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A groundbreaking exhibition at the British Museum is set to challenge widely held perceptions of Japan’s samurai class. Titled “Samurai,” the exhibition reveals that women constituted nearly half of this elite warrior group, a fact that reshapes our understanding of their role in history. Opening on February 3 and running until May 4, 2026, this exhibition encompasses over 280 artefacts, including rare items and digital media, gathered from both the museum’s own collection and 29 international lenders.
The Evolution of the Samurai
The samurai emerged as a distinct class during Japan’s medieval period, between the 1100s and 1600s, initially serving as hired warriors for wealthy households seeking protection. Over time, this mercenary group transitioned into a rural gentry, and by 1615, they had shifted their focus from the battlefield to roles as government officials, scholars, and patrons of the arts. Remarkably, women played a vital role within this class, contributing significantly despite not participating directly in combat.
Dr Rosina Buckland, the curator of Japanese Collections at Asahi Shimbun, explains that historical narratives often diverge from popular perceptions. “Historians have always known that the popular understanding – as is the case with most cultures – is some distance away from where they’re being interpreted,” she notes. This exhibition aims to bridge that gap, delving into the complexities behind the samurai’s legacy.
A Diverse Array of Artefacts
The exhibition showcases a wide range of items, including suits of samurai armour, paintings, woodblock prints, and everyday objects that belonged to samurai women. A striking highlight is a newly acquired suit of armour complete with an ornate helmet, designed to be both distinctive and imposing. Additionally, visitors can view a striking vermillion red firefighting jacket worn by female samurai, alongside a portrait of a 13-year-old samurai who led a delegation to the Vatican in 1582.
A compelling feature of the exhibition is its examination of the samurai’s cultural impact in contemporary society. A special section is dedicated to their portrayals in film, television, manga, and video games, featuring commissioned works by renowned Japanese artist Noguchi Tetsuya. This exploration of modern interpretations underscores the samurai’s lasting influence on global pop culture.
Reassessing the Samurai’s Cultural Significance
Split into three thematic sections, the exhibition outlines the samurai’s transformation from honour-bound warriors to cultural bureaucrats. After the samurai ceased active combat in 1615, a rich cultural landscape emerged. Dr Buckland emphasises that during this peaceful period, samurai were not warriors in practice but rather maintained the title. “We show a samurai in normal everyday clothing like a business suit,” she explains, highlighting the diverse roles they occupied beyond warfare.
The exhibition also sheds light on how the samurai’s mythology has been shaped by political and cultural narratives over time. Particularly during Japan’s colonial expansion in the early 20th century, the samurai image was repurposed to bolster national identity. As Dr Buckland articulates, “Much of the myths around the group were shaped by politics, nostalgia and global pop culture, long after their age had passed.”
Why it Matters
This exhibition is significant not only for its historical revelations but also for its ability to reshape modern understandings of gender roles within traditional narratives. By unveiling the substantial contributions of women to the samurai class, “Samurai” encourages a broader reflection on how history is constructed and the importance of including diverse voices in the retelling of our past. As the exhibition invites visitors to engage with the depth of Japan’s cultural heritage, it serves as a reminder that the stories we think we know may often be far from complete.
