Ashigaru (10mm)

The Ashigaru (“light of foot” in Nihongo) were the backbone of 16th and early 17th century Japanese armies. Originally wandering mercenaries that came from peasant stock, they were organized into more formal units as the centuries passed. Over time they also gained in status although still existed below the Samurai class. In the later periods they accounted for between 60 and 80% of armies.