3 points we should know about the Edo period
We happen to see numerous exotic things while walking in Japanese traditional streets like Kanazawa.
It is recommended you learn Japanese history if you wish to know the reason why Japanese culture looks so unique and fascinating.
You will learn here 3 important factors which made Japan so unique. It all comes from the Edo period.
What is the Edo period and who started it?
The Edo period was peaceful times after Sengoku(Civil War) period.
It is the period between 1603 and 1867 in Japanese history. In 1603, through chaotic times when the war lords ruled separate territories in Japan, a strong military government was established by the war lord Tokugawa Ieyasu.
The period is characterized by strong economic growth, strict social order and national isolation policies known as “sakoku”.
What people can recognize as Japanese culture (samurai, geisha, ninja, sushi, tempura…) is mostly based on this period.
Japanese feudalism by Edo bakufu
“Bakufu” generally refers to the administrative system which is established by the leader of bushi (Japanese warrior) and his clan.
Tokugawa Ieyasu, who fatally won the chaotic wars in the Civil War period (1467-1615), established a bakufu and came rule the whole nation.
Bakufu system comprises Tokugawa clan (the most powerful military clan) and other clans who was assigned with territories by Tokugawa.
Tokugawa bakufu made several laws which maintained social order. If a clan violated the law, its territory may happen to be reduced, switched or in worst case, confiscated.
Sakoku | National isolation policy
Sakoku is a series of regulation policies to ban the entry of foreign people and immigration of Japanese people. After the policies were activated, Japan was diplomatically isolated and eventually saw a unique culture flourish.
In the early modern period when Christianity was still dominant in western countries, Tokugawa bakufu persistently refused to let it in this country. As a result, Japan had not been greatly influenced by western culture.
I would like you to explore Japan with such historical knowledge as I told you here and I’m sure it will make your journey extremely contentful.
That’s all for now. Thank you!
