TheKumamoto Domain (熊本藩,Kumamoto-han), which was in existence from 1600 to 1871, had a significant influence in the region. Initially, it controlled its vast territory of 520,000koku, which later expanded to 540,000 koku after the division of the 8th generation territory and the establishment of branch domains during the Hosokawa family era. In 1871, the domain faced territorial changes as it lost control over Kuma District andAmakusa District inHigo Province (present-dayKumamoto Prefecture), as well as parts ofBungo Province (nowOita Prefecture), including Tsuruzaki and Saganoseki. This domain was also known as Higohan and its administrative center was situated atKumamoto Castle in Kumamoto City. Despite not having complete control over Higo, theHosokawa clan of the Kumamoto Domain held the status of feudal lords, orDaimyo, in the region.[1][2][3][4]
| Kumamoto Domain 熊本藩 Kumamoto-han | |
|---|---|
| Domain of Japan | |
| 1600–1871 | |
 Walls ofKumamoto Castle | |
 Mon of theHosokawa clan | |
 Keep ofKumamoto Castle | |
| Capital | Kumamoto Castle |
| Government | |
| • Type | Daimyō |
| Daimyō | |
• 1588-1611 | Kato Kiyomasa(first) |
• 1870-1871 | Hosokawa Morihisa(last) |
| Historical era | Edo period Meiji period |
• Established | 1600 |
• Disestablished | 1871 |
| Today part of | Kumamoto Prefecture |
During theSengoku period, theKikuchi,Aso clan, andSagara clans emerged as powerful daimyo, each establishing their bases in the north, central, and southern regions respectively. This led to a relatively peaceful period within the Sengoku era. However, tensions arose when the Aso clan launched an attack on the Kikuchi clan. Despite their victory, the Aso clan faced their own internal conflicts and succession disputes among their relatives. As a result, theOtomo clan fromBungo Province intervened and pacified the former Kikuchi territory. The Aso clan also came under the influence of the Otomo clan, further solidifying their control over the region. Following the introduction of firearms, theSagara clan, known for their defensive prowess inKagoshima and Shimazu, ultimately submitted to theShimazu clan. Under the rule of theShimazu clan, they willingly gave up their role as a powerful defense force in the southern region and instead adopted advanced weapons and tactics. This strategic shift allowed them to adapt to the changing times and align themselves with the Shimazu's vision for progress. In a similar vein, theAso clan experienced a comparable destiny as they were methodically dismantled by the Shimazu army during theirconquest of Kyushu. This marked a significant turning point for both clans, as they had to navigate the challenges of relinquishing their traditional roles and embracing new strategies for survival and prosperity. The Shimazu clan, on the brink of conquering Kyushu, faced a crushing defeat at the hands of the formidable army led by Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Hideyoshi responded to the pleas of Oita and Otomo, mustering a massive force that ultimately subdued Kyushu, including the region of Higo which was abandoned by the Shimazu clan. Following the defeat of the Shimazu clan,Kato Kiyomasa, the ruler ofKumamoto Castle, emerged as a prominent figure in the northern part ofHigo Province. With a substantial holding of 250,000 koku, Kiyomasa's military prowess in theBattle of Sekigahara earned him the former territory ofKonishi Yukinaga, Additionally, he expanded his domain by acquiring 20,000 koku from areas likeTsurusaki Province inBungo Province. As a result of his military achievements and territorial acquisitions, Kato Kiyomasa solidified his power and influence in the region. The Kumamoto Domain was officially established, boasting a total holding of 520,000 koku under Kiyomasa's rule. This marked a significant shift in the balance of power in Kyushu during that period.
Kumamoto Castle, built byKato Kiyomasa, is one of Japan's famous castles. He not only oversaw its construction but also played a key role in developing castle towns and road networks. Kiyomasa also improved agriculture with new fields and irrigation systems. Today, Kumamoto residents still admire his civil engineering projects for their role in the region's prosperity. Recent studies on Kato Kiyomasa reveal his creation of a mobilization and tax system during military expeditions toKorea. This system, which appointed senior vassals as branch lords and gave power to peasants, continued even after theBattle of Sekigahara. However, issues like rural village depletion and power struggles among vassals have led to criticism of Kiyomasa's rule.
