The decline of the samurai class had a significant impact on the practice of Bushido, the code of conduct that governed the behavior of Japanese samurai warriors. This decline can be traced back to the Meiji Restoration in 1868, when the feudal system was abolished and the samurai lost their traditional role as the ruling class.

One of the key principles of Bushido was loyalty to one's lord or master. The samurai were trained from a young age to serve their lord with unwavering loyalty and to be willing to sacrifice their lives for their lord's honor. However, with the end of the feudal system, the samurai lost their lords and were forced to find new ways to support themselves. This led to a decline in the importance of loyalty and duty in the practice of Bushido.

Another important aspect of Bushido was the emphasis on martial skills and the code of honor in battle. The samurai were trained to be skilled warriors and to always uphold their honor on the battlefield. However, with the abolition of the feudal system, the need for skilled warriors diminished and the samurai were no longer the dominant military force in Japan. This resulted in a decline in the importance of martial skills and the code of honor in the practice of Bushido.

The loss of their traditional role and status also had a significant impact on the samurai's sense of identity and purpose. For centuries, the samurai had defined themselves as warriors and had lived their lives according to the strict code of Bushido. With the end of the feudal system, many samurai struggled to find a new sense of purpose and identity, leading to a decline in the practice of Bushido.

Furthermore, the influx of Western ideas and technology during the Meiji period also had a significant impact on the practice of Bushido. The samurai were no longer seen as the elite class and were forced to adapt to a rapidly changing society. This led to a decline in the traditional values and beliefs that had been central to the practice of Bushido.

In conclusion, the decline of the samurai class had a profound effect on the practice of Bushido. The loss of their traditional role, the changing societal values, and the influx of Western ideas all contributed to a decline in the importance and relevance of Bushido in Japanese society. However, the legacy of Bushido continues to live on in modern Japan, serving as a reminder of the honorable and disciplined way of life of the samurai.