The decline and end of the samurai class in Japan can be attributed to several factors:

1. Meiji Restoration: The Meiji Restoration, which took place from 1868 to 1869, marked a significant turning point in Japanese history. It led to the collapse of the Tokugawa shogunate and the restoration of imperial rule under Emperor Meiji. The Meiji government implemented a series of reforms aimed at modernizing and centralizing Japan, including the abolition of the samurai class as a hereditary social group. This marked a shift towards a more centralized military force and the establishment of a modern, Western-style army.
2. Westernization and Industrialization: The Meiji period saw Japan's rapid modernization and industrialization, with the government actively adopting Western technology, political systems, and military strategies. This brought about significant changes in warfare, shifting from traditional samurai methods to modern, large-scale, and technologically advanced military forces. The rise of firearms and the introduction of conscription undermined the traditional samurai class and its emphasis on individual combat skills.
3. Prohibition of Wearing Swords: As part of the Meiji government's efforts to centralize power and eliminate potential sources of unrest, a series of laws were enacted to ban the carrying of swords by civilians. This included the 1871 Sword Abolishment Edict, which effectively restricted the wearing of swords to only certain military and law enforcement personnel. This further diminished the social and symbolic significance of the samurai class.
4. Modern Military Reforms: The Meiji government established a conscription system, which required all able-bodied men to serve in the military. This shifted the focus from the privileged samurai warrior class to a more merit-based military structure. The government also introduced modern military training, tactics, and equipment, reducing the need for traditional samurai fighting skills.

While the samurai class as a distinct social group ceased to exist, the values and traditions associated with samurai, such as bushido (the samurai code of honor), continued to influence Japanese society and culture.

It's important to note that the end of the samurai class was not an immediate or absolute process. Elements of the samurai class persisted in various forms, with some former samurai transitioning into new roles in government, business, or education. Additionally, some samurai families retained their social status and became part of the emerging elite in modern Japan.