what is the edo period

When did the Edo period start and end?

The Edo period (江戸時代, Edo jidai) or Tokugawa period (徳川時代, Tokugawa jidai) is the period between 1603 and 1867 in the history of Japan, when Japan was under the rule of the Tokugawa shogunate and the country's 300 regional daimyo.Emerging from the chaos of the Sengoku period, the Edo period was characterized by economic growth, strict social order, isolationist foreign policies ...

Was Japan really closed during the Edo period?

During most of the Edo Period, Japan was closed off to the world, suffered no invasion from the outside, and had virtually no exchange with other countries. For the most part, it was a peaceful period, with almost no war inside the country, and marked a remarkable time of development in the economy and culture of Japan.

Were the samurai paid in the Edo period?

The samurai were respected members of society, highly-skilled warriors ... and the only one allowed to carry weapons. They lived in castle towns and were paid in rice by their daimyo (feudal lord). A samurai without a daimyo was called ronin. Samurai code of bushido. Edo period (17th – 18th century) During this peaceful period, the importance ...

What was the Edo period named after?

What is the Edo Period? The Edo period of Japanese history is named after Edo, the area that is now modern-day Tokyo, which was established as the seat of government in 1603.

What is the Edo period known for?

Emerging from the chaos of the Sengoku period, the Edo period was characterized by economic growth, strict social order, isolationist foreign policies, a stable population, perpetual peace, and popular enjoyment of arts and culture.

Why is it called Edo period?

After the Meiji Restoration in 1868 the Meiji government renamed Edo as Tokyo (東京, "Eastern Capital") and relocated the Emperor from the historic capital of Kyoto to the city. The era of Tokugawa rule in Japan from 1603 to 1868 is known eponymously as the Edo period.

What was life like in the Edo period?

Edo society was very urbanized. Urban fashion spread outwards from Edo and people came from the country to seek employment during the slack agricultural season or in difficult times. Japan became affluent enough in the Edo Period that many Japanese were able to switch from eating two meals to three meals a day.

When did Edo period start and end?

1603 – 1868Edo period / Period

What is Edo known today?

In short, Edo is the old name for Tokyo, the capital city of Japan. There was Edo Castle around the current Tokyo Station, and the town prospered around this castle.

How did Edo period End?

The Edo period ended with the Meiji Restoration on January 3, 1868, when power was restored to the emperor and the last Tokugawa shogun was reduced to the ranks of the common daimyo.

What did people eat in the Edo period?

The most popular foods in Edo were soba noodles (eaten standing at portable road-side stands), sushi and tempura, which were introduced by the Portuguese. Harvest from the sea was bountiful including seaweed, fish, clams, shrimp, octopus, and whale meat.

What was the religion during the Edo period?

Shinto is a nature-based religion that was widely observed by the peasants of feudal Japan. The Edo Period was one of strict class differences. Peasants were essentially confined to their own villages for most of their lives, which led to very strong devotion toward the local Shinto spirits of that region.

How did the Edo period start?

The Edo period: 1603-1867 Ieyasu established a new government in Edo and became the first shogun of the Edo Bakufu in 1603. Edo, a sleepy little town until then, was transformed into a huge political city by aggressive public works including land reclamation, new canals and clean water supply systems.

Was Edo Japan peaceful?

Historically considered the most stable and peaceful period in Japan's premodern history, the Tokugawa Period—also known as the Edo Period, after the city in which the shōgun had his capital—began with Tokugawa Ieyasu's victory in 1600 over Toyotomi Hideyoshi's forces at the Battle of Sekigahara, and the consolidation ...

Why did Edo change to Tokyo?

The Edo Period lasted for nearly 260 years until the Meiji Restoration in 1868, when the Tokugawa Shogunate ended and imperial rule was restored. The Emperor moved to Edo, which was renamed Tokyo. Thus, Tokyo became the capital of Japan.

What was Tokyo called before?

