Chūnagon

Chūnagon was a high-ranking official position in Japan’s imperial court during the Heian period (794-1185). The title means "Middle Counselor" and denoted an adviser to the emperor, usually part of the senior government officials within the small, aristocratic bureaucracy. Chūnagon were responsible for assisting in government decision-making, managing court affairs, and sometimes acting as diplomats or judges. Their role was both administrative and advisory, often involving literary and cultural pursuits, reflecting the court’s emphasis on arts and learning during that era. The position exemplified the court aristocracy’s influence on governance and culture.