Top 10 Greatest Samurai Warriors

In this video we rank the top 10 greatest Samurai warriors by examining their renown for being skilled in combat, the battles/wars in which they fought, and how they are remembered to this day.
Music:
"Chariots of War" by Aakash Gandhi (Provided through KZbin's Audio Library)
Artwork:
The Samurai Portraits used are from the "Nobunaga's Ambition" Series and are the property of Koei Tecmo.
Classical art, which in most cases can be considered public domain.
Art from Osprey Publications.
Other modern artist renditions, if you see your work in this video please contact me so that I can give you proper credit!
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Social Media:
Facebook: / theshogunateyoutube
Twitter: / shogunatethe
#Samurai #Japan #Top10

[@TheShogunate]

Seen a few comments saying that Benkei was in fact a Sohei and not a Samurai. While that is true and a labeling mistake on my part, he was still one of the greatest Japanese warriors to ever live. Besides that, if I were to have put Tomoe Gozen or Tachibana Ginchiyo on this list like other people are suggesting, I would still run into the same problem of "they weren't really Samurai." Either way, if a Japanese warrior fought alongside samurai in wars between samurai clans, I consider that warrior a contender for this list.

[@TheShogunate]

@First Last nope

[@TheShogunate]

@First Last The thing is, like I mention above Benkei was still a Japanese warrior who fought alongside samurai in a war between samurai. Also he entered into samurai-like retainer service under Yoshitsune which begins to blur the line between samurai and sohei. I still feel he's perfect for the list, even though I mislabeled him in the video.

[@mat34105]

Hey great content you have on your channel, i actually want to ask if you ever tought about making videos on the theme of samurai martial arts, like the schools of kenjutsu and koryu-jutsu about the art of ju-jutsu wich people often forget but was an way of training body and mind for wars. you know, often talking about war on a great scale we forget some details.

[@TheShogunate]

@@mat34105 That would be really cool, I even want to get into kenjutsu myself one day. But Unfortunately I am not a martial arts practitioner so I feel I may be out of my element making videos about martial arts.

[@mat34105]

@@TheShogunate well i was thinking something on the historical line of it, less on the lines of actual technique, and more about general stuff, but it is really difficult to talk about it without prior knowledge practical nor theorical. anyway keep up the videos they´re awesome

[@caseofficer]

In Japan, it is said that when a human dies, he crosses the "Sanzu River" and goes to the afterlife. Six coins are required as a ferry to cross the Sanzu River. The six coins, which are the family crest of Yukimura Sanada, are proof that they are not afraid of death.

[@blackmoth2595]

The conspiracy theory is Sanada clan must survive during the chaotic post sekigahara time and pre fall of Osaka castle.. Sanada clan was divided into two sides, one to osaka - toyotomi side (Yukimura) and one to edo - tokugawa side (Nobuyuki). Futhermore, in the end whoever won the battle toyotomi or tokugawa, sanada would still survive. This, due to many big clans that was believed could match Tokugawa fell so quickly after sekigahara, like Mori clan lost 3/4 of their fiefs, Ukita clan, Otani clan, Chosokabe clan, Ishida clan and Uesugi clan. So, maybe Sanada was in a dilemma and thus led to this decision.

[@jurtra9090]

@@blackmoth2595 a smart decision

[@silver1253]

Aww I'm reading while looking at his helmet

[@MarvinT0606]

Their mon effectively says "Hey buddy, I've already paid the ferryman. Have you?"

[@d.j.el-magnifico3511]

That sounds like the River Styx of Greek Mythology where it is the river that separates the world of the living and the world of the dead. Also in their mythology, a coin is placed in the mouth of the deceased as their payment to Charon, the ferryman on the river thst takes souls to the underworld!

[@Syakirin57]

Man Honda Tadakatsu is literally a legend among legends. To never sustain serious injuries throughout all the wars he’s been through is almost mathematically impossible. His presence alone can no doubt change the morale on the battlefield.

[@jeffreygao3956]

But can he beat Vasco Nunez de Balboa?

[@God_Is_An_Atheist]

Japanese history always fascinated me, but since I've played Ghost of Tsushima I can't stop watching videos about Samurai.

[@justkenn_]

I cant play the game because i dont have play station but i still watch about samurai

[@perc1530]

Saaaaaaame

[@Kodousinx]

Sengoku jidai

[@God_Is_An_Atheist]

@@Kodousinx That's a very interesting time period in japanese history, especially the stories of Oda Nobunaga and Toyotomi Hideyoshi. But I'm also interested in earlier periods, like the Kamakura period (Kamakura jidai? Not sure if that's the correct term).

[@danielkirkendoll9437]

I just watched the new samurai documentary/reanactment on Netflix. I think its called Age of Samurai. It goes over the rain of oda nabunaga and toyotomi hedeyoshi. Highly recommend

[@coammaoc]

At this point I’m wondering if I’ll ever make it out of this Ghost of Tsushima algorithm

[@josetomascamposrobledano4618]

Don’t, embrace it!

[@nervsouly]

Be glad you didn't watch that 2019 bikini presentation show video.

