Arsenal
Tachi: The Magnificent Long Sword of the Heian Samurai
The tachi – the long sword of the Heian samurai. History, manner of wear, gokaden & the path to the…
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Samurai Knowledge: Understanding the History of Japan
Chronicles
Meiji Restoration: The End of the Samurai (1868–1912)
The Meiji Restoration ended 700 years of warrior rule. How Saigō Takamori, the sword ban and Shiroyama sealed the end…
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Chronicles
Kamakura & Muromachi: The First Shogunate and the Mongol Storm
The Kamakura shogunate, the Mongol wars, and the Muromachi bakufu: How Japan developed samurai rule between 1185 and 1467. Samurai…
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Chronicles
The Heian Period: The Rise of the Warrior Class (794–1185)
The Heian period created the samurai. How provincial administrators became a warrior caste – and why the sword played hardly…
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Chronicles
Toyotomi Hideyoshi: From Peasant’s Son to Ruler of Japan
Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1537–1598): how a nameless foot soldier became the unifier of Japan. History, reforms & exhibits at the Samurai…
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Culture
Kendō: History, Philosophy & Practice of the Art of the Sword
Kendō – the way of the sword: from Kenjutsu to a modern martial art. History, equipment, philosophy & historical exhibits…
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Chronicles
Tokugawa Ieyasu: The Last Unifier of Japan
Tokugawa Ieyasu (1543–1616), Japan's last unifier. Sekigahara, Osaka, Pax Tokugawa. 250 years of peace – with original exhibits at the…
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Chronicles
Takeda Shingen: The Tiger of Kai – Life & Strategy
Takeda Shingen (1521–1573): the Tiger of Kai, his cavalry tactics and the legendary rivalry with Uesugi Kenshin. Samurai Museum Berlin.
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Chronicles
The 47 Rōnin: Japan’s Legendary Tale of Revenge
The true story of the 47 Rōnin: how 47 masterless samurai avenged their lord in 1703 – and why not…
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Arsenal
Kabuto: The Helmet of the Samurai — History & Anatomy
The kabuto – protection, identity, and work of art in one. History, anatomy & smithing traditions of the samurai helmet.…
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