The Kawakatsu clan (Shimoda clan) had served the Muromachi bakufu (Japanese feudal government headed by a shogun) and had the right to govern Kuwata County and Funai County, Tanba Province.
川勝氏（下田氏）は丹波国桑田郡・船井郡内を知行し、室町幕府に仕えてきた。