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03 February 2026 04 May 2026
Discover the reality behind a millennium of myth at this sweeping exhibition on the legendary Japanese warriors.
The samurai is an iconic figure, evoking images of formidable fighters possessing ideals of courage, honour and self-sacrifice. Yet much of what we think we know about samurai is invented tradition.
Our concept of samurai today has its origins in medieval reality. A distinct warrior class – known in Japan as bushi – emerged and gained political dominance from the 1100s. But during a prolonged period of peace, beginning in 1615, the samurai moved away from the battlefield to become an elite social class that also included women. Samurai men formed the government, serving as ministers and bureaucrats. Many became leaders in scholarship and the arts, as patrons, poets and painters, in a world where intellectual pursuits were just as important as swordsmanship.
By the late 19th century, the hereditary status of samurai had been abolished and their supposed chivalric values developed into the myth of bushido, or 'the way of the warrior'. This new code, promoting values of patriotism and self-sacrifice, was harnessed during Japan's period of colonial expansion and military aggression. The modern mythology of the 'samurai' emerged gradually across the 20th century through interactions between Japan and the wider world, with idealised images of the historical warriors increasingly consumed by foreign visitors.
The story of the evolution of the samurai is told through battle gear such as the suit of armour sent by Tokugawa Hidetada to James VI and I, as well as luxury objects such as an intriguing incense connoisseurship game. From a Louis Vuitton outfit inspired by Japanese armour, to the popular, loosely historical videogame Assassin's Creed: Shadows, the exhibition explores the samurai's enduring legacy in games, fashion and film.
This major exhibition is a candid look at the real men and women whom we know as samurai, from the battlefields of medieval Japan to the global pop culture of today.
Price : Adults from £23, Members and under-16s free.
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03 April 2026 31 May 2026
Takaoka
The Hirosaki Domain History Museum in Takaoka, Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture, is holding a special exhibition, "Swords of the Hirosaki Domain," at the museum. A special exhibition focusing on swords related to the history and people of the Hirosaki domain. There are 38 pieces lined up, mainly swords. Until May 31st.
The highlights are the "Tachi sword with the inscription Tomonari" and "Tachi sword with the inscription Mamoru," both of which are designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan. This is the first time the two have exhibited together in two years The sword with the inscription "Made by Tomonari" is said to have been given to the first feudal lord, Tsugaru Tamenobu, by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and was handed down to the Tsugaru family as a treasured sword The sword with the inscription "Mamoru" was used by the fourth generation Nobumasa.
In 1821 (Bunsei 4), a sword believed to have beheaded Soma and Seki was also on display in connection with the attempted attack on the 9th head of the clan, Yasuchika, by former Morioka samurai Shimotome Hidenoshin (commonly known as Soma Daisaku) and Seki Ryosuke The striking red inscription reads, "We have cut two heads off evil villains for the sake of our country."
In 52 (Kaei 5), the mother of Akaishi Aitaro, a samurai of the Hirosaki domain, was murdered by a ronin, and in 54 (Kaei 7), Akaishi killed the enemy in what is now Ibaraki Prefecture. Also on display is the sword with the inscription "Bizen Kunizumi Kagemitsu," which was used at the time. A newspaper version that describes Akaishi's revenge is also on display.
Other items on display include the unsigned "flat triangular spear" that is said to have been owned by Tanaka Tarogoro, who was killed in battle as Tamenobu's double, and swords related to the feudal lord and his family.
Ikenotani Masasuke (44), a curator at the museum, said, "There are also swords on display that are quite episodic, so I hope people will take this opportunity to come and see them."
As an event related to the special exhibition, a basic course on sword appreciation will be held at the museum on the 26th and May 16th. For more information click here.
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