A captivating and comprehensive guide to Japan's elite class of warriors.

The Samurai played a leading role in Japanese society for centuries, and this is the first encyclopedia to showcase the fascinating history and culture of these enigmatic warriors.

A foreword by Samurai scholar and martial arts expert Alexander Bennett provides expert insights into the lives and philosophy of the Samurai. Also included are many informative sidebars, suggestions for further reading, a selection of primary sources, and over 125 illustrations.

何世紀にもわたって日本で主導的な役割を担ってきた武士の歴史と文化を体系的にまとめあげた百科事典。刀や鎧をはじめとする武具類や宮本武蔵・豊臣秀吉・徳川家康といった歴史上の重要人物、日本史上最大の戦である関ケ原の合戦から江戸幕府の崩壊もたらした戊辰戦争、武士道が示す規範など全部で171のトピックがアルファベット順でまとめられ、詳述されています。