What only fewer people know: It started out as a tiny fishing village in the 12th century. This, together with its location gave it the name, as Edo means coastal waters or estuary in Japanese. The name was changed to Tokyo in the light of the Meiji Restauration of 1868.

What was the Edo period?

The Edo period (also known as the Tokugawa period) refers to a period in Japanese history where Japan was governed by the Edo shogunate government. This period started at the time when Ieyasu TOKUGAWA was appointed shogun (a barbarian-quelling generalissimo) and settled the government in Edo (present Tokyo) on March 24, 1603, ...

How long did the Tenkataihei government last?

Although being criticized for the 'favoritism to relatives,' it resulted in establishing the basis for the long-term stable government which lasted more than 260 years, and in bringing about such a relatively peaceful state in Japan as a set phrase, 'Tenkataihei' (the peaceful and tranquil world), coined.

What was the economy of Japan during the Genroku era?

After closing the country, however, the national policy focused exclusively on domestic affairs, and a domestically self-supported economy was formed. In this way, a complex economic system was formed, in which the nationalwide economy with three pivotal cities, Kyoto, Osaka and Edo, and the regional economy of each domain interacted with each other especially in Osaka, where local specialties all parts of the country were concentrated to distribute to all over Japan. The Genroku era enjoyed economic prosperity based on the development of agricultural productivity, and in the field of literature and painting famous masterpieces such as Ukiyozoshi (Literally, Books of the Floating World) by Saikaku IHARA, seven-syllable verse (haikai) by Basho MATSUO, Joruri (dramatic narrative chanted to a samisen accompaniment) by Monzaemon CHIKAMATSU and ukiyoe paintings by Moronobu HISHIKAWA were created.

What was the Tokugawa Shogunate's policy?

The Tokugawa shogunate took a thorough political stabilization policy, and established a complete law-abiding system controlling feudal lords (daimyo) and the imperial court by enacting Laws Governing Military Households (Buke Shohatto) and Laws Governing the Imperial Households and Court Nobles (Kinchu narabini Kuge Shohatto). The Tokugawa shogunate carried out a clever policies of dividing and ruling that many former feudal loads were forced to ruin by the enactment of 'confiscation of territories,' and that the places of strategic importance across Japan were set under the direct control of shogunate (shogunal demesne) avoiding influence of feudal loads (daimyo), who were classified into three groups, namely 'family daimyo' (a feudal load of a Tokugawa family branch or affiliation) with large territories, 'hereditary vassal daimyo' with small territories and the rights to participate in the state administration, and 'outside' daimyo (a feudal load who was not a hereditary vassal of the Tokugawa family) with the territories inserted between domains of 'family daimyo. '

What was the Shogunate government?

The shogunate government regarded Edo, Osaka and Kyoto as important, and established town magistrates ( machi bugyo) and local governors (shoshidai), while governed Izu Province, Hita City, Nagasaki City, Niigata Prefecture, Hida Province and primary mines by placing administrative officials (daikan). This shogunate agency grasped control of not merely to the appointed city, but also of the surrounding areas, so the governor of Kyoto (Kyoto Shoshidai) controlled Yamashiro Province, Tanba Province, Omi Province and so on (as well as put the imperial court under its surveillance, and the town magistrate of Osaka (Osaka machi-bugyo) was allowed to manage the shogunate demesne in the western Japan. But, their military strength was almost nil, and early in the 18th century there were only ten soldiers in the Nagasaki magistrate office and at the end of the Edo period only 30 soldiers in the Gojo magistrate's office.

What was Tanuma's policy?

