Following the Battle of Sekigahara the Tokugawa shogunate cemented Japanese traditions and enforced a policy of isolation within Japan. The shogunate Tokugawa Leyasu retained power from his fortification in Edo, this dynasty would rule Japan for over two hundred fifty years. The shogunate had internal instilled peace within Japan through military rule. There was a Strict social hierarchy established, prosperity among the Japanese was achieved, and traditional values were upheld something that would continue long past the end of the shogunate’s rule.
There was peace among the Japanese during the Tokugawa period and after years of unrest it was a welcome calm. The political system was based on the shogunate with military rule over all the Japanese. Peace stemmed from the Japanese people fearing the shogunate and its ability to use violence when needed.
Strict social hierarchy was established during the shogunates rule something that would affect the lives of all Japanese. The hierarchy was headed by the emperor who was little more than a figurehead of the government with little control or power. Below the emperor was the Shogun who was the head of the shogunate and the one who controlled the Daimyo and an army of Samurai. Next was the farmers, farmers in Japanese culture was revered for their importance in providing the food and resources that they country relied at a time when rice was used at currency you see why farmers were just below the ruling class. Artisans were next and while not at the level of farmers, artisans were respected for working with their hands and honing a craft that was seen as beneficial for Japan. Last on the hierarchy was the merchants, considered the lowest class of all, the fact that merchants did not create things with their hands, and did not work the land either being reason enough to be placed lowest among Japanese society. This strict hierarchy had was enforced by the shogunate and mobility between classes was non existent because it was official prohibited, due to a foreign relation policy of isolationism only further solidified ones social status at the time since there was no coming or going from Japan at the time leaving lower class Japanese with .
During shogunate rule the Japanese economy took advantage of this new era of peace growing significantly from agricultural and industrial expansion. The Japanese farmers importance in social class was enforced due to Japan having an economy based on agriculture. Manufacturing Industries and commerce began to emerge and with this growth sprouted an increasingly wealthy merchant class. This sudden growth in turn began the emergence of Japanese cities, these new urban sprawls became center of industry and culture. Trade between these cities was the basis of the Japanese economy and the reason for the increase in merchant wealth during this period.
The growth of cities benefited the culture of the Tokugawa period. These new urban centers became a place for daimyo and the emerging wealthy merchant class theatre, literature and the fine arts. This new demand for the arts increased the number of artist and artisans that were creating during this time. There were two popular types of theatre during the Tokugawa period one being Kabuki and the other Banranku. Kabuki was very popular among the merchant class, including stories based on wild plots and ornate costuming and make up. Most Kabukis were base on Japanese life, many dramas that focused on conflicts of morals or dilemmas that were very relatable. The shogunate banned female actresses so the roles of women were all played by males. The Banranku was very different to the Kabuki, these shows would consist of puppet shows much smaller in production to the Kabuki but very popular. Due to japan’s foreign relation policy of isolationism there were no outside influences on the cultural development of Japanese theatre ensuring it remained authentically Japanese.
The Shogunate’s political system during the Edo period was one of many bureaucracies, territories, and policies. The system in place was headed by feudal lords known as daimyos who would be the landowners who ruled the land
The arrive of Commodore Matthew Perry in 1853 would precursor the end of the shogunates rule. Known as the Bakumatsu, literally translated to “end of the shogunate” was a period of great change in the history of Japan. Japan would reconsider its isolation policy from they rest of the world. The nations new foreign relation tactic would challenging what it meant to be Japanese. Japan would no longer remain uninfluenced from other cultures. Perrys arrival brought forth the realization that the unfounded believe of Japanese superiority may have been inhibiting Japan’s ability to keep up with the rest of the world. Fearful that the Shogunate’s antiquated method of government would keep Japan from competing with the rest of the world, many knew change was needed.
There was a transition upon Japan that would be known as Bakumatsu, resulting in enormous political implications for the future of Japan. Imperial factions were being formed many wishing that Japan would leave behind its feudal ways. The Daimyo and Samurai warrior were expected to put down their weapons and give up their domains. Rebellion spread across Japan, what later became known as the Boshin War. In the struggle for power forces loyal to the Tokugawa shogunate began fighting and those who wanted to return power to the Imperial Court. While the Imperialist had a much smaller fighting force they had much military success capturing Edo leaving loyalist to retreat to the north to regroup their forces. During the end of eighteen sixty eight the Battle of Hakodate would be the end of the Tokugawa shogunate with a decisive victory by the Imperial forces.
One driving force behind the Bakumatsu was the western economic influence on the merchant class after Commadore Perry’s arrival in eighteen fifty three.
The defeat of the Shogunate brought the return of imperial rule to Japan, after nearly seven hundred years of military dictatorship the Meiji Restoration would completely change Japan’s political system. The drafting of the Meiji constitution would again place the emperor in complete control of the Japanese empire. Taking place in the Imperial Palace an Imperial Oath Sworn in Emperor Meiji to restore Imperial power During the Meiji restoration there was a cultural revolution taking place in Japan. The implementation of Shinto would influence the people in Japan in a much deeper way.
Religion in Japan during the Meiji period was a mix of Buddhism and Shinto. Shinto was considered more a way of life rather than a specific set of beliefs and worship of a central deitiy and less of a religion. The question is raised how can someone practice too religions at once? Shinto does not have an official founder or and does not try and explain the world in a sense of right and wrong, the only goal of shinto is to be in touch with Kami or “spiritual energy” through sacred rituals, These include weddings, funerals, worship in the home, and festivals. Shinto when translated means “way of Kami” Kami is sacred spirits that exist in earthly objects such as trees and mountains and concepts like fertility. The sun goddess Amaterasu is the most important Kami, and the royal imperial family was thought to be descendants of Amaterasu beginning with the first emperor Jimmu.