Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Samurai stories, an essential genre of Japan’s film industry since its inception, have been enjoying a global resurgence lately.

Seki Nobuhide Sensei, a martial arts and katana instructor, rates portrayals of samurai battles in movies and TV shows. He explains why samurai employed different types of spears in battle in "Shogun.

Japan has opened a real-life samurai theme park where visitors can take part in live dramas, and even try adults-only historical experiences.