A person who appears to rule even though the real power rests with someone else.

The samurai code of rules, also known as "The way of the warrior". Both men and women from samurai families had to follow the Bushido rules.

A group of nobles who live near and serve or advise a ruler.

A person who rules a country for someone who is unable to rule alone.

A general who ruled Japan in the emperor's name. Shoguns would go on to rule Japan for 700 years beginning in 1192.

Trained professional warriors who defended the daimyo and their property. They wore light armor and fought with swords and bows. Most came from noble families and inherited their position from their fathers.

One of the great writers in early Japanese history. She wrote "The Tale of Genji", which historians consider the world's first full-length novels.

Japan's largest landowners who hired samurai to protect their own lands.

One of Japan's greatest leaders who served as regent to his aunt, the empress.