Those who rendered distinguished service in the Meiji Restoration were raised to the Nobility of Merit (new nobility) from the warrior class (the peerage was privileged to become a member of the House of Peers through mutual vote).
明治維新の功労者らは勲功華族（新華族）として士族から昇格していった（華族は互選で貴族院議員になるなど、特権身分である）。