幕府
Meanings
shogunate; bakufu
Refers to the military government of Japan led by a shogun, especially during the Kamakura, Muromachi, and Edo periods.
The Edo shogunate lasted about 260 years.
shogun's headquarters
Specifically the physical headquarters or administrative center of the shogun.
The shogun's headquarters was established in Kamakura.
Imperial Guards office; residence of the Imperial Guards commander
Historical term for the office or residence of the commander of the Imperial Guards (近衛). Rare and limited to pre-shogunate contexts.
See also: 近衛
In the Heian period, 幕府 referred to the office of the Imperial Guards.
Usage patterns
- 幕府を開くto establish a shogunate
Minamoto no Yoritomo established a shogunate in Kamakura.
- 幕府が倒れるfor the shogunate to fall
The Edo shogunate fell in 1868.
- 幕府に仕えるto serve the shogunate
His family had served the shogunate for generations.