In the old days the Samurai were Japan’s military nobility and their traditions were forged in the course of a thousand years, but by the end of the 19th century, their demise was inevitable. Fortunately for us, portraits survive of the last samurai. Old photographs of those proud warriors who lived by strict rules or bushidō: the way of the warrior. Loyalty, martial art skills, honor and heroic bravery were essential characteristics of these fearsome men who even look cool wearing a kimono.
© Universal History Archive / UIG / Getty Images / Public domain
Song for today: Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks – Japanese Sandman