Ashigaru 1467–1649

The Ashigaru were the foot soldiers of old Japan. Although recruited first to swell an army's numbers and paid only by loot, the Samurai began to realize their worth. This title tells their story, drawing on Japanese sources and showing the disciplined ranks that they became.

A richly illustrated study of the origins, recruitment, training, and combat of the ashigaru, a vital element of samurai armies.

The ashigaru were the foot soldiers of old Japan. Although recruited first to swell an army's numbers and paid only by loot, the samurai began to realise their worth, particularly with arquebuses and spears, until well-trained ashigaru made up a vital part of any samurai army.

Drawing on previously untranslated Japanese sources, Stephen Turnbull examines the origins, recruitment, training and use in war of the ashigaru. He surveys the range of ashigaru activity, including their roles as sailors and catapult artillery men as well as the disciplined ranks of warriors that they had become.

Illustrated throughout with specially commissioned artwork and previously unpublished illustrations, this book tells the story of the ashigaru for the first time.