Lindsey’s Reviews > A History of Japan to 1334 > Status Update

Section 1 (of chapter 18) describes the Bakufu’s land distribution after the defeat of Go-Toba’s forces. The manors which they took were given as rewards to vassals, with new stewards being assigned to them. However, previous stewards received much less compensation (if any at all) to the new ones, leading to many complaints. Many of the new stewards frequently abused their position. The Bakufu for its part was rather impartial, often ruling against the stewards it had assigned, including banning the oppressive acts committed by many of them. Additionally, constables had their powers limited by the Bakufu court, as they too abused their position.

The situation in Kyōto was troublesome, and the Bakufu decided to create a permanent delegation to keep peace in the capital under watch of an inspector, or Tandai. This office had far-reaching powers, expanding into all provinces west of (and including) Mikawa. The office of Tandai was monopolized by the Hōjō, with many of them later serving as regent in Kamakura.

Section 2 covers the successor of Hōjō Yoshitoki, Hōjō Yasutoki. Early in his reign as regent, the influential Masako and Ōe Hiromoto passed away. This allowed Yasutoki to implement reforms in Kamakura. Most important of these reforms was the creation of the Hyōjōshū, or Council of State. In practice, it replaced the older offices of Mandokoro and Manchūjo. Interestingly, it limited the power of the Shōgun as well as the Yasutoki’s position of regent. The office of Shōgun had already become ceremonial, but as the regents ruled in name of the Shōgun, its prestige had to be maintained. As such, several watches were created that performed certain duties in name of the Shōgun.

From 1225–1232 a series of calamities plagued Japan, including drought, famine, smallpox, and a myriad of natural disasters. In response, the Bakufu enacted economic relief, although it was not enough to end the troubles. By 1232 conditions began to improve, but some vassals became discontent due to their worsened living conditions.