of customs, beliefs, and accomplishments that make Japan truly unique. Here are just a few of the 100 remarkable facts you'll find inside: The Jōmon period (c. 14,000–300 BCE) marked the beginning of Japanese civilization, with hunter-gatherers creating intricate pottery designs that laid the foundation for Japan's rich artistic tradition. These early inhabitants subsisted on a diet of fish, wild plants, and game, and their pottery, known as Jōmon ware, is considered some of the oldest in the world. The arrival of Buddhism in Japan from Korea in 538 CE, during the Asuka period (538–710), had a profound impact on Japanese culture, art, and politics. Buddhism quickly gained popularity among the ruling class, leading to the construction of numerous temples and the creation of breathtaking Buddhist art. The Heian period (794–1185) is often considered the pinnacle of classical Japanese culture. With the relocation of the capital to Heian-kyō (present-day Kyoto) in 794, this era saw the flourishing of art, literature, and poetry amid the elegant court life of the imperial city. The Tale of Genji, written by Murasaki Shikibu during this period, is celebrated as a masterpiece of world literature. The Tokugawa shogunate implemented the policy of sakoku (closed country) in 1639, which limited foreign interaction and banned Christianity in an effort to maintain stability and control. This policy, which remained in effect for over 200 years, had a profound impact on Japanese society, fostering a unique cultural identity and contributing to the country's isolation from the rest of the world. The Meiji Restoration of 1868 marked the end of the Tokugawa shogunate and the beginning of a new era in Japanese history. Driven by a desire to modernize the country, Japan adopted Western technology, institutions, and ideas while seeking to preserve its own cultural identity. This period set Japan on the path to becoming a modern, industrialized nation. "Japan's Hidden Gems" is not just a collection of fascinating facts; it's a celebration of the indomitable spirit and resourcefulness of the Japanese people. Through vivid descriptions and engaging storytelling, this book brings Japan's past and present to life, offering a deeper understanding of the forces that have shaped this remarkable nation. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a cultural explorer, or simply curious about the world around you, "Japan's Hidden Gems" is an essential guide to uncovering the secrets and surprises of Japan. Don't miss your chance to embark on this incredible journey – get your copy today and prepare to be amazed! With 100 mind-blowing facts packed into its pages, this book is a treasure trove of knowledge and insight that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the Land of the Rising Sun. Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Japan and discover the hidden gems that make this country truly extraordinary.


The Samurai Swordsman

The Samurai Swordsman

Author: Stephen Turnbull

Publisher: Frontline Books

Published: 2008-02-20

Total Pages: 523

ISBN-13: 1473817935

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

Samurai tells the story of the courageous and highly disciplined fighting men of this time, showing how they evolved from the primitive fighters of the seventh century into an invincible military caste with a fearsome reputation. In the early seventh century, the samurai rose to prominence during the struggles between the emperor and the military leaders (shogun). They took part in the invasion of Korea, as well as helping to keep Japan free from foreign influence. From the Heian period through to the Onin wars, the history of the samurai is replete with tales of heroism and bloodshed. Although the samurai is most famous for his use of the sword, he also used a wide variety of other weapons, such as the crossbow, the dagger and the spear. Samurai armour and costume were constantly evolving, and by the twelfth century most samurai were wearing the box-like yoroi armour. Samurai examines samurai fighting tactics, as well as acts such as ritual suicide (hari-kiri) and the taking of enemy heads as trophies.


Ninja

Ninja

Author: John Man

Publisher: Random House

Published: 2012-07-19

Total Pages: 386

ISBN-13: 1446487660

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

The Ninjas today are the stuff of myth and legend in comics, film and electronic games. But once they were real, the medieval equivalent of the SAS: spies, saboteurs, assassins. In their secrecy, under-cover skills and determination to survive, they were the opposite of the overt, self destructive samurai. Could they fly? Make themselves invisible? Of course not.It was just that their skills gave them a magical aura. As a result, martial artists and story-tellers have turned them into fantasy creatures, from James Bond to Mutant Turtles. In Ninja John Man goes in search of the truth. In a journey to the heartland of the ninjas, he takes us from their origins over 1,000 years ago, through their heyday in the civil wars that ended with Japan’s unification in 1600. But that was not the end of the ninja ethos. That re-emerged in World War Two as a little-known counterpart to Japanese militarism. Ninja ways live on in the real ‘last of the ninjas’, Hiroo Onoda, who held out in the Philippine jungle for 30 years.


Bushido Explained

Bushido Explained

Author: Alexander Bennett

Publisher: Tuttle Publishing

Published: 2020-03-10

Total Pages: 208

ISBN-13: 1462921221

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

This seminal work by historian Alexander Bennett presents a broad overview of the Japanese "Way of the Warrior" as it is expressed in scores of classical Japanese texts written by famous Samurai themselves. Bennett's analysis of these writings shows that the essential meaning of Bushido, the Samurai's code of conduct and ethics, evolved significantly over time--from the 12th century when the warrior class was elevated to become an elite group, to the 19th century when the Samurai class was suddenly disbanded. Bushido Explained takes a visual approach to presenting important concepts and terminology, helping readers easily navigate the complex world of the Samurai. The text is written in a highly accessible style, with sidebars presenting interesting concepts, facts and important Samurai figures who were central to Bushido's evolution. The different types of Bushido--which vary by region, time period and Samurai rank--are presented with over 300 informative diagrams and illustrations. No other book offers such a wide-ranging, yet clear analysis of Bushido--debunking myths and misconceptions about who the Samurai truly were. Bushido Explained presents a precise overview of Samurai ideals and culture in a logical, chronological order. Author Alexander Bennett--a professor of Japanese history, martial arts and Budo theory at Kansai university in Japan--uses this information and teaching methods in his Japanese Studies: Introduction to Bushido class. Now, readers all over the world can sit in on the unique lesson.


A Brief History of the Samurai

A Brief History of the Samurai

Author: Jonathan Clements

Publisher: Robinson

Published: 2013-02-07

Total Pages: 242

ISBN-13: 1472107721

DOWNLOAD EBOOK

'Clements has a knack for writing suspenseful sure-footed conflict scenes: His recounting of the Korean invasion led by samurai and daimyo Toyotomi Hideyoshi reads like a thriller. If you're looking for a samurai primer, Clements' guide will keep you on the hook' Japan Times, reviewed as part of an Essential Reading for Japanophiles series From a leading expert in Japanese history, this is one of the first full histories of the art and culture of the Samurai warrior. The Samurai emerged as a warrior caste in Medieval Japan and would have a powerful influence on the history and culture of the country from the next 500 years. Clements also looks at the Samurai wars that tore Japan apart in the 17th and 18th centuries and how the caste was finally demolished in the advent of the mechanized world.