Metsuke

• Japanese: 目付 (Metsuke)

Official Duties

During the Edo Period the Metsuke acted as auditors in an "Internal Affairs" capacity for the Tokugawa Bakufu. They were tasked with observing the operations of the various departments, as well as seeking out criminal acts, corruptions, and inefficiencies. This included examining the conduct and affairs of Samurai as well. By the late Bakumatsu Period, foreign affairs were added to thier responsibilities as well.

Appointment

Metsuke were generally chosen from the ranks of Tsukaiban, Kachigashira, and Kojûnin Gashira, however the Shogun could also appoint Metsuke from the ranks of Koshô and Konandô. Existing Metsuke would vote on new appointments, and were also tasked with background checks on potential new additions to the Metsuke. However, Shogunal appointments from the Konandô and Koshô could not be challenged.

The position was terminated at the fall of the Bakufu with the Meiji Restoration.

References

• Beerens, Anna. Interview with a Bakumatsu Official: A Translation from Kyuji Shimonroku Monumenta Nipponica, Vol. 55, No. 3. (Autumn, 2000), pp. 369-398.