Which Japanese social class was primarily responsible for military duties?

The Samurai class was primarily responsible for military duties in historical Japan. Emerging during the Heian period, the Samurai served as the warrior elite, tasked with the protection of their lords and the maintenance of order in society. They were skilled fighters, trained in various martial arts and specialized weaponry, and were often called upon to lead armies in battle.

The Samurai also held significant social status, forming a key part of the feudal system that characterized Japan, alongside the Daimyo (the powerful landholders) and the Shogun (the military leader who held ultimate power). While the Daimyo directed military operations and the Shogun wielded authority, it was the Samurai who executed the actual combat duties and upheld the principles of bushido, or the way of the warrior.

This distinction underscores the unique role of the Samurai in Japanese history as not just warriors, but also as political figures and culture bearers, navigating the complex social hierarchies of their time.