Samurai Heraldry
Samurai Heraldry

Author: Stephen Turnbull

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing

Published: 2012-06-20

Total Pages: 168

ISBN-13: 1782000143

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The dazzling spectacle presented by the armies of medieval Japan owed much to the highly developed family and personal heraldry of samurai society. From simple personal banners, this evolved over centuries of warfare into a complex system of flags worn or carried into battle, together with the striking 'great standards' of leading warlords. While not regulated in the Western sense, Japanese heraldry developed as a series of widely followed practices, while remaining flexible enough to embrace constant innovation. Scores of examples, in monochrome and full colour, illustrate this fascinating explanation of the subject by a respected expert on all aspects of samurai culture.

O-umajirushi
O-umajirushi

Author:

Publisher: The Academy of the Four Directions

Published: 2015-02-02

Total Pages: 313

ISBN-13: 0692377409

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A translation of a unique 17th-century compendium of samurai heraldry, annotated with the symbolism and stories behind the banners. O-umajirushi is the earliest surviving color compendium of Japanese crests and heraldry. At the time, woodblock printing was just starting to allow for widespread distribution of books in Japan. O-umajirushi took advantage of this technology to make color reproductions of the various banners and other devices used by 170 different samurai commanders. This translation presents copies of the original pages of O-umajirushi with translations, annotations, explanations, and comparisons, as well as 30 pages of context, background information, and historic images. It provides an in-depth look at samurai heraldry and into a key historical source.

Family Crests of Japan
Family Crests of Japan

Author: Stone Bridge Press

Publisher: Stone Bridge Press

Published: 2007-04-01

Total Pages: 154

ISBN-13: 1933330309

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Find the beauty and meaning of over 850 family crests found in Japanese tradition

The Samurai
The Samurai

Author: Stephen Turnbull

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2013-06-17

Total Pages: 316

ISBN-13: 1134243626

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First published in 1977, The Samurai has long since become a standard work of reference. It continues to be the most authoritative work on samurai life and warfare published outside Japan. Set against the background of Japan's social and political history, the book records the rise and rise of Japan's extraordinary warrior class from earliest times to the culmination of their culture, prowess and skills as manifested in the last great battle they were ever to fight - that of Osaka Castle in 1615.

Warfare in Japan
Warfare in Japan

Author: Harald Kleinschmidt

Publisher: Routledge

Published: 2017-05-15

Total Pages: 471

ISBN-13: 1351873709

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Warfare in Japan from the fourth to the nineteenth century has caused much controversy among Western military and political historians. This volume assembles key articles written by specialists in the field on military organization, the social context of war, battle action, weapons and martial arts. The focus is on the transformation of patterns of warfare that arose from endogenous as well as exogenous factors.

Secrets of the Samurai
Secrets of the Samurai

Author: Oscar Ratti

Publisher: Tuttle Publishing

Published: 2011-12-20

Total Pages: 401

ISBN-13: 1462902545

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Secrets of the Samurai is the definitive study of the martial arts of feudal Japan, explaining in detail the weapons, techniques, strategies, and principles of combat that made the Japanese warrior a formidable foe. The work begins with a panoramic survey of the tumultuous early struggles of warlords contending for political ascendancy and then outlines the relentless progression of the military class toward absolute power. In addition to illustrating actual methods of combat, the authors discuss in detail the crucial training necessary to develop a warrior's inner power and to concentrate all his energies into a single force. Secrets of the Samurai is an essential text for anyone with an interest in Japanese combat techniques, weaponry, or military history. This edition also contains a new foreword by Adele Westbrook and numerous previously unpublished illustrations by Oscar Ratti. Chapters include: The Bushi The Heimin The Centers of Martial Instruction Armed Bujutsu Unarmed Bujutsu Control and Power Strategic Principles Morality of Bujutsu

Samurai
Samurai

Author: Constantine Nomikos Vaporis Ph.D.

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing USA

Published: 2019-03-14

Total Pages: 406

ISBN-13:

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Alphabetically arranged entries along with primary source documents provide a comprehensive examination of the lives of Japan's samurai during the Tokugawa or Edo period, 1603–1868, a time when Japan transitioned from civil war to extended peace. The samurai were an aristocratic class of warriors who imposed and maintained peace in Japan for more than two centuries during the Tokugawa or Edo period, 1603–1868. While they maintained a monopoly on the legitimate use of violence, as a result of the peace the samurai themselves were transformed over time into an educated, cultured elite—one that remained fiercely proud of its military legacy and hyper-sensitive in defending their individual honor. This book provides detailed information about the samurai, beginning with a timeline and narrative historical overview of the samurai. This is followed by more than 100 alphabetically arranged entries on topics related to the samurai, such as ritual suicide, castles, weapons, housing, clothing, samurai women, and more. The entries cite works for further reading and often include sidebars linking the samurai to popular culture, tourist sites, and other information. A selection of primary source documents offers firsthand accounts from the era, and the volume closes with a selected, general bibliography.

How To Be a Modern Samurai
How To Be a Modern Samurai

Author: Antony Cummins

Publisher: Watkins Media Limited

Published: 2020-08-11

Total Pages: 225

ISBN-13: 1786784068

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Take inspiration from old Japan and discover how the samurai practices for self-discipline, focus, leadership, and mind control can help you find success in your daily life. For centuries, the Japanese samurai were the unquestioned leaders of their society, maintaining their position through their iron will, Zen-like emotional control, and clan-building social skills. Today, in a modern world that so often privileges instant gratification and self-indulgence, few commit to the Way of the Samurai, yet this challenging path of self-discipline, self-control, and dedication will bring great rewards to those who follow it. In this ultimate guide to making use of the authentic samurai practices and techniques in today’s world, learn how to control your mind and emotions, stay on the path until you have achieved mastery of your chosen art, build a network of loyal followers, defend your home from physical and psychic attack, use samurai spirituality and even magic—and much more.

Japanese Warrior Monks AD 949–1603
Japanese Warrior Monks AD 949–1603

Author: Stephen Turnbull

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing

Published: 2012-06-20

Total Pages: 172

ISBN-13: 1782000100

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From the 10th to the mid-17th century, religious organisations played an important part in the social, political and military life in Japan. Known as sohei ('monk warriors') or yamabushi ('mountain warriors'), the warrior monks were anything but peaceful and meditative, and were a formidable enemy, armed with their distinctive, long-bladed naginata. The fortified cathedrals of the Ikko-ikki rivalled Samurai castles, and withstood long sieges. This title follows the daily life, training, motivation and combat experiences of the warrior monks from their first mention in AD 949 through to their suppression by the Shogunate in the years following the Sengoku-jidai period.