Japan Feudal System

The Japanese feudal system was a hierarchical society rooted in loyalty and land management, mainly during the Edo period (1603–1868). At the top was the Emperor, a symbolic ruler, followed by the Shogun, who wielded actual political power. Below them were regional lords called Daimyo, who controlled specific domains and had their own armies. Samurai served these lords, acting as loyal warriors and administrators. Farmers, artisans, and merchants formed the base, working the land and producing goods. This structure maintained order through a strict code of loyalty and social roles, with power concentrated in the hands of the ruling elite.