Ashigaru, 足軽, 足轻

Ashigaru-literally, ‘light-footed’-were infantry employed by the samurai class of feudal Japan. Constant warfare between the 14th and 16th centuries made the hiring of foot soldiers with no particular loyalty necessary at times. Paid only in loot, these mercenaries were not well-trained and thus could not always be depended upon in battle. These wandering foot soldiers eventually became the ashigaru.