In medieval times, Japan was torn apart by wars between rival families called clans. The clans hired warrior knights to fight for them. These knights were called samurai. One clan leader became so powerful, he ruled over the whole of Japan in the late 12th century. He was called the shogun, a military dictator. The emperor, meanwhile, had no power. Shoguns ruled Japan on behalf of the emperor for the next 700 years.

Yamato

Clans had been battling with each other to rule different parts of Japan since ancient times. In the 3rd century, one of these clans, the Yamato, ruled over the plains where today the cities of Osaka and Kyoto are located. The Yamato rulers believed that they were descended from Jimmu, Japan's legendary first emperor. Jimmu himself was a descendant of the sun goddess, Amaterasu.

The Yamato went on to conquer the rest of Japan. Yamato emperors have reigned over Japan ever since.

Daimyo

Under shogun rule, the emperor of Japan became just a figurehead. Meanwhile, wars still frequently broke out between the clans. Each clan was led by a lord known as a daimyo. He hired samurai to fight for him and keep law and order in his lands.

Arms

Samurai armour was made of metal or leather plates laced together. They also wore masks moulded into terrifying faces.

​​​​​​​The samurai’s favourite weapon was his sword. All samurai carried a pair of curved swords (daisho). They were often given fearsome names, such as "Knee-Severer". They also used lances and bows and arrows. A samurai’s bow was taller than a man and fired arrows sharp enough to penetrate metal armour.

​​​​​​​Samurai warriors followed a code of honour known as the bushido. They had to be both loyal and brave.