Samurai Terminology, Definitions & Phrases 

Japan is a country with rich history and culture. Part of what makes Japan so fascinating to many people is the samurai who lived long ago. 

The samurai were warriors skilled in both military techniques and the arts. These cultured individuals worked under powerful clan leaders and shoguns. 

The skills, appearance, and personalities of the samurai make them some of the most popular historical figures. 

Studying the history of samurai can introduce you to many new Japanese words and concepts, and it may feel overwhelming to learn them all.

This article is our attempt to shed light on some important and common concepts surrounding the samurai and Japanese society during the time of their existence. 

Bu

Military skills of the samurai, including archery and swordsmanship.

Buke

Warrior nobility who adopted traditionally aristocratic customs. The samurai evolved into higher strata of society over time and through the incorporation of Japanese aristocratic habits and interests. 

Bun

The peaceful arts performed by samurai including poetry and the tea ceremony. Samurai were skilled fighters but also had gentle and artistic interests. 

Bushido

The “way of the samurai” is a popularized concept of a samurai code of ethics. In reality, this code would not have been followed by all samurai at all times. Samurai were highly loyal, but bushido is considered a modern concept inspired by this loyalty to clan leaders. 

Chado

The “way of tea,” or tea ceremony. Ritualized in the 1500s, the tea ceremony includes certain gestures and phrases and the proper preparing, serving, and drinking of tea. 

Daimyo

Wealthy landholders and clan leaders who served the shogun. Samurai fought for daimyo to secure their power and influence. 

Emperor

The hereditary ruler of Japan who held no real power during the time of the shoguns. 

Genpuku

A ceremony in which a thirteen year old  boy became a samurai by the gifting of a wakizashi sword and a new name. 

Gunbai

War fans used to direct the movement of troops in battle. These small wooden fans could be plain or ornate. 

Kabuto

Samurai helmet. Could be plain or highly ornate to show a samurai’s or daimyo’s status. 

Kamon

Family emblems or crests used by samurai to distinguish between clans. 

Katana

The famous samurai sword. These swords feature curved blades with hard and sharp edges. 

Kuge

Nobility, the aristocratic class. Families who lived at court and who formed powerful alliances with each other. 

Menpo

Samurai face masks worn for protection during battle. Menpo became popular in the Sengoku Period (1460s to 1615). 

Ronin

“Wandering” samurai who lost the patronage of their lord or decided to part ways. This fate was sometimes used as a punishment and sent samurai to the bottom of the warrior class. Although it could be a choice, becoming a ronin was devastating to many samurai. Ronin were important to Japanese history as the “wildcards” who led opposition. 

Seppuku

Ritual suicide performed to maintain dignity or express loyalty to a lord. 

Shogun

A hereditary role with “appointment” by the emperor, the shogun held complete control over Japan. This was the highest rank of the military government from the 1100s to the Meiji Restoration of 1868. 

Tabi

Split-toe socks worn by samurai and others. Leather and armored options would have been worn by samurai in battle. 

Tedate

A type of wooden shield carried by Japanese foot soldiers. 

Wakizashi

A short sword worn with a katana. 

Waraji

Straw sandals worn on the battlefield with tabi. 

Yari

A spear popularized in the 1400s and used by samurai throughout the centuries. Highly effective when used on horseback. 

Yumi

A compound bow that served as the main weapon of the samurai until the introduction of gunpowder in the 1500s.