Plays a central role in chromosome cohesion during meiosis by preventing premature dissociation of cohesin complex from centromeres after prophase, when most of cohesin complex dissociates from chromosomes arms. May act by protecting centromeric rec8 from separase degradation during anaphase I. Localizes to the centromere. Bub1 is required for centromeric localization (PubMed:14730319). At the onset of anaphase I, it is degraded. Ubiquitinated by the anaphase promoting complex (APC) at the onset of anaphase, conducting to its degradation. 'Shugoshin' means 'guardian spirit' in Japanese. Belongs to the shugoshin family.