Edo Period, Tokyo History

The Edo period (1603–1867) was a time of peace and stability that lasted about 265 years, beginning when Tokugawa Ieyasu established his shogunate in Edo (present-day Tokyo). The shogunate refers to a military government led by a shogun, under which a feudal system governed by samurai operated. During this era, a rigid class system known as shinōkōshō (samurai, farmers, artisans, and merchants) was established, and people lived within clearly defined social roles.

The third shogun, Tokugawa Iemitsu, strengthened the government by introducing the sankin-kōtai (alternate attendance system) and the policy of national seclusion (sakoku). Sankin-kōtai required regional lords (daimyo) to travel to Edo every other year, which ensured loyalty to the shogunate and also helped develop Edo’s economy and transportation networks. Major roads like the Tōkaidō were constructed, and post towns emerged along these routes. While foreign contact was restricted under sakoku, limited trade with China and the Netherlands continued through the port of Nagasaki (specifically Dejima island).

In 1657, the Great Fire of Meireki devastated much of Edo. In response, urban planning with a focus on disaster prevention was undertaken, including the creation of firebreak zones and the reorganization of buildings.

Under the fifth shogun, Tokugawa Tsunayoshi, the Edict on Compassion for Living Things was issued, strictly prohibiting the killing of animals. Special emphasis was placed on the protection of dogs, and a large shelter was even built in Nakano for the so-called “honorable dogs.” While this policy can be seen as a precursor to modern animal welfare, it also drew criticism for being overly excessive.

From the mid to late Edo period, commerce flourished and urban commoner culture thrived. Arts such as ukiyo-e woodblock prints, kabuki theater, and haiku poetry became popular. Literacy rates increased, and many children learned reading and writing at terakoya (temple schools), making Japan’s education level remarkably high compared to other countries at the time.

However, in the 19th century, the shogunate faced financial difficulties, and dissatisfaction among the people grew. In 1853, U.S. Commodore Perry arrived in Uraga with his “Black Ships” and demanded that Japan open its ports. This led to the spread of the sonnō jōi ("revere the emperor, expel the barbarians") movement across the country.

As the shogunate’s power declined, figures like Saigō Takamori and Sakamoto Ryōma led movements to overthrow it. In 1867, the 15th shogun, Tokugawa Yoshinobu, returned power to the emperor in an act known as the Taisei Hōkan. Thus, the Edo Shogunate came to an end, and Japan entered the Meiji era, beginning its transformation into a modern nation-state.