Daimyōs return their domains to Emperor Meiji (hanseki hōkan)

Background. Following the defeat of the Tokugawa shogunate in the Boshin War, the new Meiji government sought to consolidate power. The restoration of imperial rule in 1868 established the Emperor as the sovereign authority. The return of domains by major daimyōs in 1869 was a critical phase in dismantling feudal structures, transitioning from domain-based governance to a centralized prefectural system.

The Return of Domains. On March 5, 1869, a document was submitted to the Imperial Court placing the lands of Satsuma, Chōshū, Tosa, and Hizen at the disposal of the Emperor. This act was driven by fears among the daimyōs that their loyalty might be questioned. Subsequently, between July and August 1869, daimyōs of 260 other domains followed suit, surrendering their lands.

Administrative Changes. The term daimyō was abolished in July 1869 with the formation of the kazoku peerage system. Former daimyōs were reappointed as governors with considerable salaries, retaining some land under the title of governor or vice-governor. This transition aimed to universalize the restructuring of political and bureaucratic systems, undermining hereditary power.