Samurai stories : Japan's elite warriors 

The katana

It was also during the Kamakura shogunate that the katana, or the samurai sword, became a mark of honor. Soldiers embellished them with gems and beautiful carvings.

Samurai stories : Japan's elite warriors 

Zen Buddhism

During the Kamakura shogunate, the samurai adopted Zen Buddhism because its behavioral code was similar to that of their own. It involves seeking one's own nature through meditation.

Samurai stories : Japan's elite warriors 

Samurai

Samurai were at the head of the shogunate, and so now enjoyed great privileges in Japanese society.

Samurai stories : Japan's elite warriors 

Shogunate

The shogunate was basically a military dictatorship. On paper, the shogun was meant to represent the interests of the emperor, but in reality the emperor was just a figurehead. In some cases, the shogun was also just a figurehead for the daimyos.

Samurai stories : Japan's elite warriors .

Kamakura shogunate (1185-1333)

The leader of the Minamoto, Minamoto no Yoritomo, created a military dictatorship, the Kamakura shogunate. In essence, samurai now ran the country.