Difference Between Samurai and Ninja

Samurai vs Ninja

Samurais and ninjas have long been a part of what has made Japanese culture unique and fascinating. These two warriors that lived during ancient Japanese times have been immortalized in film and novels. But while the immortalization of these two types of warriors may be pretty much the same, there are a number of differences between samurais and ninjas.

One of the major differences between the samurai and the ninja is who they exactly are. Samurais were warriors that belonged to the noble classes of ancient Japanese society. On the other hand, ninjas were often mercenaries, and as such they would often belong to the lower classes of ancient Japanese society. This is the reason for the second difference between the samurai and the ninja. Because of the fact that they are part of nobility, samurai warriors are often depicted wearing full clad kimonos, which is the traditional attire of the ancient Japanese. Ninjas are often clothed in relatively tighter clothing and tend to be fully clothed, with only their eyes showing. In line with this, the outfits of samurai warriors are colorful while ninja outfits are often plain black in color.

Another major difference between the samurai and the ninja is the manner on how they fight. Samurais are guided by an ancient code of ethics which is called the bushido. That being the case, they ensure that they adhere to certain principles even while they are in combat. In contrast, ninjas do not follow any code of ethics when they fight so much so that their fighting and combat style is considered to be unorthodox. In fact, the manner on how ninjas fight is the complete opposite of samurais. For instance, samurais find it more honorable to fight face to face. Ninjas specialize in ambush, espionage, sabotage, infiltration and assassination. This is why ninjas utilize a variety of different weapons that samurais do not use such as the infamous ninja stars.

Finally, there is the difference on who they fight for. Samurais are often warriors who served the emperor or the ruling shogunate during the period when feudalism was the form of government observed in Japanese, often until the very end without asking for a fee. Ninjas serve pretty much anyone and everyone who are willing to pay their price. In modern days, they are likened to hired gunmen and assassins whose fighting skills are used to rid rivals.

Summary:
1. Both samurais and ninjas were warriors that lived during ancient Japan that have been immortalized throughout the years.
2. Samurais were noblemen that followed the bushido code when they engage in combat. Ninjas belonged to the lower socio-economic status of Japanese society and follow an unorthodox style of fighting.
3. Samurais are warriors that serve the ruling emperor or shogunate without requiring a fee for their services. On the other hand, ninjas are hired mercenaries that would be willing to serve anyone who is willing to pay them their asking price in return for their services.

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