Until the sixth century, Japan experienced a process of state formation
and power consolidation through frequent warfare among local powerful
chieftains. In addition, it was during this period (Kofun, 250–600) that
mounted archery first appeared, under Emperor Ôjin’s reign (ca. late fourth
to early fifth centuries). Since it was expensive to acquire a horse, related
equipment, and weapons, the mounted warriors were probably members of
the elite. These warriors were the forerunners of the later professional war-
riors who emerged in the provinces from among the hereditary provincial
elite—especially in the Kantô area, where some of the strongest families and
most skillful warriors have appeared. At any rate, it was in the Yamato182 Japan
A samurai in full
battle armor
brandishes a katana
(longsword) in
Japan, 1860. The
armor is from a
much earlier period.
(Historical Picture
Archive/Corbis)