Tanuma reformed a conventional structure depending on agriculture, and put a Mercantilism policy into action. In order to control the processes of production and distribution of commodities and lower prices, he authorized guilds of handicraftsmen as a trade guild (kabunakama) and encouraged its organization, while imposing business taxes called unjo, myoga on them. He also established monopolistic trade association (za) such as the copper guild, the the ginseng guild, and the brass guild. He proceeded land reclamation of Inbanuma Pond and Teganuma Pond by investing merchant capital, and encouraged foreign trade in Nagasaki, but at the same time promoted product development such as roasted sea cucumbers and dried abalones (tawaramono) for the purpose of reducing the export of gold and silver from Japan. He encouraged Western studies, and following the suggestion of Heisuke KUDO, dispatched Tokunai MOGAMI to Ezo to investigate the potential for development of new rice fields or mines and trade with the Russian Empire through the intermediation of the Ainu.

What was the Meiji Restoration?

This is how the Meiji Restoration started, and how Japan also entered the age of full-scale modernization. The Edo period was a feudal society where the soldier class (samurai) ruled with the barbarian-quelling generalissimo, or the shogun, the Tokugawa clan as the central figure.

When was Edo completed?

Around the fortress completed in 1636, emerges a large and new city. Houses, shops, temples, theaters, and tea houses grew throughout the city. In these times of peace in Japan, the population of Edo is rapidly increasing. The merchant and bourgeois class take full advantage of this urban development and are profit greatly.

Who were the two major artists of the Edo period?

This art of woodcut polychrome knows its heyday between the late 18th and early 19th-century thanks to two large undisputed masters such as Hokusai and Hiroshige.

How long did Ieyasu Tokugawa stay in power?

Through skillful political maneuvers, the use of matrimonial alliances with the Imperial Family and the hereditary transmission of shogunal power, Ieyasu Tokugawa managed to consolidate his power and maintain his lineage at the head of the country for more than 250 years. Portrait of Tokugawa Ieyasu.

What was the Shogun's role in the history of the world?

From 1615, the shogun managed to monopolize all powers and spheres of influence through the promulgation of a code in 17 articles consigning the emperor to a unique spiritual and cultural role. The shogun is now the only power to manage the affairs of the country.

What was the name of the battle that decided the future of Japan?

The victory of the Tokugawa clan at the Battle of Sekigahara on 20th and 21st October, 1600 marks a major turning point in the history of Japan. Nicknamed Tenka wakeme no kassen or "the battle that decided the future of the country", this one is very often considered as the unofficial beginning of the Tokugawa shogunate.

What was the period of rice cultivation in Japan?

The Yayoi period (400 BC to 300 AD) The Yayoi period (400 BC to 300 AD) is a pivotal period in the history of Japan during which Japan starts cultivating rice and the first sedentary communities appear. The Sengoku period (1477 - 1573) The Sengoku period (1477 - 1573) marked a turning point in the history of Japan.

How long ago was the Jomon period?

The Jomon period (13,000 BC to 400 BC) Prehistory is divided into two sub-periods in Japan. The Paleolithic, which begins almost 40,000 years ago BC, and the so-called Jomon period, which begins almost 13,000 years before our era. The Yayoi period (400 BC to 300 AD)

Who was the Shogun of Edo?

In the battle of Sekigahara in 1600, Ieyasu defeated the Hideyori loyalists and other Western rivals. Hence, he achieved almost unlimited power and wealth. In 1603, Ieyasu was appointed Shogun by the emperor and established his government in Edo ( Tokyo ).

What did Ieyasu do to the Daimyo?

Ieyasu brought the whole country under tight control. He cleverly redistributed the gained land among the daimyo: more loyal vassals (the ones who supported him already before Sekigahara) received strategically more important domains accordingly. The daimyo were also required to spend every second year in Edo. This meant a huge financial burden for the daimyo and moderated his power at home.

What countries did Daimyo trade with?

Selected daimyo were also allowed to trade with Korea, the Ryukyu Kingdom and the Ainu in Hokkaido. Despite the isolation, domestic trade and agricultural production continued to improve. During the Edo period and especially during the Genroku era (1688 - 1703), popular culture flourished.

Why did the Tokugawa government decline?

