Chinzei

Chinzei (鎮西) refers to a historical region of Japan, primarily encompassing the island of Kyushu. The term literally means "pacifying the west." Historically, it denoted a strategically important area, often associated with military administration due to its proximity to potential foreign threats, particularly from Korea and China.

The Chinzei Bugyō (鎮西奉行), or Commissioner of Chinzei, was a significant governmental position during the Kamakura and Muromachi periods, responsible for overseeing the region's governance, defense, and collection of taxes. This position often held considerable power and influence.

The term Chinzei is also sometimes used more broadly to refer to western Japan. Today, while the historical governmental structure is gone, the term Chinzei can still be encountered in some place names, organization names, and historical contexts when discussing Kyushu.