[@evanc4810]

You definitely shouldnt try Shogun 2 Total War

[@OniBarix]

@@evanc4810 once you get stuck in the shogun 2 & ghost of tsushima algorithms you'll never escape

[@tntaclegrape]

I don't even have to watch the video to know that Honda Tadakatsu and Sanada Yukimura would be top 1 and 2 on this list.

[@arielquelme]

IMO both of them not even close to how awesome Tachibana Dosetsu was

[@ony806]

My boy Yukimura better be number 1, I will return to you in 18 minutes!!

[@ony806]

Heh

[@TheShogunate]

Boom

[@mariosfrancisruiz687]

Nice one

[@anandgupta1989]

I would have Shima Sakon instead of Fukushima Masanori in Sekigahara Ii Naomasa let’s Matsudaira Tadayoshi fire the first shot the vanguard charge was made by Masanori against Ukita Hideie

[@broccolijjb2997]

Yes!

[@Scarethelocals]

Benkei died standing on his feet. Story goes that he held off the warriors for hours and when they finally killed him with arrows he remained standing and they were afraid to approach him.

[@Voidsent_]

Then his buddy Yoshimetsu went full yokai and kicked my ass for straight hour

[@Bastion70]

Sounds like Dian Wei defending Cao Cao at Wan Castle.

[@shaik4122]

@@Bastion70 I was thinking the same. Dian Wei standing and blocking while letting Cao Cao and the rest to flee the castle. He died due to heavy bleeding sustained from multiple arrow damage.

[@Bastion70]

@@shaik4122Hello Thanks for commenting made me happy to see someone else was thinking this. I've been playing KoeiWarriors games since Dynasty Warriors 3 this is pretty much where my knowledge comes from with regards to the three kingdoms period and warring states period.

[@zen361]

Edward Newgate Last Breath

[@alperenerol1852]

Remember to fear an old man in a profession where the young dies.

[@greathoundii6142]

Yukimura's spirit burns with the flame of justice.

[@sandk7969]

Nobuyuki : Bro stop rebelling

[@xcxdxd82]

Miyamoto Musashi was a Japanese swordsman, philosopher, strategist, writer and rōnin. Renowned through stories of his unique double-bladed swordsmanship and undefeated record in his 61 duels.He is considered a Kensei, a sword-saint of Japan

[@nikoseufert3187]

Sasaki kojiro was stronger he only lost because he was treated

[@jaydenblack7569]

@@nikoseufert3187 miyamoto killed him with one strike with a wooden sword stop it

[@robertmickelberg3720]

He is best known for making the only recording of his own legendary acts. A book was later written based on his writings that then further embellished his supposed actions. So much about him has been called into question, it is hard to say if he actually even existed or is just a character written by someone else.

[@shoyupacket5572]

@@robertmickelberg3720 sadly this is much close to the truth yet people love their stories.

[@lassim3111]

Yeah but the video talks about Samurai who fought in wars not Ronin duelists

[@krimzonstriker7534]

Pour one out for Yukimura, he stood by my boy Toyotomi's legacy to the bitter end :(

[@chrisanduncensoredjapan6627]

Agreed

[@michaelbandada9887]

He’s the epitome of a samurai’s honor, he stood by his lord’s honor until the very end

[@julian-p]

many reason yukimura join toyotomi, first, he hated leyasu, cause sanada fight the tokugawa 2 times in ueda castle. second, he is married to otani yoshitsugu's daughter, otani is a close friend of ishida mitsunari and he died at sekigahara

[@clokwize]

I mean he's not the only one to stay loyal to their lord though...

[@MrGksarathy]

Heck, I'm pretty sure he knew how pointless it was as well. He just wanted to fight and die with honor. I don't really agree with that mentality, but I can't help but respect him. I don't respect him bringing his son along for the ride.

[@joshpaul9155]

How could you forget about Jin Sakai:((

[@albertonavarro8904]

He has no honor

[@thewitchertales]

@@albertonavarro8904 i played jin extreamly honorably never got a single storm never did any stealth only direct open combat story actually acknowledges that

[@stardu5t796]

@@thewitchertales Dude there are sections in the game were you have to use stealth ...so i call bs on that.

[@markcumpper864]

Stardu5t to be fair, i played as honourably as i could, only doing a few assassinations only when i had to, i tried my best to be ‘samurai’ but even though i was so honourable, the story itself didn’t change in my opinion

[@thewitchertales]

@@stardu5t796 yeah that's the only time I would the stealth is unsatisfying and broken

[@cameronfield7313]

My reactions 10. Alright! Good start! He's been with Oda at the very beginning and was a veteran samurai. The legendary, Devil Shibata. 9. Ooooo! A Heian Samurai! And also one of my favorite characters from Tales of Genji! 8. Yes! One of Hideyoshi's biggest retainers alongside Kiyomasa and Mitsunari. 7. The red cladded samurai who led one of the biggest clans that served under Tokugawa, as well as a member of a clan that has deep longevity during the Sengoku Jidai. 6. I actually never knew this guy because I haven't looked much up before the Sengoku Era (aside from a bit of Heian) 5. There's the bloodthirsty bastard! Another, veteran warrior of Hideyoshi's retainers alongside Masanori and Mitsunari. 4. Second eldest of the Shimazu brothers and definitely the most deserving of his fame for his raid and ambush tactics. 3. One of (if not the greatest) samurai of the Heian period and the main protagonist of the Tales of Genji. 2. The Strongest of the East and the best Samurai of the early, Sengoku Jidai, matched only by Muneshige Tachibana. (Who I'm surprised wasn't on here, being the strongest of the West) 1. Really, who else? Almost all daimyos and samurais during the end of the Sengoku Jidai agreed that Yukimura was the greatest samurai in the land and of the Sengoku Jidai.

