The Heian period created the samurai. How provincial administrators became a warrior caste – and why the sword played hardly…

⏱ 19 Min. reading time

Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1537–1598): how a nameless foot soldier became the unifier of Japan. History, reforms & exhibits at the Samurai…

⏱ 10 Min. reading time

Tokugawa Ieyasu (1543–1616), Japan's last unifier. Sekigahara, Osaka, Pax Tokugawa. 250 years of peace – with original exhibits at the…

⏱ 16 Min. reading time

Takeda Shingen (1521–1573): the Tiger of Kai, his cavalry tactics and the legendary rivalry with Uesugi Kenshin. Samurai Museum Berlin.

⏱ 9 Min. reading time

Yasuke served Oda Nobunaga 1581–1582. What is historically documented? Facts vs. myths about Japan's first Black samurai. Samurai Museum Berlin.

⏱ 7 Min. reading time

The Sengoku Jidai (1467–1615) was Japan's 150-year civil war. After the collapse of Ashikaga rule, rival daimyō fought for supremacy…

⏱ 23 Min. reading time

The true story of the 47 Rōnin: how 47 masterless samurai avenged their lord in 1703 – and why not…

⏱ 18 Min. reading time

Miyamoto Musashi – 60 duels, not a single defeat too few. The life, philosophy & Book of Five Rings of…

⏱ 17 Min. reading time