Tools for War

• The samurai had a wide range of weapons to choose from. The katana long sword is probably the best known of these arms. The partner of the katana was the Wakizashi short sword, which was also known as the "Samurai's soul." However, the most important weapons for the samurai were the Yumi longbow and arrows. These were an expression of aristocracy, since they were intended to kill the enemies from distance. Then, the Yari straight blade spear and the Naginata curbed point spear were added to the samurai's basic arsenal. Finally, every samurai wielded the Tanto ceremonial knife, used only for the Seppuku suicide ritual. Other kind of weapons used by the samurai were the Tessen iron fan, the Jutte iron cudgel and the Manrikigusari, which is a metal chain that ends in two metal handles.
  
  

Tools for Calligraphy

• Calligraphy was significant for the amurai, because every symbol was an expression of their character. There are four important utensils, also known as the "four treasures," for calligraphy: two types of Fude brushes, which were the Futofude thick brush, and the Hosofude slender brush. As important as the Fude is the Sumi ink, which is so sticky that it is rubbed on the Suzuri ink stone. The Washi paper, where the characters are going to be written, was an essential tool. Other necessary tools for calligraphy are the Shitajiki calligraphy pad, Suiteki water vessels, and the Fudeoki brush rest.
  
  

Tools for the Tea Ceremony

• The tea ceremony had a profound significance for the samurais, since it brings spiritual harmony and serenity. Some of the most valued Chanoyu utensils are the Chawan the tea bowls, since without it tea could not be served. Another much appreciated tool is the Natsume tea caddy which contains the powdered tea. As important as the former two utensils is the Chashaku tea scoop, that gets the correct proportion of tea. In order to mix the powdered tea in hot water, the Japanese used the Chasen whisk. The Samurai used the Chakin linen cloth to clean the tea bowl, the Fukusa silk cloth to clean the Natsume and the Chashaku, and the Fukin hemp cloth to clean the Chawan.
  
  

Tools for Flower Arrangement

• As important as the tea ceremony, the Ikebana flower arrangement was practiced by the Samurai to reach a state of peace, and to purify their hearts and minds before war. There are two important tools for Ikebana: the scissors and the Kensan, which means Sword Mountain, and consists of a plate with spikes to insert the flowers in order to work on the arrangements.