Online dictionary of history and traditions in Japan: Karo

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Karo

家老
alternative words: House elder
keywords: title
related topics: Daimyo , Roju , Edo shogunate , Edo period , Sankinkotai
explanation: Top ranking officials of daimyo, equivalent to roju of Edo shogunate, they were appointed from important retainers or family members. According to the size of daimyo, the quorum varies from 3 to a dozen and they form an inner circle around daimyo to make collectively the important decisions. During Edo period, the head of homeland karo, "jodai karo" (castle substitute) played an important role because half of the time, daimyo with some karo had to live in Tokyo, due to Sankinkotai. Karo means "house elder".


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