Origins of the Samurai

To understand the significance of the samurai in Tokyo, we must delve into their origins. Emerging in the Heian period (794–1185), these noble warriors were originally tasked with protecting the interests of their land-owning lords, known as daimyo. Over time, they evolved into a class of skilled swordsmen, embodying a code of conduct known as Bushido, which dictated their way of life both on and off the battlefield.