The principle of individualism was essential to the formation of samurai history and culture. Beliefs about self-sufficiency and personal dependence were evident throughout the life of the samurai. “The process of Japanese state formation and personal identity in Japan have been intimately connected” (Ikegami 43). This sense of individualism not only influenced the identity of the samurai, but Japan as a whole. The samurai class as a whole sought to be part of their own warrior class, or even a higher class; far from the most common class. Samurai had individualistic attitudes in every aspect of their lives and it was a noticeable characteristic of these warriors. Samurai fought an individual struggle for honor, seeking power and status, influencing their culture socially and militarily, occasionally leading to corrupt methods of gaining power. The necessary sense of honor was truly unique in samurai society. It allowed the samurai to develop a culture derived from their individualistic ways. Socially, the samurai gave rise to many new aspects of Japanese popular culture. In an effort to realize their independent struggle for honor and status, the samurai began to take part in high-status activities. Being part of a warrior class gave samurai warriors a distinct character as ruthless killers, but during the Muromachi period in Japan, the culture among samurai flourished. It became common to see samurai not enjoying theater, developing gardens, and taking part in the thriving tea ceremony (Keene). This became important to the samurai because they desperately wanted to have a sense of honor and power. These activities were enjoyed by samurai who had enough time and money to spend. This showed status and power to the individual samurai. Furthermore, within the soc... middle of paper... the masons' desire for honor led to a culture with a society and military that craved individualism. They have greatly shaped their history by adding the stipulation of being revered as members of the honorable warrior class. “The feeling of honor incorporates a dimension of self-esteem” (Ikegami 42). As samurai culture changed over time, the need to be honored in respectable ways faded, but individualism continued to shine with battles of corruption and devious methods that recognized their perpetrators as achieving admirable results. The struggle for honor and power, through individualistic, corrupt and loyal methods, influenced samurai culture and the history of Japan socially and militarily. Works Cited Yoshimasa and the Silver Pavilion by Donald Keene Musui's Story by Katsu Kokichi The Taming of the Samurai by Eiko Ikegami