*Sengoku period*
After the Onin war, Shogunate lost power and so called Sengoku period (Warring States period) started. Daimyos (Sengoku Daimyo) ruled their provinces not by endorsement of the Shogunate power but by their force. Representative examples of Sengoku Daimyo are Hojo Soun, Mori Motonari, Takeda Shingen, Uesugi Kenshin, Oda Nobunaga and Tokugawa Ieyasu.
Among them, Oda Nobunaga made a major progress in unifying the whole country. He overthrew Muromachi Shogunate in 1573 and defeated adversaries with new arms Teppo (gun). But in the midst of unifying the country, he was died because his retainer Akechi Mitsuhide betrayed him and attacked him at Honno-ji in 1582 (Honnoji Incident).
After Nobunaga died, Hashiba Hideyoshi, Nobunaga's retainer, defeated Mitsuhide and took over Nobunaga's work of unification. He was appointed Kanpaku (the chief adviser to the Emperor) in 1586 and given the name Toyotomi (Toyotomi Hideyoshi) in 1587 by imperial court. Then he defeated the Hojo clan in 1590, and eastern Daimyos such as Date Masamune swore allegiance to him. He achieved unification.
[Edo period]
After Hideyoshi died, Daimyos divided into two groups: pro-Toyotomi clan group and pro-Tokugawa Ieyasu group. Tokugawa Ieyasu was one of the most powerful Daimyo based on Edo, which is now called Tokyo. Ieyasu defeated pro-Toyotomi group at Sekigahara in 1600 (Battle of Sekigahara) and was appointed Shogun in 1603 (Edo Shogunate).
And he defeated Toyotomi clan in 1615. Japan was unified under Tokugawa clan.
* Bakuhan system *
We call the ruling system of Tokugawa Shogunate (or Bakufu) and Daimyos Bakuhan system. Han means Daimyo's territory or its ruling system.
* Governing by suppression *
Shogunate ruled by suppression from the reign of the first Shogun Ieyasu to the third Shogun Iemitsu. Shogunate issued Laws for Military Houses in 1615 and cracked down Hans. If they broke the laws, their fiefdoms could be confiscated (Kaieki), cut (Genpou) and exchanged (Kunigae).
In 1612 Shogunate issued Anti-Christian Edicts, because it saw Christianity as a menace for it. This was followed by ban on traffic and restriction on trade with foreign countries (Sakoku) to crack down on Christianity more perfectly.
* Governing by law and Confucianism *
As Shogunate confiscated many Han's fiefdoms, there were many masterless samurais (Ronin). Yui Shosetsu, a military strategist, took advantage of them and attempted coup in 1651. Although the coup failed, the affair made Shogunate change its way of governing from by suppression to by law and Confucianism.
* Reforms of the shogunate government *
Shogunate finances depended on rice. But money economy developed in the latter half of the seventeenth century. So, merchants became wealthy, on the other hand, Shogunate faced financial difficulities. Shogunate made political reforms to tackle the problems. Kyoho reforms (by Tokugawa Yoshimune, the eighth Shogun), Kansei Reforms (by Matsudaira Sadanobu, the member of the Shogun's Council of Elders) and Tempo reforms (by Mizuno Tadakuni, a member of the Shogun's Council of Elders) are regarded three reforms in Edo period. But the reforms didn't necessarily succeed.
(To be continued)
A brief outline of Japanese history (1)
A brief outline of Japanese history (2)
A brief outline of Japanese history (3)
A brief outline of Japanese history (4)
2010年10月4日月曜日
2010年9月14日火曜日
A brief outline of Japanese history (2)
[Kamakura period]
From 1185 to 1333 is called the Kamakura period. Kamakura period is the first era of samurai government.
Minamoto no Yoritomo, heir to the chieftainship of the Minamoto clan, formed a basis for the government. In 1185, he placed Shugo (military commissioner) and Jito (lord of the manor) around the country. In 1192 he was appointed by the emperor as a Shogun (military leader). In this way, Kamaura Shogunate was established in Kamakura. In the mean time he defeated adversaries such as Taira and Fujiwara clan.
After Yoritomo died, Hojo clan held power as regent instead of Minamoto clan.
