Warriors of Medieval Japan

SAMURAI:• Originally servants recruited to train and protect Daimyo- large land owners• Soon became hired bodyguards/policemen- orginally horsemen who were archers• Minamoto- became so powerful, became military rulers and emperor had no real power• Many powerful clans fought for power and land (Feudalism)• Samurai fought with honor, in some cases would take own life rather than be “shamed” in losing

Warriors of Medieval Japan

Ashigaru:• Lower class foot soldiers, fought under direction of Samurai leaders• Ashigaru- translated to “light feet”• Complemented the Samurai in battle• Powerful Daimyo’s would have armies of Ashigaru

Warriors of Medieval Japan

Ninja:• Considered secret agents, hired assassins, special forces of Medieval Japan• Opposite of Samurai- considered dishonorable and deceiving• Ninja’s originally were taken from lower classes, and kept secret…much mystery surrounds them today• Usually hired by Daimyo’s in secret to assasinate rivals, steal secrets, etc.

Warriors of Medieval Japan

Warrior Monks- Sohei:• Unlike Samurai, Sohei were not loyal to Daimyos or emperors, but to their temple of Buddhism• Before Daimyos, the warrior monks fought each other for power• Later assisted other armies, like Minimoto’s