The Japanese Feudal SystemOn another continent, in a country far removed form Europe, a similar social structure built on loyalty and service existed.
Throughout Japan, much like England, a feudal system was established, putting people in their places on the social scale. Each person knew his or her place and therefore it was very hard to climb the social scale. The government was based on the process of exchange. This included the exchange of land for military service. Peasents were also granted use of farming land and, in return, were obliged to provide services and loyalty to the lord of the manor. |
In feudal Japan, society was divided into two classes; the nobility and the peasants.
The noble class made up roughly 12% of the population while the peasants made up the remaining 88%.
- The Emperor and the Shogun were the highest ranking nobles.
During Japan's feudal period the Shogun held the most power while the Emperor was more of a puppet figure with little actual power.
- Daimyo were powerful warlords and the most powerful rulers under the Shogun.
Within their province the Daimyo had complete military and economic power.
The most powerful warlords sometimes achieved the status of Shogun.
- The Daimyo armies were made up of Samurai warriors.
Samurai worked under Daimyo, but they had additional privileges and held a higher social status than common people.
- Peasants were divided into several sub-classes.
The highest ranking of the peasants were farmers.
Farmers who owned their own land ranked higher than farmers who did not.
Craftsmen, or artisans, were the second highest ranking after the farmers.
Merchants were the lowest ranking because it was felt they made their living off of other people's work.
The noble class made up roughly 12% of the population while the peasants made up the remaining 88%.
- The Emperor and the Shogun were the highest ranking nobles.
During Japan's feudal period the Shogun held the most power while the Emperor was more of a puppet figure with little actual power.
- Daimyo were powerful warlords and the most powerful rulers under the Shogun.
Within their province the Daimyo had complete military and economic power.
The most powerful warlords sometimes achieved the status of Shogun.
- The Daimyo armies were made up of Samurai warriors.
Samurai worked under Daimyo, but they had additional privileges and held a higher social status than common people.
- Peasants were divided into several sub-classes.
The highest ranking of the peasants were farmers.
Farmers who owned their own land ranked higher than farmers who did not.
Craftsmen, or artisans, were the second highest ranking after the farmers.
Merchants were the lowest ranking because it was felt they made their living off of other people's work.