Okasamurai () is a Japanese term used to refer to any character with characteristics similar to those found among Samurais. This can include anyone, object, or place that resembles such characters; and is frequently seen in manga, anime and other media depicting life during their era.
Samurai Warriors were an elite warrior class consisting of members of the Japanese aristocracy who were assigned to specific clans or lords for training in martial arts, culture, and strategic thinking. These warriors were known for being adept at reading human souls as well as using swords effectively.
Although they accounted for less than 10% of Japan’s population at their height, they profoundly shaped its history and left an enduring legacy. Their philosophy of Bushido exemplifies harmony between strength and grace.
These ancient warriors were skilled practitioners, trained from an early age to develop their katana (long sword) and wakizashi (short sword) techniques, horseback riding and archery skills; further enhancing these training methods with various martial arts classes aimed at honing hand-to-hand fighting abilities.
Modern culture has seen a surge in the popularity of samurai-like characters in America as producers and writers capitalize on Americans’ admiration of warrior lifestyles like that of Japanese Samurais. Afro Samurai, for instance, became both an animated series and game for PlayStation consoles; many hip-hop artists have even used lyrics or styles reminiscent of Japanese Samurais to draw comparisons to them in their lyrics or style.