Translation guide
A territory ruled by a feudal lord in pre-modern Japan, typically during the Edo period. The most common Japanese term is 藩 (han), but other historical terms exist depending on the era and context.
The standard term for a feudal domain in the Edo period (1603–1868), ruled by a daimyo under the Tokugawa shogunate.
The standard historical term for a feudal domain in the Edo period. Refers to the territory and governance system of a daimyo.
江戸時代には約300の藩があった。
In the Edo period, there were about 300 feudal domains.
彼の先祖は小さな藩の武士だった。
His ancestors were samurai of a small feudal domain.
Specifically refers to the territory of a 藩, emphasizing the land itself.
その藩領は山が多く、農業に適さなかった。
That feudal domain was mountainous and not suitable for agriculture.
Terms for feudal domains or territories before the Edo period, or in a broader historical context.
General term for a feudal lord's territory, used across various periods. Not limited to the Edo-period 藩 system.
戦国時代、大名たちは領地を拡大しようと争った。
During the Warring States period, feudal lords fought to expand their domains.
Similar to 領地, often used in historical documents. Slightly more formal or literary.
Land granted to a samurai as a fief, often in return for military service. A more technical term.
彼は主君から知行地を与えられた。
He was granted a fief by his lord.
Referring to the domain as the seat of a daimyo or a clan, often used in names.
Also used as a suffix in domain names, e.g., 薩摩藩 (Satsuma domain).
薩摩藩は幕末に重要な役割を果たした。
The Satsuma domain played an important role at the end of the Edo period.
Refers to the political clique or faction formed by people from the same domain, especially in the Meiji period.
藩 specifically refers to the domains of the Edo period under the Tokugawa shogunate. 領地 is a broader term for any feudal territory, including those before the Edo period. Use 藩 when discussing the Edo-period system, and 領地 for general or pre-Edo contexts.
Feudal domains are often referred to by the name of their castle town or region plus 藩, e.g., 仙台藩 (Sendai domain), 加賀藩 (Kaga domain). This is the standard way to name specific domains.
That warlord possessed a vast feudal domain.
In the Meiji government, the Satsuma-Choshu domain clique held power.