The Bakufu was the single most tranformative event of early Japan. The bakufu , or "tent government" (because soldiers lived in tents), was more or less a military government. It primarily functioned as a separate government concerned primarily with military and police matters. The Emperor's government in Kyoto, however, continued to function as before: the court still appointed civil governors, collected taxes, and exercised complete control in the area surrounding the capital.



©1996, Richard Hooker

For information contact: Richard Hines
Updated 7-14-1999