Online dictionary of history and traditions in Japan: Kokushi

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French version

Kokushi

国司
keywords: office , title
related topics: Ritsuryo system , Heian period , Shoen , Shugo , Kamakura shogunate , Kuni , Kuni no miyatsuko
related web sites: http://www3.town.tatsuruhama.ishikawa.jp/hisbook/rekisi/index3/text07.HTM
explanation: According to Ritsuryo system, Japan was divided to about 60 provinces and each province was governed by an official sent from the capital. He was responsible of the tax collection and the security. Due to a development of shoen and samurai clans during Heian period, Kokushi appealed gradually to a representative without moving from Kyoto. When Kamakura shogunate created "shugo", Kokushi became useless but still remained as a honorific post until Edo period.