The samurai were the warrior class of feudal Japan, emerging around the late 12th century during the rise of the Kamakura Shogunate. They served as both warriors and officials, pledging loyalty to powerful feudal lords called daimyo. Governed by the Bushido code — "the way of the warrior" — samurai valued honor, loyalty, courage, and discipline above all else.

Samurai were skilled in a variety of weapons, most famously the katana, a curved sword symbolizing their status and mastery. Beyond combat, they were also trained in calligraphy, poetry, and philosophy, reflecting their dual role as fighters and scholars.

During the Edo period (1603–1868), Japan experienced prolonged peace under the Tokugawa shogunate. With fewer battles, the samurai transitioned into bureaucratic and administrative roles, yet they retained their status as a respected elite. However, the Meiji Restoration of 1868 marked the decline of the samurai class, as Japan modernized and abolished the feudal system.

Today, the legacy of the samurai endures as a symbol of discipline, honor, and cultural pride, inspiring stories, films, and traditions worldwide.