Shugodai

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Shugodai (守護代) were officials during feudal Japan. Shugodai were delegates of a provincial shugo when the shugo could not exercise its power, being often away from its province.

Unlike shugo who were appointed from the central power, shugodai were locally appointed.

At the brink of the Sengoku period, Shugo usually strengtened their grip on power, leading to the effective disparition of shugodai. On the opposite, taking advantage of the weakening of their Shugo (at war, etc.), other shugodai became effective lords of their province. A typical example of Shugodai becoming effective daimyo would be the Amago clan of Izumo province.