Hired Swords: The Rise of Private Warrior Power in Early Japan

Excellent book on subtle but far-reaching changes in Japan government from 8th Century 'til around 11th Century. In a similar way to the fall of the Roman Empire (later East and West Empires) where the introduction of mercenaries slowly brought the entire Roman world to the end and gave birth to numerous fiefdoms and warlords and finally to feudal system, privatization of military and police powers in Japan started with the goal of reducing overall cost of military and police infrastructure management but finally brought the end to the Japanese central government of the day.

The author manages to show how these changes started small but slowly crept in and finally completely changed the political and governmental organization of the show more Japan leading finally to medieval, feudal age where Samurai were true wielders of the power.

In a way, this can be treated as a cautionary tale for our own times.

Highly recommended. show less