Who were the shoguns and samurai?

Shoguns were military leaders in Japan who held power from the late 12th century until the 19th century, governing the country while the emperor remained a figurehead. Samurai were the warrior class that served the shoguns and daimyos (feudal lords), adhering to a code of conduct known as bushido, which emphasized loyalty, honor, and martial skill. Together, shoguns and samurai played crucial roles in shaping Japan's feudal system and its societal structure.