The samurai caste ruled Japan for centuries. Warriors of the upper class, renowned for their ferocity and loyalty to their overlord, they have become an integral part of the history and culture of the entire country. The samurai code is partly observed by the Japanese today. These consummate fighters made the Land of the Rising Sun the way the world sees it today.
Masamune's date
Known for his love of violence, Date Masamune was one of the most feared warriors of his era. Blinded in one eye as a child, the young man was forced to make every effort to get the recognition of a full-fledged fighter. The reputation of a brave and cunning commander, Date Masamune, gained by defeating the clan of his opponents, after which he transferred to the service of Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Tokugawa Ieyasu.
Uesugi Kenshin
Kenshin, aka dragon Echigo, was a ferocious warrior and leader of the Nagao clan. He was known for his rivalry with Takeda Shingen, and supported Oda Nobunaga's military campaign. Kenshin was considered not only a brave fighter, but also an unsurpassed commander.
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Tokugawa Ieyasu
The great Tokugawa Ieyasu was originally an ally of Oda Nobunaga. After the death of Nobunaga's successor, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Ieyasu gathered his own army and started a long, bloody war. As a result, he established the rule of the Tokugawa shogunate in 1600, which lasted until 1868.
Hattori Hanzo
The leader of the Iga clan, Hattori Hanzo was one of those rare samurai who were trained as ninja warriors. He was a loyal servant of Tokugawa Ieyasu and saved his master from certain death several times. As he grew older, Hanzo became a Buddhist monk and ended his days in a monastery.
Honda tadakatsu
He was nicknamed "the warrior who conquered death." During his life, Tadakatsu took part in hundreds of battles and was not defeated in any of them. Honda's favorite blade was the legendary Dragonfly spear, which instilled fear in the enemy. It was Tadakatsu who led one of the troops in the decisive battle of Sekigahara, which led to a new era in Japanese history.
Miyamoto Musashi
Miyamoto Musashi was one of the greatest swordsmen in Japan. Musashi had his first duel at the age of 13: he fought on the side of the Toyotomi clan against the Tokugawa clan. Miyamoto traveled around the country almost his entire life, meeting great masters in mortal battles. At the end of his life, the great warrior wrote a treatise of the Five Rings, describing in detail the technique of using the sword.
Shimazu Yoshihisa
One of the most famous warlords of the Sengoku period, Shimazu Yoshihisa hailed from Satsuma province. Shimazu strove to unite Kyushu and won many victories. The general's clan ruled most of the island for many years, but was ultimately defeated by Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Shimazu Yoshihisa himself became a Buddhist monk and died in a monastery.