[@promnightdumpsterbaby9553]

The bromance of Tokugawa Ieyasu and Date Masamune is my favorite story in Japanese history. Just the stories of those 2 constantly bailing eachother out of bad situations is entertaining. Ieyasu litterally saving Masamune from Hideyoshi's wrath TWICE at great personal risk is what friendship is all about.

[@ZeroHayabusa]

Seeing these names on your list makes me excited to hear your opinion on Nioh 1 and 2. Great list!

[@TheShogunate]

I've been steadily working my way through Nioh 1 for the past year, and I love it so far. Hopefully I can get a review of it out soon, although I may try to cover some easier games first haha.

[@NapoleonAquila]

Tadakatsu > Yukimura

[@jcman-lp6lg]

love that game took me 100+ hours to beat it because it was pretty hard and is pretty lengthy

[@dannypistilli4864]

Nioh 2 was a really good game. Hard AF though. Felt good when that platinum trophy popped up on my screen

[@pedroreyes7176]

Tbh I bought Ghost of Tsushima, completed it in a week, and now I'm back to Nioh 2 lol

[@pikachu-chan8893]

Oh, this is really an awesome video, your ranking exactly comprised all "three greatest tragic heroes" (labelled by the Japanese themselves) in the Japanese history, they were : Sanada Yukimura (真田幸村), Minamoto no Yoshitsune (源義經) and Kusunoki Masashige (楠木正成). They all became the greatest legend in the Japanese mind. And your other choices in some extent displayed many Sengoku fans' favorite - such like Shimazu Yoshihiro (島津義弘) who conducted a brilliant "forward retreat" in the Battle of Sekigahara that forged his immortal heroism, Honda Tadakatsu (本多忠勝) who was renowned for fierce loyalty to Tokugawa Ieyasu, Il Naomasa (井伊直政) who succeeded the Takeda clan's "Scarlet Army" (赤備え) that with his valiance and incredible leadership this military force made a great name across Japan. Mention few more figures worthy to be named of among the greatest samurai warriors : Tachibana Dosetsu (立花道雪) - a highly skilled, prestigious and charismatic warrior and commander who devoted to the Otomi Clan ; his abundance of military prowess and leadership would bequeath to his equally talented adopted-son Muneshige. Tachibana Muneshige (立花宗茂) - ever served the Otomi Clan, the Toyotomi Clan and the Tokugawa Clan, with numerous deeds of valiance, loyalty and conquest. Toyotomi Hideyoshi valued him equal with Honda Tadakatsu for the ranking of the greatest samurai in contemporary era. His military career spanned from the late Sengoku Era to the Edo Period, in which he even participated the pacification of the AD 1637 Shimabara Rebellion at the age of 70 ! He's my No.1 favorite. Magara Naotaka (真柄直隆) - who served the Asakura Clan in the Sengoku Era, very skilled in using pike. Hijikata Toshizo (土方歳三) - a great warrior leader in the Boshin War which signalized the fall of the Tokugawa Shogunate. Satake Yoshishige (佐竹義重) - One of the greatest enemies of Data Masamune. According to the legend, he slew 7 enemy warriors in just a moment of time, thus earned him the frightening nickname of "Oni Yoshishige" (鬼義重) ; Oni = Devil

[@damienbell5854]

I’m not even gonna try to read this but this is a well put together comment beyond me and I give you my like and respect

[@thomascoburn5481]

Yessss Sir Muneshige Tachibana has quickly rose to 1 of my top 5 favorites, not a lot of people talk about him and hes not that well known but he was great and should be on here just for his accomplishments at a young age

[@goinggorillasbananas4775]

I tempered my expectations but let’s say I was VERY pleasantly surprised. Ya boi Yukimura is one of my all time heroes.

[@Mikesman1000]

Musashi is a ronin also, so its pretty fair.

[@JosephVanlalfela]

Yup, but he was the G.O.A.T

[@Elchinoalto]

@@JosephVanlalfela the book of five rings he wrote is still talked about today which is crazy

[@samurailegacy9418]

nope not ronin

[@Mikesman1000]

@@samurailegacy9418 so if not, whom was he serving to?

[@samurailegacy9418]

@@Mikesman1000 to become a ronin you would have to fail your lord and later on musashi fought for the tokugawa in the shimabara Rebellion he was more of a wondering Samurai rather than a ronin but i do understand why you thought he was a ronin i use to think he was

[@ashleybugg4061]

Great content! Very much enjoyed

[@eliskander]

Great list, great episode!

