What was one of the roles of the samurai in Japanese society?

One of the primary roles of the samurai in Japanese society was serving the shogun in warfare. The samurai were a warrior class that became highly respected in feudal Japan. Their primary duty involved military service to the shogunate, which was the governing military regime. This service included not only fighting in battles but also training for combat and maintaining skills in various martial arts.

The samurai were bound by a strict code of conduct known as Bushido, which emphasized loyalty, honor, and personal honorability. This code guided their actions and interactions both on and off the battlefield. As protectors of their lords (daimyos) and the shogun, samurai played a critical role in maintaining order during a time of frequent conflict and political instability. Their influence extended beyond the battlefield, as they also became key players in governance and society over time, but their foundational identity was heavily linked to their martial responsibilities.