Following the abolishment of the Hokuseibu Court and the passing of Tsugumi Takagi, a second court was established. With the final blessing of the Regent of Hokuseibu, thirteen leading families took to power with the influence they had acquired. The Itsbyoshi court was Karakura’s second attempt at its pseudo-independent government. These leading families had already been council in the former court, raised to become future leaders of the island. Each family took charge of specific sectors on the island, further improving their influence: Education, Justice, Agriculture and Arts, Hunting, Fishing, Foraging, Finance, Medicine, Shinto Practice, Foreign Relations, Martial Arts, Weaponry, and Underground Enforcement. Formally established and recognized by the people of Karakura on September 3, 1696.
This court worked to correct the mistakes of the former court. The delegation of duties across thirteen individuals was done to allow mastery over specific crafts, all for the betterment of their society. All opposed to the majority of functions being overseen by a small council. The court members all held equivalent power, a measure of checks and balances to ensure its prosperity.
In the years following, the court created positions for others to hold influence. Families led under one of the Itsbyoshi jurisdiction to assist in the pursuit of future endeavors. These minor seats in the court numbered in the dozens, all carrying weight equivalent to their influence. Unlike the members of Itsbyoshi, these minor families were often changed, a move to ensure their influence did not grow to rival those of the leading thirteen.
This system worked through until the turn of the 20th century, when the court was dissolved. The Itsbyoshi Court was not fond of new traditions being introduced when the island began to westernize. As a group founded in historical tradition, the shift was difficult to adjust to. The leading families began to separate, some changing with the times and new ideas, while others attempted to maintain the status quo. This created further discourse, which facilitated the end of the court system.
Even after the court had disbanded, its influence did not waver. As families that remained the lifeline of Karakura, their members made an impact on Karakura’s next established government. The first four elected governors after the creation of Karakura’s official government were members of these families, namely Chizuru Kato, Murasaki Kaeda, Han Mizukawa, and Tetsuya Otori, with Otori later rising to the rank of Karakura’s first mayor. Other important positions were filled with individuals carrying the prestigious title of Itsbyoshi, and their name still carves history to this day.
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