mandokoro

Mandokoro is a term derived from Japanese history, generally referring to a department or bureau within the central government. Historically, its most prominent role was within the Imperial Court of Japan during the Heian period (794-1185) and subsequent eras. The Mandokoro was a key administrative organ responsible for managing the emperor's household affairs, finances, and certain aspects of state administration.

Its specific functions evolved over time. Initially, it might have been more focused on the emperor's personal estate, but as the court's power and complexity grew, the Mandokoro's purview expanded. It played a significant role in the dissemination of imperial decrees and the management of state lands. The officials within the Mandokoro were often drawn from the aristocratic families who held influence at court.

During the Kamakura shogunate (1185-1333), the Mandokoro underwent a significant transformation. It was re-established as a crucial body within the samurai government, distinct from the Imperial Court's Mandokoro. This new Mandokoro, often referred to as the "Dokoro," served as the primary administrative organ of the shogunate. It handled matters related to the samurai class, land disputes, and the collection of taxes. The head of the Mandokoro, known as the "Betto," was a powerful position, often held by trusted retainers of the shogun. The establishment of this shogunal Mandokoro highlights the shifting power dynamics between the imperial court and the military government.