The Kumamoto Domain (熊本 土間員), which was in existence from 1600 to 1871, had a significant influence in the region. Initially, it controlled its vast territory of 520,000 koku, which later expanded to 540,000 koku after the division of the 8th generation territory and the establishment of branch domains during the Hosokawa family era. In 1871, the domain faced territorial changes as it lost control over Kuma District and Amakusa District in Higo Province (present-day Kumamoto Prefecture), as well as parts of Bungo Province (now Oita Prefecture), including Tsuruzaki and Saganoseki. This domain was also known as Higohan and its administrative center was situated at Kumamoto Castle in Kumamoto City. Despite not having complete control over Higo, the Hosokawa clan of the Kumamoto Domain held the status of feudal lords, or Daimyo, in the region.[1] [2] [3] [4]
| Native Name: | 熊本 土間員 |
| Conventional Long Name: | Kumamoto Domain |
| Common Name: | Kumammoto Domain |
| Subdivision: | Han |
| Status Text: | Domain of Japan |
| Government Type: | Daimyō |
| Title Leader: | Daimyō |
| Leader1: | Kato Kiyomasa (first) |
| Year Leader1: | 1588-1611 |
| Leader2: | Hosokawa Morihisa (last) |
| Year Leader2: | 1870-1871 |
| Capital: | Kumamoto Castle |
| Today: | Kumamoto Prefecture |
| Year Start: | 1600 |
| Year End: | 1871 |
| Era: | Edo period Meiji period |
| Image Map Caption: | Keep of Kumamoto Castle |
During the Sengoku period, the Kikuchi, Aso clan, and Sagara clans emerged as powerful daimyo, each establishing their bases in the north, central, and southern regions respectively. This led to a relatively peaceful period within the Sengoku era. However, tensions arose when the Aso clan launched an attack on the Kikuchi clan. Despite their victory, the Aso clan faced their own internal conflicts and succession disputes among their relatives. As a result, the Otomo clan from Bungo Province intervened and pacified the former Kikuchi territory. The Aso clan also came under the influence of the Otomo clan, further solidifying their control over the region. Following the introduction of firearms, the Sagara clan, known for their defensive prowess in Kagoshima and Shimazu, ultimately submitted to the Shimazu clan. Under the rule of the Shimazu clan, they willingly gave up their role as a powerful defense force in the southern region and instead adopted advanced weapons and tactics. This strategic shift allowed them to adapt to the changing times and align themselves with the Shimazu's vision for progress. In a similar vein, the Aso clan experienced a comparable destiny as they were methodically dismantled by the Shimazu army during their conquest of Kyushu. This marked a significant turning point for both clans, as they had to navigate the challenges of relinquishing their traditional roles and embracing new strategies for survival and prosperity. The Shimazu clan, on the brink of conquering Kyushu, faced a crushing defeat at the hands of the formidable army led by Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Hideyoshi responded to the pleas of Oita and Otomo, mustering a massive force that ultimately subdued Kyushu, including the region of Higo which was abandoned by the Shimazu clan. Following the defeat of the Shimazu clan, Kato Kiyomasa, the ruler of Kumamoto Castle, emerged as a prominent figure in the northern part of Higo Province. With a substantial holding of 250,000 koku, Kiyomasa's military prowess in the Battle of Sekigahara earned him the former territory of Konishi Yukinaga, Additionally, he expanded his domain by acquiring 20,000 koku from areas like Tsurusaki Province in Bungo Province. As a result of his military achievements and territorial acquisitions, Kato Kiyomasa solidified his power and influence in the region. The Kumamoto Domain was officially established, boasting a total holding of 520,000 koku under Kiyomasa's rule. This marked a significant shift in the balance of power in Kyushu during that period.
Kumamoto Castle, built by Kato Kiyomasa, is one of Japan's famous castles. He not only oversaw its construction but also played a key role in developing castle towns and road networks. Kiyomasa also improved agriculture with new fields and irrigation systems. Today, Kumamoto residents still admire his civil engineering projects for their role in the region's prosperity. Recent studies on Kato Kiyomasa reveal his creation of a mobilization and tax system during military expeditions to Korea. This system, which appointed senior vassals as branch lords and gave power to peasants, continued even after the Battle of Sekigahara. However, issues like rural village depletion and power struggles among vassals have led to criticism of Kiyomasa's rule.
The Kato clan suffered a setback in 1632 when their leader lost his fief for his involvement in the Suruga Dainagon Incident. He was banished to Shonai, isolating the clan. In 1870, Hosokawa Morihisa transformed into a Chihanji and joined the kzoku, leading the Jitsugaku Party. He requested to dismantle Kumamoto Castle, but dissenting voices halted the demolition. Kumamoto Prefecture was established in 1871 after feudal domains were abolished. The Hosokawa clan became marquis in 1884. In 1983, Hosokawa Morihiro, later the 79th Prime Minister, became governor of Kumamoto Prefecture before retiring to pursue ceramics.
