What is the 13 lords of the shogun?

The 13 lords of the shogun were the highest-ranking officials in the Tokugawa shogunate, which ruled Japan from 1603 to 1867. They were also known as the daimyo, or feudal lords, and were responsible for governing the various regions of Japan.

The 13 lords were chosen by the shogun, who was the military dictator and de facto ruler of Japan during this period. They were appointed based on their loyalty and ability to govern their territories effectively.

The 13 lords were granted a great deal of power and autonomy in their respective domains. They were responsible for maintaining law and order, collecting taxes, and providing for the welfare of their subjects. They also had the power to maintain their own armies and conduct their own foreign policies.

The 13 lords were also expected to attend to the shogun's court in Edo (modern-day Tokyo) for a fixed period of time each year. This served both as a reminder of the shogun's authority and as a way for the shogun to keep a close eye on the lords and ensure their loyalty.

Over time, the power of the 13 lords began to wane as the shogunate became increasingly centralized. However, they remained influential figures in Japanese society until the end of the shogunate in the mid-19th century.