The History of the Japanese Samurai

Japan was divided into powerful clans, or groups of people. The clans were ruled by a leader called a damo who hired samurai to protect their clan. Samurai became distinguished for their honor in battle. They strictly followed the rules of the samurai or boshito which include courage, respect, self control and righteousness. Female foot soldiers were also known to fight alongside the men during clan wars. In 15 82, a man named oda nabu naga was born to a powerful daimo in the ari region. He built a beautiful castle on a lake and lived there during his rule. Nabunaga eventually became the leader of half the clans in japan - ashogan.