The Most Famous Samurai, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the Samurai you think is the most famous!
Updated on Jul 18, 2024 07:49
Throughout history, the valor and strategic prowess of samurai have captured the imagination of people around the world. Their stories are filled with honor, discipline, and martial skills, each unique and resonant in its own way. Ranking these legendary warriors offers a way to acknowledge their impact and learn from their lives.
By casting a vote on your preferred samurai, you contribute to a collective appreciation of historical figures whose philosophies and achievements continue to inspire. The list is shaped by the choices of users like you, ensuring that it reflects the opinions of a diverse audience. This dynamic interaction not only celebrates their legacy but also helps others to understand the significant roles these warriors played in their time.
Who Is the Most Famous Samurai?
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154points
Miyamoto Musashi
A famous Japanese swordsman, philosopher, strategist, and ronin. Musashi is known for his unique double-bladed swordsmanship and undefeated record in his 61 duels.- Famous Work: The Book of Five Rings
- Duel Record: Unbeaten in 61 duels
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227points
Oda Nobunaga
A powerful daimyo of Japan in the late 16th century who attempted to unify Japan during the late Sengoku period.- Era: Sengoku Period
- Notable Battle: Battle of Okehazama
In other topics -
320points
Tokugawa Ieyasu
The founder and first shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate of Japan, which effectively ruled Japan from the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600 until the Meiji Restoration in 1868.- Era: Azuchi-Momoyama to early Edo period
- Founded: Tokugawa Shogunate
In other topics -
417points
Takeda Shingen
A pre-eminent daimyo in feudal Japan with exceptional military prestige in the late stage of the Sengoku period.- Nickname: The Tiger of Kai
- Notable Battle: Battle of Kawanakajima
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515points
Date Masamune
A regional strongman of Japan's Azuchi-Momoyama period through early Edo period. Known for his missing eye, he was dubbed the 'One-Eyed Dragon'.- Nickname: One-Eyed Dragon
- Notable Trait: Missing an eye
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613points
Uesugi Kenshin
One of the most powerful daimyos of the Sengoku period. Renowned for his martial prowess on the battlefield, he was also known as the 'Dragon of Echigo'.- Nickname: The Dragon of Echigo
- Rival: Takeda Shingen
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78points
Shimazu Yoshihiro
A daimyo of Satsuma Province and one of the most powerful figures of the Sengoku period. Known for his valiant efforts in the Korean Campaign.- Notable Campaign: Korean Campaign
- Province: Satsuma
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88points
Sanada Yukimura
A Japanese samurai warrior of the Sengoku period, known for being among the finest warriors of his era, especially during the Siege of Osaka.- Notable Siege: Siege of Osaka
- Reputation: One of the finest warriors
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91points
Toyotomi Hideyoshi
A daimyo, warrior, general, samurai, and politician of the Sengoku period who is regarded as Japan's second 'great unifier'.- Era: Sengoku Period
- Notable Achievement: Unified Japan
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100points
Sakamoto Ryoma
A leader of the movement to overthrow the Tokugawa shogunate during the Bakumatsu period in Japan.- Era: Bakumatsu period
- Contribution: Played a key role in the movement to overthrow the Tokugawa shogunate
In other topics
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About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most famous Samurai. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Samurai is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1813 views
- 163 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Samurai once every 24 hours. The rank of each Samurai is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
Additional Information
More about the Most Famous Samurai
Rank #1 for the most famous Samurai: Miyamoto Musashi (Source)
Samurai were warriors in Japan. They served the nobility and followed a strict code of conduct. This code is known as Bushido, or "the way of the warrior." It stressed loyalty, courage, and honor. Samurai trained in martial arts and swordsmanship. They were skilled in using the katana, a curved, single-edged sword.
The history of samurai dates back to the Heian period (794-1185). During this time, the imperial court began to lose power. Local lords, called daimyo, needed protection. They hired warriors to defend their lands. These warriors became known as samurai.
Samurai were not just fighters. They were educated and cultured. Many studied literature, poetry, and calligraphy. They also practiced Zen Buddhism. This helped them maintain focus and discipline.
In the Kamakura period (1185-1333), the samurai class rose to prominence. The first shogunate was established. A shogun was a military leader who ruled in the name of the emperor. Samurai served under the shogun and the daimyo. They became the ruling class.
The samurai continued to hold power through the Muromachi period (1336-1573) and the Sengoku period (1467-1603). The Sengoku period was a time of constant warfare. Many samurai fought in battles for control of Japan. It was a time of great heroes and legends.
In the Edo period (1603-1868), Japan was unified under the Tokugawa shogunate. This brought peace and stability. The role of the samurai changed. There were fewer wars, so many samurai became bureaucrats or scholars. They still trained in martial arts, but their focus shifted to administration.
The samurai era ended in the late 19th century. The Meiji Restoration (1868) brought about major changes. The emperor regained power, and the feudal system was abolished. The samurai class was dissolved. Many samurai struggled to adapt to the new society.
Despite their decline, the legacy of the samurai lives on. Their values and traditions continue to influence Japanese culture. The image of the samurai remains a symbol of honor and bravery. Many films, books, and artworks celebrate their history and deeds.
The history of samurai dates back to the Heian period (794-1185). During this time, the imperial court began to lose power. Local lords, called daimyo, needed protection. They hired warriors to defend their lands. These warriors became known as samurai.
Samurai were not just fighters. They were educated and cultured. Many studied literature, poetry, and calligraphy. They also practiced Zen Buddhism. This helped them maintain focus and discipline.
In the Kamakura period (1185-1333), the samurai class rose to prominence. The first shogunate was established. A shogun was a military leader who ruled in the name of the emperor. Samurai served under the shogun and the daimyo. They became the ruling class.
The samurai continued to hold power through the Muromachi period (1336-1573) and the Sengoku period (1467-1603). The Sengoku period was a time of constant warfare. Many samurai fought in battles for control of Japan. It was a time of great heroes and legends.
In the Edo period (1603-1868), Japan was unified under the Tokugawa shogunate. This brought peace and stability. The role of the samurai changed. There were fewer wars, so many samurai became bureaucrats or scholars. They still trained in martial arts, but their focus shifted to administration.
The samurai era ended in the late 19th century. The Meiji Restoration (1868) brought about major changes. The emperor regained power, and the feudal system was abolished. The samurai class was dissolved. Many samurai struggled to adapt to the new society.
Despite their decline, the legacy of the samurai lives on. Their values and traditions continue to influence Japanese culture. The image of the samurai remains a symbol of honor and bravery. Many films, books, and artworks celebrate their history and deeds.
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