gokenin
Quick Summary
The term gokenin refers to vassals of the shogun in medieval Japan, particularly during the Kamakura period (1192–1333). These individuals were often influential landlords who also served as warriors. They were appointed as jitō, officials responsible for managing lands and developing agricultural areas under the bakufu's (shogunate's) jurisdiction.1
The gokenin system was a key element in the developing feudal structure of Japan. In exchange for loyalty and public services, such as guard duty, the shogun guaranteed their traditional landholdings and granted them new lands, often confiscated from defeated rivals. This lord-vassal relationship, based on land grants for service, characterized early Japanese feudalism. However, these were not complete fiefs, as central proprietors like temples or aristocratic families often retained significant control over the land, leading to disputes over exploitation and control. The gokenin played a crucial role in maintaining order and developing the land within their assigned territories.1
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JapanDecline of Kamakura society…of the Kamakura period, the gokenin faced difficult times. They had borne virtually all the expense of military service against the Mongols, but their claims for reward went largely unanswered, since no lands or other wealth were confiscated from the invaders. Thus, they were financially pressed and often in debt.…
Read More…of the Kamakura period, the gokenin faced difficult times. They had borne virtually all the expense of military service against the Mongols, but their claims for reward went largely unanswered, since no lands or other wealth were confiscated from the invaders. Thus, they were financially pressed and often in debt.…
Read More- JapanThe establishment of the system
…distributed among the hatamoto and gokenin, the liege vassals to the bakufu. In addition, because the bakufu declared a monopoly over foreign trade and alone had the right to issue currency, it had considerably greater financial resources than did the daimyo. In military strength as well, it was also far…
Read More…distributed among the hatamoto and gokenin, the liege vassals to the bakufu. In addition, because the bakufu declared a monopoly over foreign trade and alone had the right to issue currency, it had considerably greater financial resources than did the daimyo. In military strength as well, it was also far…
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