Japanese feudalism was a social and political system that dominated Japan from the 12th to the 19th century. It was characterized by a hierarchy where the Emperor was at the top, but real power was held by the shogun, a military leader. Below the shogun were the daimyō, or feudal lords, who controlled large estates and had their own samurai warriors. This system was based on land ownership and loyalty, with samurai serving their daimyō in exchange for land and protection. The feudal structure created a rigid class system, with peasants working the land and artisans and merchants occupying lower social ranks. During this period, the samurai became a prominent warrior class, adhering to a code of conduct known