[@sirjellybean9026]

thank you for bringing me here Nioh and thank you for creating this video Shogunate.

[@theduck7227]

Only recently i found this channel and I regretted not finding this sooner. Every episode of the Sengoku Jidai was here and it pumps my adrenaline to its core. One of my og favorites was Dosetsu Tachibana who was the father of Ginchiyo Tachibana. The man in his childhood cut a lightning in half and still lived and while half paralyzed he led and fought battles in Kyushu, never losing once in his life. Shingen had a list that if he were to fight someone, it would be Dosetsu Tachibana himself.

[@szhou2513]

No one mentioning Taira Masakado? Scary enough in life already, and then went on to haunt all authority in Japan as a ghost even till today.

[@jtilton5]

One Samurai I would like to bring up is Yamada Nagamasa, though not as well known in Japan, he is very well known in Thailand for fighting alongside the King of Ayutthaya (present day Thailand) against the Burmese. He along with many Christian converts and Ronin setteled in Ayutthaya and he even became appointed a Govenor because of his heroism in the war.

[@tavasaikong2740]

This is the best new channel I have discovered.

[@stephenrenwick8781]

A great video, thanks for doing it.

[@ghonda2865]

Nice video!!

[@jeffreygao3956]

1:50 "WE'RE BLASTING OFF AGAIN!" Musashi and Kojiro said calmly.

[@julian.4118]

Excelente canal!!!GRACIAS!.

[@Emmaaikawa]

Some names of Samurai I won't forget ever : 1) Oda Nobunaga 2) Akechi Mitsuhide 3) Date Masamune 4) Date Shigezane 5) Katakura Kojuro 6) Sanada Yukimura 7) Sanada Nobuyuki 8) Sanada Masayuki 9) Takeda Shingen 10) Uesugi Kenshin 11) Toyotomi Hideyoshi 12) Tokugawa Iyeasu 13) Ishida Mitsunari 14) Otani Yoshitsugu 15) Kato Kiyomasa 16) Maeda Toshiee 17) Toramatsu 18) Kakizaki Kageie 19) Date Teramune 20) Shima Sakon 21) Honda Tadakatsu 22) Tadatsugu 23) Kagetsugu 24) Kanestsugu I've heard all these names in an otome game "Samurai love ballad party" best samurai romance game. We can learn a lot of Japanese history in that. Slbp fans hit the like button.....

[@Yuorai]

I am neecroposting, but I know you haven't played Nioh because you didnt include satan (aka Tachibana Muneshige) on this list

[@Emmaaikawa]

@@Yuorai yess, I haven't played that.

[@littlejunior8883]

These videos are so well made

[@AlfonsoTheTraitor]

Hot damn that was awesome!

[@mikemichailidis1685]

Amazing video

[@BetaoftheBass]

wonderful video, I've been learning so much about Japanese history ever since I've been playing Samurai warrior 5 (which helps me to know who a few o the samurai are). I'm addicted to your channel!

[@antoniospectra5482]

It was pretty cool to watch this video while playing Samurai Warriors: Spirit of Sanada, since I got to know a bit more of some of these characters in the game.

[@CyclesandThings]

The modern paintings you use in these are fantastic, i never knew they existed.

[@lucth16]

99% are from L5R. Legend of the 5 Rings card game.

[@audgeirr]

Great video. I credit the game Nioh for my current interest in learning as much as I can about sengoku jedai and samurai's in general. I am thankful to that great game and thankful I found your channel. I knew some of the names that have appeard on your list thanks to Nioh, but the others I did not know, so unfortunately I cannot make a personal top 10 list, but I will definitely do research and much reading on the samurai's on your list.

[@skull2470]

Finally I get to hear some real facts about yukimura as to what made this guy a legend. I have to say one castle holding off against a United japan and nearly killing Tokugawa, number 1 is deserving.

[@andrewbatist6355]

my personal favourite is Honda Tadakatsu. great video !

[@prashantd6252]

So glad that Musashi wasn't in on the list. One minor correction, you said half a century(50 years) instead of 5 centuries or half a millennium (500 years) later in Masashige's case...

[@Barba_Tactica]

Even in Nioh 1, Sanada Yukimura remains as the great warrior he is ❤️

[@joshpaul9155]

I often with Mori Katsunaga is incredibly underrated specifically with his actions at Osaka castle

[@androsthewarriorhighalpha]

Wow.. this is awesome.. Now I wanna play more Samurai Warriors than ever.. Same with Genji Dawn of the Samurai and Days of the Blade..

[@alicestewart5453]

I never knew anything about this is interesting and I plan on learning a lot more

[@supermomofire]

Every time I watch these videos I want to play samurai warriors

[@twinleopard]

Nice video as always and totally agree with your list although you should probably add honorable mention like shinmo sakon and magara notoka and fuma ..... keep up the good work 👍

[@TheShogunate]

Might make a list about top samurai strategists, then I can give Shima Sakon proper recognition!

[@T_jordin]

Nice

[@halfkrack9486]

I love Samurai History... this channels is perfect. Keep up the great work !

[@khal7702]

Amazing list n I love the way you grade these samurai!!

