Sessho and Kampaku

The Sessho(摂政) is a title given to a regent who is named to assist an emperor when the emperor is still a child, before the coming of age, or female.

The Kampaku (関白) is the title of a regent who assists an adult emperor.

The Sessho and Kampaku held the practical powers of the ruling Emperor, conducting cloistered rule.

The Fujiwara family were the primary holders of the Kampaku and Sessho titles. A retired kampaku is called Taiko(太閤), which became commonly to referred to as Toyotomi Hideyoshi.