The Kato clan suffered a setback in 1632 when their leader lost his fief for his involvement in theSuruga Dainagon Incident. He was banished to Shonai, isolating the clan. In 1870, Hosokawa Morihisa transformed into a Chihanji and joined the kzoku, leading theJitsugaku Party. He requested to dismantle Kumamoto Castle, but dissenting voices halted the demolition.Kumamoto Prefecture was established in 1871 after feudal domains were abolished. TheHosokawa clan became marquis in 1884. In 1983,Hosokawa Morihiro, later the 79th Prime Minister, became governor of Kumamoto Prefecture before retiring to pursue ceramics.
Kumamotoshinden Domain (肥後新田藩), also known as the Kumamotoshinden domain, was a branch domain of the larger Kumamoto Domain. It was established in 1666 by Toshige, the younger brother ofHosokawa Tsunatoshi, the third lord of the Kumamoto Domain. Toshige received 35,000 koku of rice from the Kumamoto domain's rice store and set up his own domain. Unlike other feudal lords, Toshige resided in Teppozu, Edo and did not practice sankin kotai, the system of alternate attendance. However, with the advent of theMeiji Restoration in 1868, a provisional domain office was established at the Takase Town Magistrate's Office inTamana City. Consequently, the domain's name was changed to Takase Domain. In 1870, a formal jinya, or administrative center, was completed and relocated to Iwasaki Village in Tamana District. In the same year, the domain was merged with the Kumamoto domain and ultimately abolished.
| # | Name | Tenure | Courtesy title | Court Rank | kokudaka | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Katō clan, 1588 - 1632(Tozama daimyo) | ||||||
| 1 | Kato Kiyomasa (加藤清正) | 1600 - 1611 | Higo no kami (肥後守) | Junior 5th Rank, Upper Grade (従五位下) | 520,000koku | |
| 2 | Kato Tadahiro (加藤忠弘) | 1611 - 1632 | Higo no kami (肥後守) | Junior 5th Rank, Lower Grade (従五位下) | 520,000koku | |
| Hosokawa clan, 1632 - 1871(Tozama daimyo) | ||||||
| 1 | Hosokawa Tadatoshi (細川忠俊) | 1632 - 1641 | Shasosho (社叢書) | Junior 4th Rank, Lower Grade (従五位下) | 540,000koku | |
| 2 | Hosokawa Mitsunao (細川満直) | 1641 - 1649 | Higo no kami (肥後守) | Junior 4th Rank, Lower Grade (従五位下) | 540,000koku | |
| 3 | Hosokawa Tsunatoshi (細川綱俊) | 1649 - 1712 | Ecchu no kami(越中守) | Junior 4th Rank, Lower Grade (従五位下) | 540,000koku | |
| 4 | Hosokawa Nobunori (細川信則) | 1712 - 1732 | Etchu no kami (越中守) | Junior 5th Rank, Lower Grade (従五位下) | 540,000koku | |
| 5 | Hosokawa Munetaka (細川宗隆) | 1732 - 1747 | Etchu no kami (越中守) | Junior 5th Rank, Lower Grade (従五位下) | 540,000koku | |
| 6 | Hosokawa Shigekata (1718–1785) (細川重方) | 1747 - 1785 | Ecchu no kami(越中守) | Junior 5th Rank, Lower Grade (従五位下) | 540,000koku | |
| 7 | Hosokawa Harutoshi (細川晴敏) | 1785 - 1787 | Etchu no kami (越中守) | Junior 4th Rank, Lower Grade (従五位下) | 540,000koku | |
