warriors, cool japan, tropenmuseum

Warriors

Samurai, ninjas and magical girls. Fascination with mythical fighters

What is it that fascinates people about Japanese warriors? Is it the samurai’s sense of honour? The ninja’s almost superhuman skills? The deadly weapons they wield? Or the dark tales with their shades of grey, where there is no clear line between right and wrong?

Japanese culture has a long tradition of heroic tales full of action and adventure. From the tales depicted on classical screens to the latest
video games, the fight is often the focus. Samurai have inspired legions of storytellers, allowing popular culture to further add to the mythical status of these fearless warriors. And it is precisely this mythical element that fascinates people most.