During the period from around 1600 to 1868, Japan was a feudal society. As in medieval Europe, each group had its place in a strict social order. Watch the clip below to discover the roles of each group during the age when the Tokugawa shoguns ruled the country.
Ancient Japan social hierarchy demonstrates the classification of Japanese people on the basis of certain rules and conditions that were followed by Japanese society in ancient times. These social classes were categorised based on power as well as prestige. Japanese social hierarchy was segregated into two classes: the upper Noble Class and the lower Peasant Class. These classes were further sub categorised, thus forming a hierarchy. Following are the major classes in the social hierarchy of Ancient Japan:
