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The daimyo (大名) were the most powerful feudal rulers from the 12th century to the 19th century in the History of Japan. The term itself literally means "great name".
Similar to the feudal system in Europe,
they held dynastic control over semi-autonomous territories, and lesser territorial lords were pledged to support greater ones. A
warrior-caste of samurai soldiers likewise gave their personal loyalty to the support
of lords from these families.
At the beginning of the Edo period, their clans and territories were
reorganized as han.
The term daimyo is also sometimes used to refer to the leading figures of such clans, also called "warlords". It was
usually, though not exclusively, from these warlords that a shogun or regent was
chosen.
See also: shogunate, History of Japan, Sankin-kotai
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