Both imperial court and Shogunate had political power. In 1221 the imperial court launched a fight against Shogunate to restore the power. But it was defeated and lost power.
In 1274 and 1281 the Yuan dynasty invaded Hakata, western Japan. Shogunate deployed troops and made them fight with Yuan troops. As a result, Yuan's invasion failed. But Shogunate couldn't provide reward for samurai. Shogunate betrayed samurai's trust in it. In addition, samurai was in poverty.
Emperor Go-Daigo tried to overthrow the Shogunate but failed. Subsequently, many samurai - Ashikaga Takauji, for example revolted against the Shogunate. Finally, Shogunate was fallen.
[Kemmu restoration]
After Shogunate was overthrown, Emperor Go-Daigo took helm. His political reform is called Kenmu restoration (1333-1336).
[Muromachi period]
*Nanbokucho period*
But Ashikaga Takauji provoked revolt against Emperor Go-Daigo. Takauji enthroned Emperor Komyo in Kyoto and promulgated a legal code Kemmu Shikimoku to found a new Shogunate in 1336. Emperor Go-Daigo escaped from Kyoto into Yoshino and asserted that he was the true heir to the throne. Thus, two Emperors existed. Kyoto court is called Northern Court (Hokucho). Yoshino court is called Southern Court (Nancho). Both courts fought each other fiercely. In 1392 both courts finally established a unity.
Shogunate was in stable period. Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, the third Shogun, built a huge mansion called "Hana no gosho" in Muromachi in Kyoto and relocated Shogunate there. So, we call this Shogunate "Muromachi Shogunate." Yoshimitsu developed a system of Shogunate and traded with Ming Dynasty.
When Ashikaga Yoshimasa was the eighth Shogun, power of Shogunate weakened. Instead, some Shugo Daimyos, leading vassals of the Shogunate who ruled their provinces, expanded their influence. Against the backdrop of the political environment, disputes about succession of Shogunate and two powerful Shugo caused a nationwide war called Onin war from 1467 to 1477.
(To be continued)
A brief outline of Japanese history (1)
A brief outline of Japanese history (2)
A brief outline of Japanese history (3)
A brief outline of Japanese history (4)
From 1185 to 1333 is called the Kamakura period. Kamakura period is the first era of samurai government.
Minamoto no Yoritomo, heir to the chieftainship of the Minamoto clan, formed a basis for the government. In 1185, he placed Shugo (military commissioner) and Jito (lord of the manor) around the country. In 1192 he was appointed by the emperor as a Shogun (military leader). In this way, Kamaura Shogunate was established in Kamakura. In the mean time he defeated adversaries such as Taira and Fujiwara clan.
After Yoritomo died, Hojo clan held power as regent instead of Minamoto clan.
Both imperial court and Shogunate had political power. In 1221 the imperial court launched a fight against Shogunate to restore the power. But it was defeated and lost power.
In 1274 and 1281 the Yuan dynasty invaded Hakata, western Japan. Shogunate deployed troops and made them fight with Yuan troops. As a result, Yuan's invasion failed. But Shogunate couldn't provide reward for samurai. Shogunate betrayed samurai's trust in it. In addition, samurai was in poverty.
Emperor Go-Daigo tried to overthrow the Shogunate but failed. Subsequently, many samurai - Ashikaga Takauji, for example revolted against the Shogunate. Finally, Shogunate was fallen.
[Kemmu restoration]
After Shogunate was overthrown, Emperor Go-Daigo took helm. His political reform is called Kenmu restoration (1333-1336).
[Muromachi period]
*Nanbokucho period*
But Ashikaga Takauji provoked revolt against Emperor Go-Daigo. Takauji enthroned Emperor Komyo in Kyoto and promulgated a legal code Kemmu Shikimoku to found a new Shogunate in 1336. Emperor Go-Daigo escaped from Kyoto into Yoshino and asserted that he was the true heir to the throne. Thus, two Emperors existed. Kyoto court is called Northern Court (Hokucho). Yoshino court is called Southern Court (Nancho). Both courts fought each other fiercely. In 1392 both courts finally established a unity.
Shogunate was in stable period. Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, the third Shogun, built a huge mansion called "Hana no gosho" in Muromachi in Kyoto and relocated Shogunate there. So, we call this Shogunate "Muromachi Shogunate." Yoshimitsu developed a system of Shogunate and traded with Ming Dynasty.
