Sankin-kōtai

Sankin-kōtai was a Japanese policy during the Edo period that required regional daimyo (lords) to alternate their residence between their own domain and the shogun’s capital, Edo. Every other year, they had to stay in Edo, leaving their families there as hostages to ensure loyalty, while in their own domains they maintained administrative control. This system prevented daimyo from building independent power bases, fostered loyalty to the shogunate, and stimulated economic activity in Edo. By tying daimyo to visits and financial obligations, Sankin-kōtai reinforced centralized authority and contributed to political stability in Japan during that era.