One main difference between Japanese and European feudalism was the role of the samurai class in Japan. In European feudalism, knights were primarily warriors who pledged loyalty to a lord in exchange for land and protection. However, in Japan, samurai were not only warriors but also held positions of political power and authority. They served as the military elite class and also held administrative and bureaucratic roles, playing a significant role in the governance of the country. This marked a distinct difference from European feudalism, where political power generally rested with the nobility.
