But as the Kamakura period progressed, the samurai-based administrative system, warriors serving as shugo (Protectors) and jito (estate stewards) began to take over kokuga (public) territories and shoen through such means as jitouke (in which an estate steward was contracted by the rightful owner of an estate to guard it) and shitaji chubun (whereby lands were divided between steward and owner).
鎌倉時代を通じて、武家の統治機構である守護・地頭に属する武士が、地頭請や下地中分という形で国衙領や荘園を蚕食し始めるようになる。