[@Finny1996]

"Musashi is the greatest samurai duelist of all time.." Hmm.. I reckon Kamiizumi Hidetsuna, Bokuden, Itto Ittosai and others would probably take exception to that. Most famous outside Japan for sure though.

[@bmxriderforlife1234]

He's deffs one of the top 3 greatest duelests in Japan. And also depends on Era. That said he had a natural advantage. Most likely ambidextrous. And he learned jutte jutsu early from his family and adapted it to wakizashi forms. The jitte/jutte are basically the samurai version of a sai. But only one prong.

[@galanakagalactus903]

Well he used dual swords which is nowhere near as easy as it looks in a sword duel. Clearly he had talent.

[@Finny1996]

@@bmxriderforlife1234 I named 3 others who were considered superior in Musashi's day, and after. You can add Ono Tadaaki, Yagyu Munenori, Hyogonosuke and Jubei, Marume Kurando and plenty of others. So no, not even top 3. Munisai's jitte is not the same as jutte - the jitte is a knife with a cross guard, often used in conjunction with a sword.. ie dual wielded. Likely the source of Musashi's one-handed sword use.

[@Finny1996]

@@galanakagalactus903 there is not a single contemporaneous record of him using two swords. According to all historical records he used a single sword, often one-handed.

[@galanakagalactus903]

​@@Finny1996 Yes their is. The fact Musashi dual wielded is a fact not an opinion, confirmed by the man himself. So unless the historical record you are referring to was from Musashi then it has zero credibility. Everyone knows Musashi scholar not just a swordsman. Niten Ichi-ryū basically meant school of two heavens/swords as one and if you're gonna ask what Niten Ichi-ryū is then that proves my point. I know you might not like the guy but credit where it's due. He was could dual wield and had dual wielding techniques.

[@shravanraut2019]

All warriors in The World who faught for their land and proud are Legendary ❤️❤️ Biggest Respect for them ❤️❤️

[@ace6608]

all warriors? who? no names just troll lol

[@tolasian9793]

I LOVE ITTT!!!

[@damiano921000]

I have 3 pages from what I think it's a collection of ancient and modern warriors, printed in Japan in 1878. There are 12 warriors (4 on each page), some are clearly samurai, some are warriors of ancient China. After watching your video I decided to make some research on the content of the text (in old Japanese) and I was happy to find that one of the samurai figures is Honda Tadakatsu! I didn't know his story at all and now the number 2 greatest samurai is there, printed on one of the few pages I managed to have! Thank you for letting me know about him!

[@DadBodSwagGod]

This is just making me appreciate Nioh 1 and 2 more and more. It is so underrated for its weaving history and fiction into a fun, and surprisingly educational story

[@tenriayukawa5478]

I was kinda shocked when Tadakatsu showed up second only to be astonished that I forgot the "Hinamoto ichi no tsuwamono nari". Great video man

[@NANA-so2xj]

You know verry well. However, Hinamoto→Hinomoto(it means ancient Japan).

[@tenriayukawa5478]

@@NANA-so2xj thanks. Began from Samurai Warriors series to learning most of the Samurais. Shame no Muneshige tho.

[@atsukunisumeragi1967]

@@NANA-so2xj Hinomoto means base of the Sun (base as in French "socle", or the lower part of a mountain).

[@Perkustin]

It's interesting that who many would consider the greatest Knight; William Marshall and your choice of Greatest Samurai both spent their youths as hostages.

[@sandroberishvili6065]

Wow Shimazu Yoshihiro lived a long life considering how battle ridden he was, to live into your 80s now is a good life let alone in a time of constant bloody war. The man was in his 60s during when he was fighting in the Imjin War? Damn my respect for Shimazu clan has just increased because of this.

[@cuongtranmanh3794]

And foolish Mitsunari think he is better than Yoshihiro. Everyone knows Western army is doomed

[@RDZ2290]

Brought here because of Nioh. Damn, that game is near perfect when it comes to historical figures.

[@jallred2]

These are great! Learning quite a bit about the Samurai. I was wondering where you find some of the portrait artwork you have shown it's really well done, Thanks!

[@TheShogunate]

A lot of the portraits are from the Nobunaga's Ambition series made by Koei! They are fantastic Samurai Strategy games!

[@jallred2]

@@TheShogunate Thanks!

[@isaiaslopez8567]

Do one on miyamoto please! I was actually expectante on hearing more of him

[@teratorn3366]

I just appreciated the fact, that at least three of these names were not featured in Samurai Warriors. Although I'd be lying if I said I didn't only know of Benkai and Minimoto from the Genji series.

[@amirhosseinhaqqani]

Actually I knew it all of this great samurai by playing the game "Samurai warriors 2" and it was very accurate and amazing game. And have part when you always face with "Tadakatsu Honda" play an special soundtrack for him.

