A groundbreaking exhibition at the British Museum is challenging long-held perceptions of Japan’s legendary samurai class, revealing that women comprised nearly half of this elite warrior group. Running from 3 February to 4 May 2026, the exhibition titled *Samurai* showcases over 280 artefacts and digital displays, offering a fresh perspective on the roles these formidable figures played throughout history.
A Rich Tapestry of History
The samurai, often romanticised as fierce warriors, first emerged in Japan during the early medieval period, around the 1100s. Initially employed by affluent households for security, they evolved over time into a powerful class of bureaucrats and cultural patrons by the early 17th century. Remarkably, women were integral to this class, not as fighters but as essential members of the elite social order.
Dr Rosina Buckland, curator of Japanese Collections at the British Museum, emphasises that common perceptions of the samurai often overlook the nuanced realities of their existence. “Historians have always known that popular understandings can diverge significantly from historical fact,” she explained. “What the public often consumes is an oversimplified version of a complex narrative.”
The exhibition is divided into three distinct sections. It begins by illustrating the samurai’s fierce reputation as honour-bound warriors, transitions to their transformation into administrative figures, and concludes with their lasting influence on contemporary culture.
Celebrating Women’s Roles in Samurai Culture
Highlighting the often-ignored contributions of women, the exhibition includes personal items such as a woman’s robe, hair care instruments, and etiquette books that convey the daily lives of female samurai. “Women are often left out of these historical narratives,” Dr Buckland noted. “In this exhibition, we aim to show that half of the samurai class were women, and they played a significant role in the cultural landscape of the time.”
As the samurai ceased to engage in battle after 1615, they found themselves in a time of peace. This period allowed them to pursue cultural interests, as noted by Dr Buckland. “They were not warriors in practice during this era. Instead, we see them engaging in literature, art, and various cultural pursuits.”
The Global Influence of Samurai Culture
The exhibition also delves into how the samurai have been portrayed in modern media, including film, manga, and video games. This exploration sheds light on how their image has been shaped by historical nostalgia and political agendas. Dr Buckland articulated how the samurai’s portrayal has often been manipulated to foster a sense of national identity, especially during Japan’s colonial expansion in the early 20th century.
Among the exhibition’s highlights are a newly acquired suit of samurai armour, equipped with a striking helmet and decorative elements inspired by iris leaves, designed to strike both fear and recognition. Additionally, visitors can expect to see a vermillion red firefighting jacket belonging to a woman samurai, as well as a rare portrait of a young samurai who represented Japan in a diplomatic mission to the Vatican in 1582.
Dr Buckland explains, “We’re using the term ‘samurai’ to invite people to explore the depth of Japanese culture and the complexities of its history. Their status as the elite allows us to interrogate popular misconceptions.”
Why it Matters
This exhibition not only redefines the narrative surrounding the samurai but also highlights the importance of inclusivity in historical discourse. By acknowledging the significant roles women played within this warrior class, the British Museum offers a more comprehensive understanding of Japan’s past. This effort to uncover and celebrate diverse histories fosters a richer appreciation for cultural complexities, reminding us that history is not merely a collection of heroic tales but a multifaceted tapestry woven from various experiences.
