Online dictionary of history and traditions in Japan: Kuni

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French version

Kuni

国
alternative words: Country, State, Nation, Province
keywords: law , state
related topics: Ritsuryo system , Kokushi , Shugo , Han , Kuni no miyatsuko , Goki shichido
explanation: As any other languages, Kuni has 2 meanings: "nation" as a whole and its regional units, province. Due to her isolation, Japan used frequently the second meaning in the past. Under Ritsuryo regime of 8th century, Japan was divided into 58 kuni and 66 kuni under Engishiki of 10th century. Initially kuni was administered by kokushi appointed by Yamato court then by shugo appointed by Kamakura shogunate but they lost gradually power and han administered by daimyo became regional units.