Ieyasu held the title of shogun from 1603 to 1605, then continued to direct affairs after retirement. His political authority extended beyond those formal dates and lasted until his death in 1616. Adams and Joosten remained attached to the retired ruler. Their usefulness depended on personal trust as well as their ability to act publicly on his behalf. The distinction between holding office and exercising power helps explain why their connection to Ieyasu remained important.
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Ieyasu's authority after retirement
Ieyasu continued to exercise power after relinquishing the shogunal title, with Adams and Joosten among his trusted intermediaries.