[@esarmps8360]

I love samura warriors 2

[@IamYoZen]

If only these legends still existed T__T I knew every Warrior you listed.. PROUD

[@sonnyking1218]

being a fan of samurai warriors, I guess number 1 right . Great video

[@michaelay4900]

As much as I like Yukimura, there is something wrong with what you mentioned. He literally didn't join the campaign against Korea. He is in the Japanese isle at that time. There are only three noticeable battles for Yukimura: The siege of Odawara at 1590, the siege of Ueda at 1600, and the two sieges of Osaka at 1614 and 1615. That is why to this day, there are still people call him "overrated". He is still a true warrior with a phenomenal story, and it has been largely recognized, so it is probably fair to put him at the top of your list. But considering the lack of battles he participated in, he is no way near the best samurai in Japan history for me. Keep up the good work!

[@marthlink5015]

Agreed, as much as I also like Yukimura- I think his reputation proceeds him as many Generals of Ieyasu, who gave good word of mouth. Reminds me similar to Guan Yu and Cao Cao who Cao Cao highly regarded.

[@clokwize]

I'm glad somebody else recognized his overratedness - I thought I was the only one

[@CultureScreen]

"Never stray from the way." - Miyamoto Musashi

[@amlannanda1581]

Came here after watching Sanada maru and Dokuganryu Masamune. Really good list. It's missing Hijikata though.

[@anarchrex2237]

Cool

[@Ahmad-sd2hk]

Muneshige Tachibana and Motoharu Kikkawa? And do a list for strategists as well so many get their recognition

[@TheShogunate]

Definitely!

[@giantcookie5925]

takenaka hanbei would be in the list i bet

[@edymihalescu1482]

Minamoto yoshinaka would be on that list

[@seethenero2555]

One sad common thing I see in the samurai is the lord they fight for eventually betray them.

[@michaelbandada9887]

There is honor...unless someone stronger comes along

[@whitesun4983]

This is so interesting, I see sekiro got inspiration from some elements presented in this video

[@ABEAZYdaRonin94]

Yeah the 7 Spears if Hideyoshi in particular

[@f3arfu1_raider36]

And plus you pronounce the words perfectly

[@yoshidasaki17703]

Legend says, whenever Tadakatsu Honda enter the battle.. Astronomia start playing as BGM

[@thatonegreaser1408]

Anime=cringe

[@thatonegreaser1408]

You don’t even speak Japanese American

[@guneytopal7076]

it's crazy that most were around during the late Sengoku Jidai.

[@afroahmed3989]

damn ! even their names scream badass when you pronounce them

[@hectorastorga5536]

What do yo think about Hattori Hanzo? P/D: This channel is awesome!! I'll subscribe

[@silkyjohnston7043]

Not a Samurai. He was Shinobi but probably as skilled as most with a spear

[@PABLOESCOBAR-vz3sz]

Hatori hanzo is ninja not samurai...but he became a samurai

[@hectorastorga5536]

There's a video in this Channel about Ninjas, they weren't what Hollywood and 20 Century movies showed us, so... If he was high class person he was a Bushi (Samurai)

[@elkhaqelfida5972]

Sometime I wonder why we usually loving the lost side? Even Japanese themself also made many movies about yukimura and mitsunari. Nagamasa & Oichi is best couple and they also had tragic story.

[@cameronfield7313]

Maybe they're the best couple in Samurai Warriors, but in actual history I think Nagamasa had a mistress.

[@howescookies]

Well my all time favorite is still Otani Yoshitsugu (or Gyobu), though i get why he didnt make it i to this video. He didn't fight in too many battles since he became ill and later blind and incapable of even standing, but his friendship with Ishida is a great one. Together with him in top Five would be Ishida Mitsunari, Torii Mototoda, Tomoe Gozen and Saito Musashibo Benkei.

[@sandk7969]

Tomoe the mysterious one.

[@FShani]

Otani Yoshitsugu is definitely worthy of respect, which he did receive from his peers. He was also influential during the invasion of Korea. Ishida Mitsunari on the other hand definitely doesn't deserve to make the list. In fact one of the biggest reasons Tokugawa won the Sekigahara campaign was that so many daimyo did not respect Ishida Mitsunari, viewing him as a glorified accountant rather than a capable samurai. While Mitsunari's rise to power is impressive in it's own right, his mismanagement of it and resultant fall is among the most disastrous in samurai history.

[@howescookies]

@@FShani Well i get where you are coming from. Its true that Ishida was more of a politican than a samurai, but i still prefer his resolve and what he fought for. He also wasnt smurai on inside since he had this rather naive approach where he wanted to befriend all the lords, being soft on them, not earning their trust or loyalty (Wich showed during the battle of sekigahara since most of his allied lords betrayed him and converted to Ieyasu or just didnt do anything). I can also see that Japan would maybe fall back to the old Toyotomi style of ruling or would break up even more if Mitsunari were to win. Still he tried to do the right thing by helping Hideyori who was the "rightfull" heir and his approach, if not that of the standart samurai, was at least peacefull, not like Tokugawa who killed off half of his family just to achieve what he did. On pair with Otani Yoshitsugu would be Admiral Yi Sun Shin, but since this was video about Japan, i did not include him there.

[@3rgoproxxy]

Musashi also fought in the Shimabara rebellion and possibly fought on the side Toyotomi Hideyori in both the summer and winter campaigns. So that would mean he would have participated in 3 battles. There is only confirmation of his participation in the Shimabara rebellion, but enough sources suggest that he participated in the other 2 battles that it would not be unreasonable to assume that he participated in those as well.

