The Crown Prince's Household Office (Tōgūbō)
While the Kunaishō (Ministry of the Imperial Household) managed the emperor's domestic affairs, the Tōgūbō (春宮坊, tōgūbō) was an independent office dedicated solely to managing the household of the Crown Prince. Although the Crown Prince held the special status of heir to the throne, he was not yet integrated into the two-office, eight-ministry administrative system before his accession. The Tōgūbō was the dedicated bureau that handled all of his domestic affairs.
| Office | Function |
| Shuzengen (主膳監) | Oversaw the preparation, management, and tasting of the Crown Prince's meals. |
| Shuzōgen (主蔵監) | Managed the receipt, disbursement, and storage of the Crown Prince's property, treasures, and clothing. |
| Tonerigen (舎人監) | Commanded and provided escort for the toneri (attendants) who served close to the Crown Prince. |
| Shumesho (主馬署) | Managed the Crown Prince's horses and horse equipment. |
| Shudensho (主殿署) | Managed the Crown Prince's residence, including cleaning, lighting, and bathing. |
| Shushosho (主書署) | Managed books and stationery such as paper, brushes, and ink. |
| Shuheisho (主兵署) | Managed weapons and armour used for the Crown Prince's protection. |
| Shukōsho (主工署) | Oversaw repairs to the palace buildings and the production of furnishings and utensils. |
| Shushōsho (主漿署) | Supplied drinking water, porridge, and other beverages and foods. |
Trivia
- Under the ritsuryō codes, the Tōgūbō was responsible for the Crown Prince's household. However, in the Heian period, the Fujiwara clan — who were often related to the Crown Prince by marriage — frequently held the real power, and it was not uncommon for the Crown Prince to be raised within the sphere of influence of the regent's family. For example, Fujiwara no Michinaga made his daughter empress, installed her son as Crown Prince, and kept even the prince's upbringing firmly within his own circle of influence. As a result, by the mid-Heian period, although the Tōgūbō continued to exist as an institution, its actual operation came to be heavily influenced by the regents.