ABOUT EDO

The Edo period's political landscape centered around the shogunate, with the shogun at its head. The Edo period is generally considered to have spanned from 1603, when Tokugawa Ieyasu became shogun, until the resignation of the 15th shogun, Tokugawa Yoshinobu. 

Formally, the shogun was appointed by the Emperor, but in reality, the position was hereditary within the Tokugawa family. The Emperor wielded little political influence. The political heart shifted from Kyoto, the Emperor's home, to Edo Castle, the shogun's residence.

The shogunate controlled huge territory around Edo and elsewhere, including strategic locations such as ports and mines throughout the country.Most other territories, however, were domains known as "han," governed by feudal lords (daimyo). There were around 250 han across the country. The daimyo managed their people, and the shogunate ruled over the daimyo. This multiayered government structure was a distinguishing aspect of Edo period politics. 

The "sankin-kotai" system showcased the daimyo's loyalty to the shogunate. This system required the daimyo to alternate between residing in their own domains and staying in Edo, usually on an annual or bi-annual basis, while their principal wife and heir were required to live in Edo. This constant travel and the expenses of maintaining a presence in Edo placed a heavy financial burden on each domain. Simultaneously, "sankin-kotai" facilitated the spread of Edo culture throughout the land.

Rice was the cornerstone of the Edo-period economy. The wealth and rank of both the daimyo and the samurai class were measured by kokudaka, a system that assessed the total rice yield of their lands.

The social structure reflected this reality. The ruling samurai class made up about 10% of the population, while farmers, who primarily cultivated rice, are estimated to have comprised over 80%. These farmers paid 40% to 50% of their harvest as an annual tax known as nengu. This rice tax was the primary source of revenue for both the shogunate and the various daimyo.

By the mid-Edo period in the 18th century, the nation's economy began to shift. Technological advancements, coupled with the development of major highways and water transport routes, spurred a thriving distribution network and the rise of a currency-based economy. As money became more prevalent, the finances of the shogunate and daimyo, who relied solely on rice tax, came under strain. In response, they attempted various reforms and accelerated efforts to cultivate industries beyond agriculture. This led to the emergence of regional specialty goods across Japan, including textiles and pottery.

In the early Edo Period, high culture and the arts were centered in Kyoto, Japan’s traditional cultural capital, and were enjoyed primarily by the upper classes.

By the end of the 17th century, however, a significant shift began as culture became increasingly accessible to the public. Popular forms of entertainment like Kabuki theater and Bunraku puppet shows started to draw large audiences. While this cultural energy was initially centered in the Kamigata region, encompassing Kyoto and the commercial hub of Osaka, funded by wealthy merchants, the development of national highways spurred travel and allowed these cultural trends to spread across the country.

In the latter half of the 18th century, the center of cultural innovation moved to Edo. As the currency-based economy grew, wealth and people flocked to the shogun's capital, and a vibrant urban culture was born. Ukiyo-e, mass-produced as multi-colored woodblock prints, became immensely popular and were even sought after as souvenirs from Edo. At the same time, the publishing industry thrived, producing bestselling novels filled with exciting adventures and humor. This explosion of popular culture was fueled by a surprisingly high level of public literacy, thanks to the spread of education in private schools known as terakoya.

Edo-period diplomacy was characterized by the shogunate's control over all diplomatic matters, alongside its attempts to manage trade. Initially, the shogunate actively engaged in trade with foreign countries. However, fearing the spread of Christianity, they implemented a strict ban on the religion. This led to restrictions on foreign contact, including preventing Japanese citizens from traveling abroad.

By the mid-1600s, the shogunate had established a tight control system. Despite this, interaction with foreign countries continued, though limited. Four main channels remained: trade with the northern regions through the Matsumae Domain (Hokkaido); diplomatic relations with Joseon, facilitated by the Sō clan of Tsushima (an island near Nagasaki); trade between the Satsuma Domain (Kagoshima) and the Ryukyu Kingdom; and trade with China and the Netherlands, primarily through Nagasaki.

This system remained in place for over 200 years. It wasn't until the arrival of the Black Ships that Japan was forced to open up at the end of the Edo period. During this time, Japan experienced a period of peace and saw the development of its unique culture.