Hatamoto

A hatamoto (旗本) is an official guard of a daimyo or shogun in feudal Japan. Characterized by their use of the nodachi, or fieldsword, they often acted as an elite force and a quick reinforcement.

During Edo period, hatamoto were samurai directly loyal to shogun and had the duty to mobilize at the shogun's order. Unlike daimyo, they did not have a duty of Sankin Kotai and had a domain of less than 10,000 koku. Their domains were clustered around Edo. They were both feared and respected by other samurai because of their direct allegiance to shogun but this also meant they had a higher standard to fill.

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