shoshi

Japanese official

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July 13, 2026

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The term "shoshi" in the context of Japanese history refers to officials who held the additional post of shugo of Yamashiro province during the Muromachi period (1338–1573). The shugo were hereditary military constables appointed by the shogun to maintain peace and supervise local affairs. Over time, the shugo gained significant power, sometimes controlling multiple provinces, and became feudal lords. However, their authority eventually waned, and their power was usurped by samurai with more direct control. The shoshi were considered second in importance only to the kanrei (shogunal deputies) within the bakufu (shogunate government).12

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Japan
Muromachi government structure
Leading officials called shoshi who held the additional post of shugo of Yamashiro province (now in Kyōto urban prefecture) were next in importance to the kanrei. New offices were established to streamline judicial decisions and handle financial matters, and the Ashikaga maintained their own private guard, the hōkōshū.…
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Leading officials called shoshi who held the additional post of shugo of Yamashiro province (now in Kyōto urban prefecture) were next in importance to the kanrei. New offices were established to streamline judicial decisions and handle financial matters, and the Ashikaga maintained their own private guard, the hōkōshū.…
Read More