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Why did former samurai rebel against the Meiji government?

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Map showing the territorial expansion of the Japanese Empire from 1870 to 1942 across East and Southeast Asia and the Pacific. The map uses color codes to indicate the original Japanese territory in 1870, subsequent acquisitions, and the farthest extent of Japanese occupation and conquest by 1942, including parts of China, Korea, Manchuria, Southeast Asia, and numerous Pacific islands. An inset map displays the broader reach of Japanese control at its peak. — Empire of Japan The Empire of Japan, 1870–1942.

Following the Meiji Restoration in 1868, the new government implemented sweeping reforms to modernize Japan and dismantle the feudal system, which directly alienated the former samurai class. The primary reasons for their rebellions included:

Loss of Status and Privilege: The government abolished feudalism in 1871, stripping samurai of their administrative roles and social standing. Laws were enacted to ban the wearing of swords—the traditional badge of their class—and to discourage their distinctive hairstyles.12
Economic Hardship: Samurai were initially granted pensions, but these were later converted into nonconvertible, interest-bearing bonds that lost significant value due to inflation. Many former warriors lacked the commercial skills to adapt to the new economy, leading to widespread impoverishment.2
Loss of Military Monopoly: The 1873 introduction of nationwide conscription ended the samurai's exclusive role as the nation's warriors, fundamentally undermining their identity and purpose.2

While some rebels sought to protest these administrative changes, others, such as those in Saga, advocated for foreign wars to provide employment for the displaced warrior class. These grievances culminated in several uprisings, most notably the Satsuma Rebellion of 1877.2