【幕藩体制】

During Japan's feudal period, from the early 17th century to the late 19th century, Japan was governed by the Tokugawa shogunate. Japan was divided into many domains, each governed by a regional lord called a daimyo. The Tokugawa shogunate controlled the country at the national level and supervised the daimyo. In other words, the shogun had the authority to decide which daimyo would govern which domain.

【薩長同盟】

There were two domains that opposed the shogunate’s policies, especially its diplomatic policy. One was Satsuma Domain,in present-day Kagoshima Prefecture , and the other was Choshu Domain, in present-day Yamaguchi Pfrefecture. However, they were at odds with each other. With Ryoma's help, they joined forces and formed a powerful alliance to challenge the shogunate.