22 Captivating Images of Samurai Warriors from the Past

Although samurais are often thought of as belonging to 12th-century Japanese nobility and being associated with swords and impressive armor, their influence lasted for almost a thousand years, coming to an end in the late 19th century. Just before they were to lay down their weapons for the last time, a number of photographers took up their cameras to capture some final images of these legendary warriors. From portraits showcasing their swords to dynamic action shots, the following 22 photos offer a fascinating glimpse into the world of Japanese Samurai during their final days.