also: かいほつりょうしゅ
noun
local developer-lord
Historical term for local warriors or officials in medieval Japan who reclaimed and developed paddy fields, often gaining local power.
開発領主は、中世の日本で新田開発を進めた在地の有力者である。
The kaihatsu ryōshu were local influential figures in medieval Japan who promoted the development of new rice fields.
地頭 was a Kamakura-period steward appointed by the shogunate, while 開発領主 were local developers who often predated or coexisted with such appointments.
Compound of 開発 (kaihatsu, 'development, reclamation') and 領主 (ryōshu, 'feudal lord'). The term refers to medieval Japanese figures who reclaimed land and became local lords.