What is a shog?

A shog is a historical title in Japan, referring to a military leader or commander who held significant power, often ruling as a de facto leader of the country, particularly during the feudal period. The role of shogun was established in the 12th century and was typically granted to the leader of the samurai class. While the emperor remained the official sovereign, shoguns exercised control over the government and military until the Meiji Restoration in the late 19th century, which led to the dissolution of the shogunate system.