With the Restoration came many changes, including the creation of a modern, western-style, conscripted army in 1873.
The famous Samurai, who despite making up only 10% of the Japanese population, and who wielded a tremendous amount of power, lost their right to be the nation's only armed force, and eventually, even their right to wear a sword in public.
This list of coloured Samurai photographs, all taken between 1863 and 1900, in the twilight years of the Samurai's reign.
(Pics - Bored Panda)