Japanese aristocracy

Japanese aristocracy historically comprised noble families, aristocrats, and court officials who held social, political, and cultural influence, especially during the Heian period (794-1185). They often belonged to the Imperial Court, with titles like kuge (nobles) and aristocratic ranks that conferred privileges and land. Over time, especially during the Meiji Restoration (1868), the aristocratic class was formalized and integrated into the modern hierarchy, maintaining privileges under a constitutional monarchy. Today, aristocratic titles have largely lost legal status, but their legacy persists through noble families, cultural traditions, and historical institutions.