- The emperor was considered to be a descendant of the gods and was revered as the head of state. However, the real power was wielded by the aristocracy, who were divided into several clans.
- The samurai were warriors who served the aristocracy and were known for their loyalty and fighting skills. They were given special privileges and status in society.
- The peasants were the lowest class of society and made up the majority of the population. They lived in small villages and farmed the land to produce food for themselves and the rest of society.
- The merchants were a small but important part of society, as they facilitated trade and commerce. They were not as highly regarded as the other classes, but they played an important role in the economy.
Japanese society was also patriarchal, with men having more power and status than women. Women were expected to be obedient to their husbands and fathers and were not allowed to own property or have a say in political matters. However, some women did manage to achieve positions of power and influence, such as empress dowagers and priestesses.