Godokoro
Encyclopedia
is a title that was given in Japan from the beginning of the Edo period
until the Meiji Restoration
. In that period it was the highest official standing that could be attained by a go player. Literally it is a metonym, meaning the 'go office'.
The title was created by Tokugawa Ieyasu
and was given by the Commissioner of Temples and Shrines. The Godokoro was required to be a Meijin
and to be the best player in the land.
The Godokoro was responsible for approving rank promotions, mediating disputes between the Four go houses
, being a Go tutor to the shogun, approving terms of challenge matches, and keeping the Go world running smoothly. The position was a lifetime commitment because the man who held the position was excused from playing any games that would cause him to lose the position of Godokoro or Meijin.
Edo period
The , or , is a division of Japanese history which was ruled by the shoguns of the Tokugawa family, running from 1603 to 1868. The political entity of this period was the Tokugawa shogunate....
until the Meiji Restoration
Meiji Restoration
The , also known as the Meiji Ishin, Revolution, Reform or Renewal, was a chain of events that restored imperial rule to Japan in 1868...
. In that period it was the highest official standing that could be attained by a go player. Literally it is a metonym, meaning the 'go office'.
The title was created by Tokugawa Ieyasu
Tokugawa Ieyasu
was the founder and first shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate of Japan , which ruled from the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600 until the Meiji Restoration in 1868. Ieyasu seized power in 1600, received appointment as shogun in 1603, abdicated from office in 1605, but...
and was given by the Commissioner of Temples and Shrines. The Godokoro was required to be a Meijin
Meijin
Meijin , literally translated, means "Brilliant Man." It is the name of the second most prestigious Japanese Go Tournament. It also refers to a traditional Japanese title given to the strongest player of the day during the Edo period.- The tournament :...
and to be the best player in the land.
The Godokoro was responsible for approving rank promotions, mediating disputes between the Four go houses
Four go houses
In the history of go in Japan, the Four go houses were the four academies of Go instituted, supported, and controlled by the state, at the beginning of the Tokugawa shogunate. At roughly the same time shogi was organised into three houses. Here 'house' implies institution run on the recognised...
, being a Go tutor to the shogun, approving terms of challenge matches, and keeping the Go world running smoothly. The position was a lifetime commitment because the man who held the position was excused from playing any games that would cause him to lose the position of Godokoro or Meijin.