The Edo bakufu (Japanese feudal government headed by a shogun) established the post of 'Kyooyaku' during the Edo period to have someone provide entertainment for messengers of the emperor (who were known as "chokushi"), messengers of the retired emperor (who were known as "inshi"), or messengers of the empress (who were known as "nyoinshi") that had been sent to Edo.
饗応役(きょうおうやく)とは、江戸時代、天皇・太上天皇・皇后より派遣されて江戸に下向してきた使者(それぞれ勅使・院使・女院使)を接待するために江戸幕府が設けた役職である。