• The samurai was an officer caste from the 12th century until their abolition in 1876. They were well-paid retainers of the daimyo, and they cultivated a variety of martial virtues. They became chamberlains of the daimyo estates during the peaceful Edo era. In Japanese, they are referred to as bushi (, b, ), which means "military family". In Chinese, the character was originally a verb that means "accompanied persons" in the upper ranks of society. In Japanese, saburai is the nominal form of the verb.

• By the 12th century, the word samurai was becoming synonymous with bushi, and the elite members of the warrior class were usually associated with the clan and lord. While the majority of Japanese citizens did not have samurais, their teachings can still be found in modern Japanese martial arts. 

• Following the Battle of Hakusakinoe, Japan underwent widespread reforms. One of the most significant reforms was the Taika Reform, which was issued by Prince Nakano-no-e in 646. It allowed the aristocracy to adopt a Tang dynasty political structure, as well as a variety of bureaucracy and culture.

• Emperor Monmu established a law that drafted one in 3–4 adult males into the military, which required them to supply their own weapons. This was the first attempt at creating an organized army.

• The Gundan-Sei was a code that classified most Imperial bureaucrats into 12 ranks. It was believed to have been short-lived.

• Although these individuals were civilian servants, the term "samurai" was often used by military personnel for several centuries.

– josiah

Relationship:  Im/migrant Im/migrant