Tokugawa Japan - Brief Look

Japan15th to 17th centuries

Before the1500s,Civil wars between daimyo, or rulers, led to political fragmentation and a feudal period in Japan.European arrival led the Japanese to adopt weapons (and trade goods) of Europe

Japan in the 1500sChristian missionaries, converted thousands with support from many daimyo.

The Tokugawa Shogunate The Tokugawa family gained enough power to “unify” most daimyos.

(The Tokugawa family would rule Japan into the 1800s)

La Casa del Tokugawa

Tokugawa JapanThe long tradition of the samurai continued.Shoguns no longer needed Christian support against BuddhistsThe Shoguns did not need European firearms or goods.

Tokugawa Japan

The Tokugawa shoguns discouraged the use of firearms and severely limited European trade.Christian missionaries were outlawed and Christians were persecuted.

Self-Imposed Isolation (mid 17th c

Foreign traders were only allowed in a few cities (Dutch and Chinese only)Japanese could not travel abroadWestern books were bannedSchool of National Learning promoted Japanese identity

Keeping an eye on the “hairy barbarians”

For the next centuries, the Japanese elite kept contact with developments in Europe through trade contacts with the Dutch.

Japan flourished in isolation

Increased centralization and improved bureaucracy of the central government based in Edo (Tokyo)Improved infrastructure and education

Japan flourished in isolation

Merchants, artisans, and manufacturers increased their wealth and power in internal trade.Urban areas grew in population and statusCultural life flourished

Kabuki Theater

Block printing