Discover the Reality Behind the Myth of the Samurai

The British Museum is staging a major exhibition on samurai, exploring how the myth and image of the Japanese warrior was created over the past 1000 years. Around 280 objects will be on display, including a suit of samurai armour, woodblock prints, paintings, clothing, and ceramics. These chartin how the role and perception of the samurai evolved, from a medieval warrior class to an elite social class that included women in the 17th century to the myth of bushido and the code of patriotism and self-sacrifice in the 19th century. Contemporary fashion, manga, TV and video game pieces showcase the samurai’s enduring legacy, from the battlefields of Japan to global pop culture.