Japanese feudal system

The Japanese feudal system, existing from the 12th to 19th centuries, was a hierarchical society where land and loyalty determined social status. At the top was the Emperor, mostly symbolic, followed by powerful Shoguns who held real military and political authority. Under them were Daimyo, wealthy landowning lords who controlled regions and commanded samurai warriors. Samurai served their Daimyo in return for land or stipends, forming an elite military class. Common farmers, artisans, and merchants worked the land or produced goods, while peasants were primarily engaged in agriculture. This structure maintained stability through a code of loyalty and mutual obligation.