Shōgun

A shōgun was a powerful military leader and de facto ruler of Japan for many centuries, especially during the feudal period. While the emperor was the official head of state, the shōgun held actual political and military authority, controlling the government, armies, and land distribution. The title was held by top military commanders who dominated Japan’s political landscape, often through a system of samurai loyalty and land grants. The most famous shōgunates—like the Kamakura, Muromachi, and Edo—existed for hundreds of years, shaping Japan’s history, society, and culture.