The Shimazu family is one of Japan’s most distinguished warrior clans, having ruled southern Kyushu for more than 700 years since the Kamakura Period.
The family traces its origins to Tadahisa, who was appointed steward of the Shimazu estate by Minamoto no Yoritomo. Tadahisa later became military governor of Satsuma, Osumi, and Hyuga provinces, establishing the foundation of Shimazu rule in southern Kyushu.

From the late Kamakura Period onward, the Shimazu strengthened their domain management and developed overseas trade, becoming known as a powerful trading daimyo.

Despite periods of internal division and conflict with central authorities during the Muromachi and Sengoku periods, the family survived into the Edo Period as the lords of the Satsuma Domain, an extremely large and powerful feudal domain.
Even under Japan’s isolation policy, the Shimazu were permitted to trade with the Ryukyu Kingdom, maintaining strong ties to overseas cultures.

In the late Edo Period, the 28th head, Shimazu Nariakira, promoted the Shuseikan Project, laying the groundwork for Japan’s modernization. His successor, 29th head Shimazu Tadayoshi, continued these efforts.

After the Meiji Restoration, the Shimazu family entered the peerage as dukes. Though their feudal rule ended, their business ventures in mining and forestry continue today through Shimadzu limited.