藩校, or "han school," were educational institutions established during the Edo period in Japan. These schools were created by the feudal lords, known as daimyō, to educate the children of samurai and other local elites. The curriculum typically included subjects like Confucianism, literature, and military strategy, aiming to prepare students for roles in governance and administration. Each han had its own school, reflecting the unique culture and needs of the region. The most notable example is the Kōdōkan in the Mito Domain, which became a model for other han schools. These institutions played a crucial role in shaping the intellectual landscape of Japan during this era.