= Military = (12)

Explore the military of Age of Empires IV's Yamato culture, including warrior armor, weapons, and mandatory service for adult men.

Evidence from burial tombs, including large numbers of warrior figures, weapons, and armor, suggests that warfare was a common feature of Yamato culture. Despite the existence of a dominant ruler, clan groups frequently found reasons for conflict. All adult men were available for military service and were required to serve for at least one year. The uji class provided the elite troops and officers for the armies.

Warrior figures found in tombs are depicted wearing full body armor and visored helmets. The most commonly discovered weapons include swords, spears, and bow quivers. The abundance of horse figures found also suggests the existence of cavalry. The sudden appearance of horses in burial goods around the fifth century has led to the hypothesis of an invasion by a cavalry army at that time. However, it is more probable that the horse was an import that became a status symbol for the elite, who were most likely to receive a ceremonial burial. The elite uji class made up the cavalry of the period because they could afford the horse and equipment.