| 8 | Hosokawa Narishige (細川成成) | 1787 - 1810 | Ecchu no kami (越中守) | Junior 4th Rank, Lower Grade (従五位下) | 540,000koku | |
| 9 | Hosokawa Naritatsu (細川成田津) | 1810 - 1826 | Ecchu no kami (越中守) | Junior 4th Rank, Lower Grade (従五位下) | 540,000koku | |
| 10 | Hosokawa Narimori (細川斉盛) | 1826 - 1860 | Ecchu no kami (越中守) | Junior 4th Rank, Lower Grade (従五位下) | 540,000koku | |
| 11 | Hosokawa Yoshikuni (細川義国) | 1860 - 1870 | Etchu no kami (越中守) | Junior 4th Rank, Lower Grade (従五位下) | 540,000koku | |
| 12 | Hosokawa Morihisa (細川盛久) | 1870 - 1871 | None (全然) | Junior 4th Rank, Lower Grade (従五位下) | 540,000koku | |
| # | Name | Tenure | Courtesy title | Court Rank | kokudaka | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hosokawa clan, 1666 - 1870 (fudai daimyo) | ||||||
| 1 | Hosokawa Toshishige (細川利重) | 1666 - 1687 | Wakasa no kami (若さの髪) | Junior 5th Rank, Lower Grade (従五位下) | 35,000koku | |
| 2 | Hosokawa Toshimasa (細川利昌) | 1687 - 1715 | None (なし) | Junior 5th Rank, Lower Grade (従五位下) | 35,000koku | |
| 3 | Hosokawa Toshiyasu (細川利恭) | 1715 - 1742 | Bingo no kami (ビンゴの髪 | Junior 5th Rank, Lower Grade (従五位下) | 35,000koku | |
| 4 | Hosokawa Toshihiro (細川利寛) | 1742 - 1767 | Wakasa no kami (若さの髪) | Junior 5th Rank, Lower Grade (従五位下) | 35,000koku | |
| 5 | Hosokawa Toshiyuki (細川利致) | 1767 - 1781 | Wakasa no kami (若さの髪) | Junior 5th Rank, Lower Grade (従五位下) | 35,000koku | |
| 6 | Hosokawa Toshitsune (細川利庸) | 1781 - 1805 | Noto no kami (のとの髪) | Junior 5th Rank, Lower Grade (従五位下) | 35,000koku | |
| 7 | Hosokawa Toshikuni (細川利国) | 1805 - 1810 | None (なし) | Junior 5th Rank, Lower Grade (従五位下) | 35,000koku | |
| 8 | Hosokawa Toshika (細川利愛) | 1810 - 1833 | None (なし) | Junior 5th Rank, Lower Grade (従五位下) | 35,000koku | |
| 9 | Hosokawa Toshimochi (細川利用) | 1833 - 1856 | Noto no kami (のとの髪) | Junior 5th Rank, Lower Grade (従五位下) | 35,000koku | |
| 10 | Hosokawa Toshinaga (細川利永) | 1856 - 1870 | Wakasa no kami (若さの髪) | Junior 5th Rank, Lower Grade (従五位下) | 35,000koku | |
I. Tadatoshi, 1stdaimyō of Kumamoto (cr. 1632) (1586–1641; r. 1632–1641)II. Mitsunao, 2nddaimyō of Kumamoto (1619–1650; r. 1641–1650)III. Tsunatoshi, 3rddaimyō of Kumamoto (1641–1712; r. 1650–1712)IV. Nobunori, 4thdaimyō of Kumamoto (1676–1732; r. 1712–1732)V. Munetaka, 5thdaimyō of Kumamoto (1716–1747; r. 1732–1747)VI. Shigekata, 6thdaimyō of Kumamoto (1721–1785; r. 1747–1785)VII. Harutoshi, 7thdaimyō of Kumamoto (1758–1787; r. 1785–1787)VIII. Narishige, 6thdaimyō of Udo, 8thdaimyō of Kumamoto (1755–1835; r. 1787–1810)X. Narimori, 8thdaimyō of Udo, 10th Lord of Kumamoto (1804–1860; r. 1826–1860)XI.Yoshikuni, 11thdaimyō of Kumamoto, 25th Hosokawa family head (1835–1876; r. 1860–1869. Governor of Kumamoto 1869–1871).IX. Naritatsu, 9thdaimyō of Kumamoto (1788–1826; r. 1810–1826)
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