Japanese feudal domains, known as han, were regions governed by local lords called daimyō. These domains emerged during the Edo period (1603-1868) and were characterized by a system of land ownership and loyalty. Each daimyō controlled their domain's resources, economy, and military, often maintaining samurai warriors to protect their interests. The shogunate, a military government, granted land to daimyō in exchange for loyalty and military support. This decentralized system allowed for regional autonomy while maintaining overall stability in Japan. The han system played a crucial role in shaping Japan's political landscape until the Meiji Restoration in 1868.