Shugodai

Shugodai (守護代, shugodai) were officials during feudal Japan. Shugodai were representatives of provincial shugo when the shugo could not exercise his power, being often away from his province. Unlike shugo, who were appointed from the central power, shugodai were locally appointed.

At the brink of the Sengoku period, Shugo usually strengthened their grip on power, leading to the effective disappearance of shugodai. However, taking advantage of the weakening of their Shugo (at war, etc.), some shugodai became effective lords of their province. A typical example of Shugodai becoming effective daimyōs would be the Amago clan of Izumo Province.