막부 (bakufu) refers to the military government in Japan that ruled from the late 12th century until the mid-19th century. It was established by the Minamoto clan after the Genpei War and marked the beginning of the feudal era in Japan. The term "막부" translates to "tent government," indicating its origins in the military camps of samurai leaders. The most notable 막부 was the Tokugawa shogunate, which lasted from 1603 to 1868. This period was characterized by strict social order, economic growth, and isolationist foreign policies. The 막부 system ended with the Meiji Restoration, which restored imperial rule and modernized Japan.