[@Elchinoalto]

Yes buh he was a ronin most of his life which wouldn’t really make sense to put him on here especially when almost all of these guys died well serving as samurai

[@arnoldmojados399]

Hes just a swordsman enough..not a truly Samurai

[@NightTroid]

What about Ashikaga Yoshiteru, he wasn't much of a battlefighter like Honda, but he was a respected swordsman among even the most high ranked Samurai and the last pillar of power of the Ashikaga shogunate. Maybe a top 10 Samurai fighter video is next? Sakon, Musashi and Yoshiteru would make a fine addition :D And don't forget about his signature death when Hisahides troops tried to take him down, as Yoshiteru took up all the swords her collected and fought them valiently and in his final moments realized he just invented a new sword style using 2 Swords (even before musashi).

[@jonathanjackgoodman2764]

When Miyamoto showed up at the battle he probably got bored and fell asleep in the shade somewhere, grumbling to himself about all the noise.

[@dr.julianbashir9193]

I have thought long and deeply about this strategy and reached the conclusion that the only way to beat Miyamoto would be to show up to a duel without a sword BUT to act like you have an invisible sword.

[@davidyoon8150]

Im surprised that Uesugi Kenshin, Masakage Yamagata, Hojo Tsunashige, Tachibana Dosetsu, Tachibana Muneshige, Kosaka Masanobu, or even Sakon Shima made the list. Just as a side note, Ii Naomasa’s Red Cavalry was a direct copy of its predecessor, the Takeda Red Cavalry, led by Masakage Yamagata, who was known to be one of Takeda Shingen’s most able generals. Either way, cool list hope to see more content!

[@nemesis3587]

10. Yasuke: His life is so fascinating, I just wanna mention him. His bravery and loyalty deserve to recognize. Is he a samurai? I definetely count him as. 9.Hojo Tsunashige: Yellow warrior of Hojo. How he hold Kawagoe castle is so heroic. 8.Kaihime: I wanna add one female warrior. Her bravery on Oshi castle is worth to mention. She basically tarnished Ishida Mitsunari's reputation forever. 7.Murakami Yoshikiyo: Kenshin's fierce warrior. He is basically a Takeda slayer. 6.Ii Naomasa: Red devil of Tokugawa. Another fierce warrior. 5.Torii Mototada: Basically Tokugawa owe everything to him. His last stand in Fushimi Castle is a legend. 4.Yamagata Masakage, Naito Masatoyo, Baba Nobufusa: I can't seperate these Takeda trio. My favorite is Nobufusa, how he hold his ground and saved Katsuyori despite his quarrel with him during Nagashino is a brave act. Yamagata and Naito are another Takeda legends. 3.Sanada Yukimura: Most popular choice, I can't add anything but a little overrated I think. 2.Honda Tadakatsu: Tokugawa's strongest weapon, the battles he fought, noone could reach him. 1.Maeda Keiji and Hattori Hanzo: My all time favorite Samurai Warriors. Keiji's bravery and Hanzo loyalty are what made them my favorites.

[@TheShogunate]

Very interesting!

[@tachibanna]

Kaihime was a very incredible warrior, it would be interesting a video only with samurai women. One of my favorites is Yoshioka Myorinni, she defended her castle against Shimazu clan attacks 16 times.

[@FShani]

Yeah I was a little shocked there were no Hojo, Uesugi, or Takeda clan samurai in the video. While you don't necessarily need one from each clan, someone should have made the list. If we're talking female samurai there are two names that have to be mentioned. Gozen Tomoe, easily the most famous and skilled female samurai that we know; and Tachibana Ginchiyo, who may not have been a heroic warrior with battle accomplishments but was the only female to rule as a sengoku-era daimyo for a period of time. Mind you the later is not enough of an accomplishment to make the list, but Tomoe could be considered. As mentioned in a previous comment, Hattori Hanzo most likely was not actually of the samurai class. But even if he was we know little of his accomplishments outside of safely guiding Tokugawa Ieyasu away from the Akechi ambush.

[@attysthoughts3253]

Yasuke?? you f ing kidding me? we don't know if he was even trained to fight. He was just Nobunaga's exotic pet weapons carrier.

[@user-gl5vh7gr8w]

I was surprised that you was so enthusiastic about introducing Japanese warlords👍👍👍 I am very grateful and grateful as a Japanese😃😃 Thank you

[@user-kd5jd9rc6d]

I'm so glad Yoshitsune made here and so high up. It often feels like he gets overlooked.