Even though the Tokugawa government remained quite stable over several centuries, its position was steadily declining for several reasons: A steady worsening of the financial situation of the government led to higher taxes and riots among the farm population. In addition, Japan regularly experienced natural disasters and years of famine that caused riots and further financial problems for the central government and the daimyo. The social hierarchy began to break down as the merchant class grew increasingly powerful while some samurai became financially dependent of them. In the second half of the era, corruption, incompetence and a decline of morals within the government caused further problems.

What was the most important philosophy of Tokugawa?

The most important philosophy of Tokugawa Japan was Neo- Confucianism, stressing the importance of morals, education and hierarchical order in the government and society: A strict four class system existed during the Edo period: at the top of the social hierarchy stood the samurai, followed by the peasants, artisans and merchants. The members of the four classes were not allowed to change their social status. Outcasts, people with professions that were considered impure, formed a fifth class.

What was the fifth class in Japan?

Outcasts, people with professions that were considered impure, formed a fifth class. In 1720, the ban of Western literature was cancelled, and several new teachings entered Japan from China and Europe (Dutch Learning). New nationalist schools that combined Shinto and Confucianist elements also developed.

When did the Toyotomi clan lose their castle?

After the destruction of the Toyotomi clan in 1615 when Ieyasu captured Osaka Castle, he and his successors had practically no rivals anymore, and peace prevailed throughout the Edo period. Therefore, the warriors ( samurai) were educating themselves not only in the martial arts but also in literature, philosophy and the arts, e.g. the tea ceremony.

What is the significance of the Edo period?

It was a turning point for the Japanese culture and history, with old customs fading and new traditions and culture rising. With a better knowledge of this special period, you will be able to enjoy your trip to Japan more deeply!

What is “Edo”?

In short, Edo is the old name for Tokyo, the capital city of Japan. There was Edo Castle around the current Tokyo Station, and the town prospered around this castle. It also refers to the Edo period, about 400 years ago. The Edo period, sometimes also referred to as the Tokugawa period, is the period between 1603 and 1868. Though, even today, you will find the name at some places such as restaurants or theme parks. There is even Edo-sushi, a particular style of sushi created in 1820’s! The Edo period was started by Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Tokugawa Shogunate established in 1603. The Meiji revolution in 1868, brought an end to Tokugawa rule and restored the power of the emperor. Let’s start with a brief overview of the history of the Edo period.

What was the Shogunate's policy?

At first, the Tokugawa Shogunate encouraged foreign trade, though after learning this threatened his position, Ieyasu Tokugawa closed off the country, this is known as the Sakoku policy. It meant Japan closed the borders, and restricted any international trade or economical activities with other countries. Traveling abroad was also not allowed, even Japanese who left the country weren’t able to return. Only The Netherlands, China and England for a short period of time, were allowed to conduct trade from Dejima, a small island in front of Nagasaki, a coastal city in Kyushu region. The Shogunate also banned missionary activities which could possibly lead to the spread of the Christianity throughout the country. All this enabled the Shogunate to become stronger and benefit from the trades exclusively.

How long did the Tokugawa Shogunate rule?

The Tokugawa Shogunate. The Tokugawa Shogunate was a military government that ruled over Japan for over 260 years from 1603 until 1868. After the battle of Sekigahara in 1600, against another powerful warrior Ishida Mitsunari and other Western forces, Ieyasu Tokugawa received ultimate power and wealth.

What was the Tokugawa Shogunate's residence?

This appointment meant the beginning of the Tokugawa Shogunate. The Tokugawa Shogunate took up residence in the Edo castle , which was seen as the political center. The old site of the castle is now used as a public park and the Imperial Palace, which is one of the popular tourist attractions in Tokyo nowadays!

What was the significance of the Tokugawa Shogunate?

Under the strict restrictions and the closure, Japan developed an unique culture and traditions. The Tokugawa Shogunate brought peace and that brought prosperity to Japan and the Edo period is characterised by many cultural outings.

