What is "shikken"

The was a titular post, officially a Regent of the Shogunate, from 1199-1333, or during the Kamakura era, therefore it was head of the bakufu (Shogunate). It was part of the era referred to as Regent Rule .

During roughly the first half of that period, the Shikken was the de facto military dictator of Japan (not including the independent Northern Fujiwara). The title of Shikken was modified, as 2nd in command to the Tokuso beginning in 1256, but by the Muromachi period (1333-1573) the position, though not abolished did not even figure into the top ranks. The position was ceased to exist after the Muromachi period.