The Samurai have always fascinated me. I remember seeing Samurai portrayed in films from when I watched television. As I grew up and learned about the Samurai through history lessons and television shows, I became more and more intrigued. Learning about the impact they have had and continue to have on Japanese culture amazes me. Part of their story is good and part is bad. They were a very honorable group of warriors but at the same time they were also violent and ruthless. Religion has had a great influence on the development of world civilization. The Samurai were no exception. They were very devoted to their beliefs and not easily influenced by outside cultures that still have an influence on Japan today. There is a particular name when it is mentioned together with Samurai and Japanese history has played an important role in Japanese culture. That name is Toyotomi Hideyoshi. His life and achievements helped shape Japan into what it has become. The origin of the Samurai dates back to the beginning of Japanese rule during the 11th and 12th centuries. This period was called the Kamakura period. This period was preceded by other periods that were influenced by China and Buddhism. After several failed imperial rules, Japan managed to break away from China and develop its own writing system. During the Kamakura period there was an established administrative body which was run by a person called the Shogun. During this time there was a need for protection for property owners and others. This protection was needed by government officials sent to collect land taxes. This led to the development of small armies of warriors called Samurai. The word Samurai translates to “...... middle of paper ......de harmful to Japan. It ensured that he was not influenced by outside influences. But at the same time it caused internal strife within Japan that had to be addressed. Both the Samurai and Hideyoshi helped keep Japan united during its difficult times. Today it is still possible to see the influences in Japan left by the Samurai. Although as a group they were mostly disbanded after the world wars, you can still see remnants of them in arts and martial arts in Japan. Hideyoshi's legacy is most visible in the present. Its impact on Japan made it a more united country with laws and regulations that make it such a strong power today. Not all of Hideyoshi's victories were hard-fought battles, but they were his successes in starting from nothing and working his way up. This gives the Japanese a sense of pride and hope. It makes Japan what it is today. Strong in body and strong in mind.