What is the Edo culture?

Edo culture contributed to develop many Japanese culture and tradition which still alive today. For example, now a world famous Japanese food, sushi was appeared in Edo period for the first time ( The Complete Sushi Guide; History, Etiquette and Recommended Sushi Making Classes in Japan ).

What was the Edo period?

The Edo period is also known as the Tokugawa period, named for the ruling family of Tokugawa. The Edo period was the first stretch of prolonged peace in Japan since the Heian period (794–1156). This meant that the Japanese could again pursue a better standard of living.

Where did the Edo period get its name?

This 250-year period takes its name from the city of Edo that started out as a small castle town and grew into one of the largest cities of the modern world, now called Tokyo. Much of this tremendous growth happened during the Edo period.

What is a shogun, and how did he rule Japan?

Shogun is a title granted by the Emperor that means commander-in-chief. The bakufu (warrior government) set up by the Tokugawa, controlled a network of daimyo (regional lords), who in turn ruled relatively autonomously over their respective domains that had been granted by the Shogun. Mindful of the civil wars that immediately preceded Edo unification, the bakufu instituted restrictive laws to ensure control. To keep the daimyo in check the Shogun required them to rotate their residence, spending alternate years at home and in Edo. Their families lived in Edo year-round as virtual hostages. Should the daimyo attempt to go against the shogunate, their lives would be in peril. The domains of formerly allied daimyo might be moved to distant areas to keep them from plotting against other daimyo or the Shogun. In addition to controlling activities within the country, the Shogun expelled foreigners, virtually sealing Japan off from direct contact with the outside world.

Why did the Shogun move the domains of formerly allied Daimyo to distant areas?

The domains of formerly allied daimyo might be moved to distant areas to keep them from plotting against other daimyo or the Shogun. In addition to controlling activities within the country, the Shogun expelled foreigners, virtually sealing Japan off from direct contact with the outside world.

How did Chonin influence Edo?

The chonin influenced artistic production and Edo period life in general, especially during the first century of the period. The second century, between 1700–1800, was relatively stable with occasional political disruptions and economic hardships. Restrictions on the importation of foreign books was lifted by Shogun Yoshimune, ...

What happened to Japan during the Edo period?

The end of the Edo period is often described by Westerners in these terms: US Commodore Matthew Perry’s black ships forcibly opened Japan to the outside world, Japanese found themselves unprepared to compete technologically with Western powers, so they rushed to modernize, ultimately becoming one of the world’s most technologically advanced countries in only about 100 years. While true to a point, the major changes that happened in Japan from around 1850–1920 had their impetus from within the country as well as from with- out. The transformation from Edo to Meiji is a complex phenomenon, but is characterized by a shift in the following areas, which began during the Edo period: 1 change in class relations from hereditary to merit-based 2 from shogun to imperial rule 3 from isolation to integration in the world economy 4 increasing centralized political control 5 enhanced systems for interchange of goods 6 compilations of statistics about land, food production and population.

What was the transformation from Edo to Meiji?

The transformation from Edo to Meiji is a complex phenomenon, but is characterized by a shift in the following areas, which began during the Edo period: change in class relations from hereditary to merit-based. from shogun to imperial rule. from isolation to integration in the world economy.

What was the Edo period?

Edo period: artisans, merchants, and a flourishing urban culture. Tokugawa Ieyasu’s victory and territorial unification paved the way to a powerful new government. The Tokugawa shogunate would rule for over 250 years—a period of relative peace and increased prosperity. A vibrant urban culture developed in the city of Edo (today’s Tokyo) ...

What was the tea ceremony called in Edo?

During the Edo period, the tea ceremony—both chanoyu and sencha, a different type of ritual for the preparation and enjoyment of steeped leaf tea—continued to flourish. Sencha, in particular, was integral to the literati culture.

How many pages are there in Hokusai's manga?

