Japanese Feudalism
Centralized Feudalism A social, political and economic system based on personal loyalties, class distinctions, and the granting of land rights.
Japan’s Feudal Social Structure
Emperor Figurehead Direct descendent from God No real power
Shogun Military governor general – assumed the political power of the Emperor. Ruled with the support of landholding nobility. Why not overthrow the Emperor?
Daimyo Great landholders Swore allegiance to the shogun, but were very powerful
Samurai Warriors who swore allegiance to a daimyo, or an emperor, in exchange for land.
Peasants Farmers Worked farms and made weapons in exchange for protection
Merchants Sold goods Held wealth, but had low social status Made money off of the labor of others