Imperial Court in Kyoto facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Premodern Japan |
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Daijō-kan
(Council of State) |
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| Daijō-daijin | |
| Minister of the Left | Sadaijin |
| Minister of the Right | Udaijin |
| Minister of the Center | Naidaijin |
| Major Counselor | Dainagon |
| Middle Counselor | Chūnagon |
| Minor Counselor | Shōnagon |
| Eight Ministries | |
| Center | Nakatsukasa-shō |
| Ceremonial | Shikibu-shō |
| Civil Administration | Jibu-shō |
| Popular Affairs | Minbu-shō |
| War | Hyōbu-shō |
| Justice | Gyōbu-shō |
| Treasury | Ōkura-shō |
| Imperial Household | Kunai-shō |
The Imperial Court in Kyoto was like the main government of Japan for a long time. It ruled from 794 AD until the Meiji period (1868–1912). After that, the court moved from Kyoto to Tokyo. It then became part of the new Meiji government.
When Emperor Kanmu (737–806) moved the court to Kyoto, power struggles became much less common. Kyoto was chosen because it had many rivers and mountains. People believed these were the best surroundings for a new capital city. The capital itself was built to look like Chang'an. This was the capital of the Tang dynasty in China. Its design followed the ideas of yin-yang. The most important people in the court were the civil aristocracy, called the kuge. They were the ruling class and helped the emperor govern.
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Imperial Court in Kyoto
The Imperial Court in Kyoto was the center of power in Japan for many centuries. It was where the emperor lived and where important decisions were made. This court shaped Japanese culture, politics, and society.
Moving to Kyoto
The Imperial Court moved to Kyoto (then called Heian-kyō) in 794 AD. This move was made by Emperor Kanmu. Before this, there were many fights for power. Moving the capital helped to make things more stable.
Kyoto was picked for its special natural setting. It had many rivers and mountains. People believed these features brought good luck and balance. The city's design copied Chang'an, a famous Chinese capital. It also used ideas from yin-yang. This was a philosophy about balancing opposite forces.
Who Ruled the Court?
The most powerful group in the court was the kuge. These were noble families who worked for the emperor. They were the ruling class of society. They helped the emperor make decisions and manage the country.
The Rise of the Shoguns
After 1185, Kyoto's power as a center started to change. A new system called the shogunate began to grow. The shoguns slowly took over the real power from the emperor.
Minamoto no Yoritomo was the first to make the shogun's job hereditary. This meant it could be passed down in his family. He became shogun in 1192. After this, the shoguns held the true political power. Sometimes, people from Western countries even mistook the shoguns for the emperors of Japan.
The Kamakura shogunate was the first of these military governments. It lasted for almost 150 years, from 1185 to 1333. During this time, the emperor remained important in name, but the shogun made most of the big decisions.
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