Shikken

Shikken was a powerful political position in medieval Japan during the Kamakura period (1185–1333), serving as the regent for the shogun, who was the military ruler. Originally, the shikken acted as an advisor or guardian for the shogun, often a child or figurehead, but over time, the shikken held actual political authority and governed Japan’s affairs. The position was typically held by the head of the Hojo clan, making them the de facto rulers, even though the shogun remained the official military leader. In essence, the shikken was the real power behind the throne during that era.