Kumamotoshinden Domain (肥後新田藩), also known as the Kumamotoshinden domain, was a branch domain of the larger Kumamoto Domain. It was established in 1666 by Toshige, the younger brother of Hosokawa Tsunatoshi, the third lord of the Kumamoto Domain. Toshige received 35,000 koku of rice from the Kumamoto domain's rice store and set up his own domain. Unlike other feudal lords, Toshige resided in Teppozu, Edo and did not practice sankin kotai, the system of alternate attendance. However, with the advent of the Meiji Restoration in 1868, a provisional domain office was established at the Takase Town Magistrate's Office in Tamana City. Consequently, the domain's name was changed to Takase Domain. In 1870, a formal jinya, or administrative center, was completed and relocated to Iwasaki Village in Tamana District. In the same year, the domain was merged with the Kumamoto domain and ultimately abolished.
| Name | Tenure | Courtesy title | Court Rank | kokudaka | |||
| Katō clan, 1588 - 1632 (Tozama daimyo) | |||||||
| 1 | Kato Kiyomasa (加藤清正) | 1600 - 1611 | Higo no kami (肥後守) | Junior 5th Rank, Upper Grade (従五位下) | 520,000 koku | ||
| 2 | Kato Tadahiro (加藤忠弘) | 1611 - 1632 | Higo no kami (肥後守) | Junior 5th Rank, Lower Grade (従五位下) | 520,000 koku | ||
| Hosokawa clan, 1632 - 1871 (Tozama daimyo) | |||||||
| 1 | Hosokawa Tadatoshi (細川忠俊) | 1632 - 1641 | Shasosho (社叢書) | Junior 4th Rank, Lower Grade (従五位下) | 540,000 koku | ||
| 2 | Hosokawa Mitsunao (細川満直) | 1641 - 1649 | Higo no kami (肥後守) | Junior 4th Rank, Lower Grade (従五位下) | 540,000 koku | ||
| 3 | Hosokawa Tsunatoshi (細川綱俊) | 1649 - 1712 | Ecchu no kami (越中守) | Junior 4th Rank, Lower Grade (従五位下) | 540,000 koku | ||
| 4 | Hosokawa Nobunori (細川信則) | 1712 - 1732 | Etchu no kami (越中守) | Junior 5th Rank, Lower Grade (従五位下) | 540,000 koku | ||
| 5 | Hosokawa Munetaka (細川宗隆) | 1732 - 1747 | Etchu no kami (越中守) | Junior 5th Rank, Lower Grade (従五位下) | 540,000 koku | ||
| 6 | Hosokawa Shigekata (1718–1785) (細川重方) | 1747 - 1785 | Ecchu no kami(越中守) | Junior 5th Rank, Lower Grade (従五位下) | 540,000 koku | ||
| 7 | Hosokawa Harutoshi (細川晴敏) | 1785 - 1787 | Etchu no kami (越中守) | Junior 4th Rank, Lower Grade (従五位下) | 540,000 koku | ||
| 8 | Hosokawa Narishige (細川成成) | 1787 - 1810 | Ecchu no kami (越中守) | Junior 4th Rank, Lower Grade (従五位下) | 540,000 koku | ||
| 9 | Hosokawa Naritatsu (細川成田津) | 1810 - 1826 | Ecchu no kami (越中守) | Junior 4th Rank, Lower Grade (従五位下) | 540,000 koku | ||
| 10 | Hosokawa Narimori (細川斉盛) | 1826 - 1860 | Ecchu no kami (越中守) | Junior 4th Rank, Lower Grade (従五位下) | 540,000 koku | ||
| 11 | Hosokawa Yoshikuni (細川義国) | 1860 - 1870 | Etchu no kami (越中守) | Junior 4th Rank, Lower Grade (従五位下) | 540,000 koku | ||
| 12 | Hosokawa Morihisa (細川盛久) | 1870 - 1871 | None (全然) | Junior 4th Rank, Lower Grade (従五位下) | 540,000 koku | ||
| Name | Tenure | Courtesy title | Court Rank | kokudaka | |||
| Hosokawa clan, 1666 - 1870 (fudai daimyo) | |||||||
| 1 | Hosokawa Toshishige (細川利重) | 1666 - 1687 | Wakasa no kami (若さの髪) | Junior 5th Rank, Lower Grade (従五位下) | 35,000 koku | ||
| 2 | Hosokawa Toshimasa (細川利昌) | 1687 - 1715 | None (なし) | Junior 5th Rank, Lower Grade (従五位下) | 35,000 koku | ||
| 3 | Hosokawa Toshiyasu (細川利恭) | 1715 - 1742 | Bingo no kami (ビンゴの髪 | Junior 5th Rank, Lower Grade (従五位下) | 35,000 koku | ||
| 4 | Hosokawa Toshihiro (細川利寛) | 1742 - 1767 | Wakasa no kami (若さの髪) | Junior 5th Rank, Lower Grade (従五位下) | 35,000 koku | ||
| 5 | Hosokawa Toshiyuki (細川利致) | 1767 - 1781 | Wakasa no kami (若さの髪) | Junior 5th Rank, Lower Grade (従五位下) | 35,000 koku | ||
| 6 | Hosokawa Toshitsune (細川利庸) | 1781 - 1805 | Noto no kami (のとの髪) | Junior 5th Rank, Lower Grade (従五位下) | 35,000 koku | ||
| 7 | Hosokawa Toshikuni (細川利国) | 1805 - 1810 | None (なし) | Junior 5th Rank, Lower Grade (従五位下) | 35,000 koku | ||
| 8 | Hosokawa Toshika (細川利愛) | 1810 - 1833 | None (なし) | Junior 5th Rank, Lower Grade (従五位下) | 35,000 koku | ||
| 9 | Hosokawa Toshimochi (細川利用) | 1833 - 1856 | Noto no kami (のとの髪) | Junior 5th Rank, Lower Grade (従五位下) | 35,000 koku | ||
| 10 | Hosokawa Toshinaga (細川利永) | 1856 - 1870 | Wakasa no kami (若さの髪) | Junior 5th Rank, Lower Grade (従五位下) | 35,000 koku | ||