The Samurai Blue finish the Olympic group stage undefeated 3-0! On to the quarterfinals!

#Samurai Saturday Spotlight Akira Kurosawa (1910-1998) Although born into modern times, Kurosawa has become widely regarded as one of the greatest film directors to ever live. He would popularize the samurai film genre through classics such as Seven Samurai, Yojimbo, and Ran.

#Samurai Saturday Spotlight: The Imjin War (1592-1598) The Imjin War (Bunroku-Keicho War) was a major East Asian conflict between Japan, Joseon Korea, and Ming China. It was here, Toyotomi Hideyoshi sought to conquer China and Korea, yet died before ever realizing his ambition.

I have begun to update my first series leading into my main Sengoku Jidai series. Let us begin by reexamining the origins of the shogun and the bushi! #Japan #Samurai #History youtube.com/watch?v=6jhgR0…

If anyone has not yet picked up a Nobunaga's Ambition game (for PC) now is the time! Seriously the best samurai strategy games out there.

#Samurai Saturday Spotlight: The Ritsuryo Army This was an early attempt at creating a national army for the Yamato state. Developed primarily throughout the eighth century, it was a force comprised of conscripts. Later, it was phased out to give rise to professional warriors.

Thank you for 200,000!!! I'm working on a fun video now to commemorate the achievement!

I am honored to be taking part in an interview soon with the Professor Thomas Conlan of Princeton University. Conlan is serving as a historical advisor for the upcoming samurai indie game "Warlord: Awaji"! Are there any specific questions you would like asked in the interview?

#Samurai Saturday Spotlight: Taigen Sessai (1496-1555) Sessai was a respected advisor to Imagawa Yoshimoto. It is believed he aided Yoshimoto in most diplomatic and military affairs, and perhaps later educated a young Ieyasu. He died 5 years prior to the battle of Okehazama.

Let's paint Uesugi Kenshin and talk about samurai! youtube.com/watch?v=eCr4Dx…

I had a wonderful discussion yesterday with Darkmatter Games and Historian Thomas Conlan about the upcoming samurai game "Warlord: Awaji"! youtube.com/watch?v=3cQ5nZ…

I finished my Uesugi Kenshin on horseback. Here is how he turned out next to the mini on foot that I painted in the video from last weekend. Once again, these minis are from Fireforge Games. Takeda Shingen is next!

#Samurai Saturday Spotlight: Matsumoto Castle Formerly known as Fukashi, the picturesque Matsumoto castle we know today was built in the late 16th century. Its structure is also still largely original, marking it as one of the few remaining original castles standing in Japan.

I was finally able to check out Kubi! Here is my review! youtube.com/watch?v=_LFi8h…

Finally finished up Takeda Shingen! He obviously pairs nicely with Uesugi Kenshin. Up next is Kato Kiyomasa from Perry Miniatures!

#Samurai Saturday Spotlight: Araki Murashige (1535-1586) Murashige was a prominent commander under Nobunaga, before betraying the Oda in 1578. After escaping a siege by Oda forces, he defected to the Mori, and later, dedicated himself to tea under the teachings of Sen no Rikyu.

Rest in power James Earl Jones... Although I'm sure most people will remember his tremendous voice work as Darth Vader among other iconic roles. I think I'll remember him best as the sinister Thulsa Doom in Conan the Barbarian. What a legend.

James Earl Jones was an icon. He will always live on with his legacy of playing some of the greatest characters of all time. But we all know about his tremendous acting ability. So I want to talk about his heart. When we filmed Conan, I was the new kid on the block, and he

Historian Thomas Conlan and I are back once again to this time discuss his recent Samurai Sourcebook! youtube.com/watch?v=CsRByx…

Today's Spotlight is once again Hiroshima castle, which I also spotlighted over two years ago! Such a beautiful and significant castle despite being destroyed during the second world war and later rebuilt!