[@mosquitoman5899]

He was so good his own brother was so afraid and jealous of him

[@nsinarimbo]

Last March 2020, it was shown on TV program hosted by the Mazai due of Ohta and Tanaka of Bakusho Mondai that a survey covering 100,000 people in Japan to rank top samurai during Sengoku period. Below was the ranking. In the said program, there was small commentary of the positive attributes of each lord and why they were positively viewed: Oda- forward looking and his tolerance ti the europeans; Uesugi and Sadada - I think their pure samurai spirit or something on that direction, Date - military skills and the way he built his town. Of the ranking where Uesugi was above Takeda, Ohta san made a comment saying he thought and probably most people thought Takeda was above. 1. Oda Nobunaga 2. Uesugi Kenshin 3. Date Masamune 4. Sanada Yukimura 5. Tokugawa Ieyasu 6. Toyotomi Hideyoshi 7. Takeda Shingen 8. Kuroda Kanbei 9. Akemichi Mitsuhide 10. Ishida Mistunari

[@dannygreenland4853]

Another great video again like the Leaders video I agree with all your choices, maybe have Naomas in Yoshihiro's place other than that great choices. Only one mistake I noticed one of the Naomasa Ii pics is actually his son Naotaka. Yukimura as number 1 I expected would have been shocked if he wasn't and Tadakatsu number 2 is justified. some worthy adds could have been Nobuharu (Nobufusa) Baba another reported to have not been injured in battle until his untimely death at Nagashino. I guess Kojiro Sasaki may have been in the same boat as Musashi I don't know.

[@joeviloria2494]

I agree with this list. My numbers 1 and 2 are exactly the same as yours.

[@Ezio227]

If there is a perfect list, then this is it.

[@miragaming9628]

Yukimura's legacy always fascinates me. He was born into a smaller clan compared to other Major ones during the Sengoku Period. He could just easily switch to the Tokugawa side like his brother Nobuyuki Sanada but he remained loyal to his friends and formal allies which led him to his demise. But it is without a doubt that Yukimura was brave, wise and strong as a leader and a warrior just by looking at how he defended the massive Togukawa Army at Sanada Maru in the Osaka Campaign. At his final moment, he charged towards Tokugawa Ieyasu but was pinned down by the soldiers and died of injuries and exhaustion. He was a true oath keeper and a warrior of Lord Hideyori Toyotomi. I always wonder the alternative history like how his legacy would be if only Toyotomi won at the Osaka Campaign or he ended up joining the Tokugawa forces.

[@galois6569]

Based on how Extra Credits series on the Segoku Jidai made him sound I as expecting Hattori Hanzō to be somewhere on the list. I enjoyed learning about the samurai on this list and their exploits. Thanks.

[@xAssassin24]

Hanzo was a shinobi, not a samurai

[@TheYaji1988]

@@xAssassin24 He was both.

[@FShani]

@@TheYaji1988 Debatable. Most likely he was in actuality a shinobi and only listed as a "samurai from the remote province of Iga" for the sake of appearances. It's also possible he was the opposite, a samurai that employed ninja from his home province. Keep in mind the ninja only revealed themselves to the most powerful lords of the land until after the Boshin war. While Iga province did in fact have both samurai and ninja, it is extremely unlikely that there were ever members of samurai clans that also trained in ninjutsu.

[@bigboydancannon4325]

Extra Credits are a bunch of ideologues, about as credible as a homeless man living under a bridge.

[@matthewosvaldo4205]

what about "The Greatest Spearman" Toshiie Maeda. Oda Nobunaga spoke highly of him cause of his skill and prowess with spear.

[@Zee200]

Agree. correct me if i'm wrong. Maeda Toshiie is also her love rival hideyoshi when fighting over nene. but she preferred hideyoshi in the end😂

[@matthewosvaldo4205]

@@Zee200 well im glad he lost to Hideyoshi cause his wife, Matsu, was an excellent lady to have. Smart and brave.

[@julian-p]

@@Zee200hideyoshi and toshiie are rivals but close friends since they were kids. by nobunaga, hideyoshi are called "saru" means monkey, while toshiie are called "inu" means dog. monkey and dog are always rival in japan lore. when hideyoshi becomes kampaku, toshiie becomes dainagon, or second in command. these guys often meet eye to eye to discuss strategy. maeda matsu and nene are also close and have political powers on their own

[@Gary_a_normal_human_being]

I use his full set in Nioh 2 love that guy

[@user-qj9go7jj3f]

Can you please do a video on Honda Tadakatsu?

[@bdulrahmanarzani27]

Kato kiyomasa’s blue armour is awesome.

[@tuanphamnguyenminh7119]

My man , thank a lot , i really want to see about Honda Takadatsu and Sanada Yukimura , now i have it , Japan's 2 famous god of war 😍😍😍😍

[@user-gl5vh7gr8w]

正しくは本多忠勝です・・・高達（Takadatsu) Correctly Honda Tadakatsu

[@arthelliasgaming]

Could you do a video on the swords used by these men?

[@user-sm2he8gl5b]

It's a pity that Minamoto no Yoshitsune, who was instrumental in overthrowing the Taira clan, was forced to commit suicide because his brother Yoritomo considered him dangerous.

[@bezaleel01]

Hey it was a good clip to introduce most of master fighters in the Sengoku period. Do you know Hojo Soun? He should have been joined into your rank.

[@trailerparkninja6834]

Fascinating material I grew up learning about them because my grandfather killed a alot if them in ww2. He also said they were the meanest warriors because of thier Samurai doctrines, no fear of death. I always loved watching Samurai flix as a kid. Thier purpose is to serve thier master as warriors and die if need b