Which military conflict does the term "warlord rulers" most closely associate with in Japan?

The term "warlord rulers" is most closely associated with the Sengoku period in Japan. This era, which lasted from the mid-15th century to the early 17th century, was characterized by a breakdown of centralized authority and the rise of powerful regional warlords known as daimyo. During this time, these warlords battled each other for control of territory and influence, which created a fragmented society where military leaders wielded significant power over their domains. This period is marked by intense conflict, political intrigue, and social upheaval, all of which are emblematic of the term "warlord rulers".

In contrast, the Meiji Restoration marked the restoration of imperial rule and the unification of Japan under a central government, eliminating the warlord system. The Russo-Japanese War was a conflict between Russia and Japan that showcased Japan’s growing military power on the international stage but does not revolve around the concept of internal warlord rule. World War II, while significant in Japan’s history, concerns its role in global conflict and militarism rather than the internal power struggles typical of the Sengoku period. Thus, the Sengoku period is the most accurate context for the term "warlord rulers".