Hokusai, Random Sketches ( Manga ), 1834, eight volumes of woodblock printed books, ink and color on paper, 22.9 x 15.9 cm, two-page spread ( The Metropolitan Museum of Art ). Hokusai’s Manga create a microcosm of Edo-period culture and have been a major source of inspiration for European artists in the 19th century.

How long is the Iwasa Matabei?

Iwasa Matabei, The Tale of Yamanaka Tokiwa, 17th century, handscroll, ink and color on paper, total length of over 70 meters, detail (Important Cultural Property, MOA Museum of Art, Atami, Shizuoka, Japan)

When was Maruyama kyo Pine Trees in Snow?

Maruyama Ōkyo, Pine Trees in Snow, between 1781 and 1789, left screen of a pair of folding screens, ink, color, and gold on paper (Mitsui Memorial Museum, image: Wikimedia Commons, public domain)

Who was the first to sign pottery in Japan?

Along with potter Nonomura Ninsei, Kōetsu was among the first to sign their pottery in Japan. He would shape his tea bowls, then send them to the Raku-ware workshop to have the bowls glazed and fired. Kōetsu worked across multiple media and his collaborations with painters and potters contributed to a more unified visual culture. As is the case with Japanese art across the ages, lineages played a vital role in the survival and transformation of Sōtatsu’s and Kōetsu ’s aesthetic programs.

Who were the pioneers of Japanese porcelain?

The pioneers of Japanese porcelain were Korean potters brought to Japan after Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s incursions into Korea during the Momoyama period. These potters settled in Kyushu and paved the way for one of the world’s most innovative and prolific porcelain centers. Arita, Imari, Kakiemon are now household names, ...

What is the Edo period?

The Edo period is one of the richest in the history of Japanese art, but only in recent decades has it become a focus of art-historical study in Japan. “Edo” refers both to the city of Edo—now called Tokyo—and to a time period, from 1615 to 1868, during which fifteen generations of Tokugawa shogun, or feudal overlords, ...

What is the meaning of Edo?

The term Edo now connotes a distinctive aesthetic sensibility that spans a wide range of art forms, including screen paintings, scrolls, sculptures, ceramics, lacquers, textiles, and woodblock prints.

What was the Edo period?

But once the Tokugawa bakufu moved in, Edo became the center of political and cultural life — so much so that the duration of Tokugawa rule is also known as the Edo period (1600-1868).

What was the most popular entertainment in Edo?

Lavish costumes, colorful sets, catchy music, and engrossing plots meant theaters packed with devoted fans. But social reality contradicted this hierarchy.

Why did the Bakufu institute a closed country policy?

To maintain this so-called Pax Tokugawa, the bakufu instituted its sakoku (closed-country) policy in an attempt to keep foreign powers out of Japan. The Spanish, the English, and the Portuguese were expelled as subversive influences. Christianity was banned, and Japanese Christians were hunted down and persecuted.

What was the effect of merchant prosperity on the samurai?

Merchant prosperity fostered the rise of commoner culture, giving rise to popular entertainments and diversions that even the samurai class couldn't resist.

Who was the most famous playwright of the Kabuki period?

The greatest jôruri playwright, Chikamatsu Monzaemon (1653-1724), crafted historical dramas and tragic romances that were wildly popular, in his day and beyond. The flash and excitement of the Kabuki theater drew throngs of enthusiasts, and many performers became full-fledged celebrities.

Who is Edoreki Gakushimaru?

Meet Edoreki Gakushimaru — a messenger living in 18th-century Edo — who welcomes visitors to a virtual tour of his city. Wander through the various neighborhoods of this bustling metropolis with Gakushimaru as a competent and helpful guide — who happens to speak English.

Who commanded the Navy in Edo Bay?

When the U.S. Navy steamed into Edo Bay in 1853 under orders from President Millard Fillmore and commanded by Commodore Matthew Perry, all of Japan was thrown into a panic.

What Is “Edo”?

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