Who was the actual ruler during the feudal government, while emperors served as figureheads?

The shogun was the actual ruler during the feudal government in Japan, serving as the head military commander and de facto leader while emperors held a more symbolic and ceremonial role. This structure emerged during the Kamakura period and continued for centuries, where the shogunate governed the country and made crucial decisions about military and political affairs.

While the daimyo were powerful feudal lords who controlled land and had their own samurai warriors, they operated under the authority of the shogun rather than ruling independently. The samurai served as the warrior class and followed the code of bushido, but their primary loyalty was to the daimyo or shogun. The term bushi often refers generically to warriors, especially samurai, but does not specify a ruling class. Thus, the shogun's role as the effective ruler distinguishes him as the key figure in the feudal hierarchy, with real power and governance.