The last of Japan’s samurai warriors existed during the 19th century, just before the 1868 Meiji Restoration and end of feudalism forced them to give up their swords to welcome the rise of the country’s new national armed forces. It was a quick and drastic change from previous centuries as rulers and noblemen of the population.

But a rare photo series capturing the samurai during the very years before this social transition has been discovered, giving us a glimpse into the long gone life of the warriors. Taken in the 19th century, the photos have managed to preserve moments in time just after Japan opened its doors to the rest of the world, entering her years of progression and modernization.

Though the samurai no longer exist, much of Japanese culture is greatly rooted in Bushido, or the way of the samurai, and their spirits still live on to this day.