Tokugawa Shogunate 1603 – 1868 Edo (Tokyo)

Overarching Developments Spread of monied economy Growth of cities Upsurge of merchant class Increased productivity & commercialization Literacy improved to about 50%

Even though isolated, Japan developed as an early modern state ready and able to rapidly modernize when finally “opening up” in the modern era. BUT Japan does NOT become “modern” using a western model!

Two Major Themes: Order and Change!

ORDER “Centralized” Feudalism Alternate Attendant System POLITICAL “Centralized” Feudalism Alternate Attendant System Circulation of Wealth Tokaido Road

1 Nihonbashi View looking across Nihon Bridge, Edo, from whence all distances were measured with a daimyo's cortège coming into view over the summit. In the foreground is a group of five fish-vendors (and a sixth partly hidden) getting out of the way, on the left, and two dogs on the right. This bridge was located in the centre of Edo and was the starting point of the Tokaido Highway.

11 Hakone A high peak, round the base of which, through a gorge, a daimyo's cortège is wending it's way; on the left the Hakone Lake, with Fuji in the distance. The Hakone pass was the most arduous stretch of the entire Tokaido Highway. It was steep and difficult to climb, and harboured many roaming bandits. However, the pass abounded in scenic spots and hot spring resorts and continues to attract many visitors.

37 Akasaka The courtyard of a resthouse, in the centre of which a sago-palm is growing; on the left, guests being served with refreshments, and on the right, geisha dressing up for their performance. Most male travellers enjoyed staying at this station for here in the entertainment quarters they could find the friendliest hostesses of the entire trip. Dinners are being served by a waitress and geisha girls are doing their faces for the evening.

39 Okazaki A daimyo's cortège crossing the bridge over the Yahagi River towards the village and castle on the further bank; in the background a blue hill, printed from colour blocks only. Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate, was born in the castle shown in the prints. The bridge over the Yahagi River, flowing west of the castle, was the largest on the entire highway.

55 Kyoto In the foreground the "long" bridge over the Kamo River, and people crossing over, with the town beyond, behind which rise hills overlooking it, the most distant printed from graded colourblock only. While descending to Kyoto, travellers could enjoy a panoramic view of the elegant imperial capital from the mountain pass and undoubtedly felt joy and relief at seeing the final destination of their journey from Edo. In those days it was the wish of every Japanese to see Kyoto once in his life.

ORDER SOCIAL Four-Class structure Purpose Neo-Confucian Social Values

ORDER FOREIGN RELATIONS: Isolation from the West! Why? Not totally closed E. Asia – China and Korea Nagasaki – Dutch

Change Within Order Co-existing with this theme of “order” appears the theme of “change” during the Tokugawa era. Order is constantly emphasized, but society is dynamic and in constant motion. Japan insists it is not changing, yet is in constant flux within the institutional structures!

Changing Role of Samurai From warrior to bureaucrat “attitude adjustment”: change in self-image Code of Bushido Samurai as Role Models

Change in National Consciousness Who and What is “Japanese”? Self-Identification

Economic Growth & Urbanization Monied economy Towns important to economy!!! EDO – almost 1M in 18th century NO merchant princes! Wealthy came from simple beginnings

Tokugawa Culture “FLOATING WORLD” Entertainment Districts – brothels, restaurants, theaters Forfeited privileges when entering! Only money mattered “New era” – fresh and exciting! Fantasy! World full of change! (is there an irony here?!)

Kabuki Theater

“Dance-Drama” Highly stylized Live Actors Known for heavy makeup and costumes First only women performers, but then only men

Bunraku – Puppets!