Mandokoro

A Mandokoro (政所) was a administrative office in Japan during the Kamakura and Muromachi periods, primarily associated with the shogunate. It functioned as the central administrative body responsible for a wide range of governmental affairs, including financial management, judicial matters, and general administration of the shogunate's domain.

In the Kamakura shogunate, the Mandokoro was initially established as a private office for the shogun, dealing with his personal financial affairs and estate management. Over time, it evolved into a powerful government institution, overseeing the collection of taxes, managing land disputes, and issuing official documents. Key officials within the Mandokoro included the Bettō (director), Shitsuji (executive officer), and various clerks and scribes.

The Mandokoro's role and structure continued into the Muromachi period. While its specific functions might have varied slightly depending on the political circumstances and the strength of the shogun, it generally retained its core responsibilities in managing finances and administering justice within the shogunate's territories. However, during the later Muromachi period, with the weakening of the shogunate's central authority, the power and influence of the Mandokoro also diminished.

The term "Mandokoro" can also refer to similar administrative offices established by powerful aristocratic families or temples. In these cases, it would signify the administrative body managing the affairs and finances of that particular entity.