In terms of governance, how did Japan manage local power?

The correct understanding of how Japan managed local power is reflected in the approach where control was divided between local aristocrats and the emperor. This system is characteristic of the Japanese political structure during the feudal period, where the emperor held a largely symbolic and ceremonial role, while real power and governance were exercised by local lords, or daimyōs. These daimyōs governed their domains with significant autonomy, allowing them to make local decisions and maintain their own armies, resulting in a decentralized form of governance.

The division of power in this manner not only facilitated effective local governance but also fostered a complex relationship between the central authority of the emperor and the regional powers exercised by the local aristocrats. This model was crucial in maintaining stability and order within a society that was otherwise fragmented into numerous territories, each ruled by its respective daimyō.

This system contrasted with other possible governance models such as a strong central authoritarian government or a purely feudal system where power is concentrated solely in the hands of lords without any formal recognition of the emperor. It reflects the intricate balance of power and the local autonomy that defined Japan's historical governance structure, particularly prior to the Meiji Restoration.