Yoriki

Yoriki (与力) were members of the samurai class of feudal Japan. Yoriki literally means helper or 'assistant.[1]

Description and History

Yoriki assisted daimyo (feudal lords) or their designated commanders during military campaigns in the Kamakura and Muromachi periods.[2] In the Edo period, yoriki provided administrative assistance at governmental offices. Among different yorikis were the machikata yoriki, who were in charge of police under the command of the machi bugyō. Below the yoriki were the dōshin. In the city of Edo there were about 25 yorikis working each for the two machi bugyō offices.

References

  1. ↑ Taiho-jutsu: law and order in the age of the samurai, Don Cunningham, Tuttle Publishing, 2004 P.42
  2. ↑ Taiho-jutsu: law and order in the age of the samurai, Don Cunningham, Tuttle Publishing, 2004 P.42