When Ashikaga Yoshimasa was the eighth Shogun, power of Shogunate weakened. Instead, some Shugo Daimyos, leading vassals of the Shogunate who ruled their provinces, expanded their influence. Against the backdrop of the political environment, disputes about succession of Shogunate and two powerful Shugo caused a nationwide war called Onin war from 1467 to 1477.
(To be continued)
A brief outline of Japanese history (1)
A brief outline of Japanese history (2)
A brief outline of Japanese history (3)
A brief outline of Japanese history (4)
2010年8月22日日曜日
A brief outline of Japanese history (1)
During Pleistocene Epoch, Japanese Archipelago was connected to the Eurasian Continent. It is thought that many people flew in Japanese Archipelago from the continent. Japanese people in this era used chipped stone tool (Palaeolithic).
During Holocene Epoch, Japanese Archipelago became separated to the continent. Japanese people in this era used polished stone tool in addition to chipped stone tool (Neolithic).
[the Jomon period]
About from the 100th century B.C. to the third century B.C. is called the Jomon period. The origin of the Jomon is Jomon ware, straw-rope pattern pottery people in this era made. During the period, people lived mainly by hunting and gathering. And at least at the end of the period, people cultivated rice.
[the Yayoi period]
About from the third century B.C. to the third century A.D. is the Yayoi period. The origin of the Yayoi is Yayoi ware, red and thin pottery people in this era made. During the period many provinces existed and fought each other. The most famous province among Japanese people is Yamataikoku, described in Sanguozhi, Chinese classic. According to Sanguozhi, Yamataikoku ruled many provinces when a female shaman Himiko was a monarch.
[the Kofun period (the Tumulus period) ]
About from the third century to the seventh century is the Kofun period. Kofun means tumulus. Many tumuli were made around Japan. During the period, Yamato government had considerable power. Yamato government was based on Yamato region, central Japan.
[the Asuka period]
About from the end of the sixth century to 710 is the Asuka period. During the peiod Asuka was the capital of Japan.
From 593 to 622, Shotoku Taishi (Prince Shotoku) made several political reforms as regent of Empress Suiko. For instance, he developed a promotion system to rank officials into 12 levels, established the Seventeen-article Constitution (Japan's first written code of laws) and dispatched emissaries to Sui to establish democratic relations with Sui and have them learnt Sui's social systems and cultures.
In the early eighth century, the government developed a system for governing country by establishing the ritsuryo legal codes.
[Nara period]
From 710 to 784 is Nara period. In 710, the government relocated the capital to Nara. During this period the government completed the centralized system. And the government dispatched many students to Tang to have them learnt advanced foreign cultures. Buddhism developed, because the government protected Buddhism.
[Heian period]
From 794 to 1185 is Heian period. In 794, the government relocated the capital to Heiankyo, now known as Kyoto. In the period, the Emperor and noblemen took power. But at the end of the period, samurai gained power and influence over politics.
The government ceased to dispatch students to Tang in 894. As Japan disconnected from the continent, unique culture developed. Hiragana and Katakana began to be used in this period.
(To be continued)
A brief outline of Japanese history (1)
A brief outline of Japanese history (2)
A brief outline of Japanese history (3)
A brief outline of Japanese history (4)
During Holocene Epoch, Japanese Archipelago became separated to the continent. Japanese people in this era used polished stone tool in addition to chipped stone tool (Neolithic).
[the Jomon period]
About from the 100th century B.C. to the third century B.C. is called the Jomon period. The origin of the Jomon is Jomon ware, straw-rope pattern pottery people in this era made. During the period, people lived mainly by hunting and gathering. And at least at the end of the period, people cultivated rice.
[the Yayoi period]
About from the third century B.C. to the third century A.D. is the Yayoi period. The origin of the Yayoi is Yayoi ware, red and thin pottery people in this era made. During the period many provinces existed and fought each other. The most famous province among Japanese people is Yamataikoku, described in Sanguozhi, Chinese classic. According to Sanguozhi, Yamataikoku ruled many provinces when a female shaman Himiko was a monarch.
[the Kofun period (the Tumulus period) ]
About from the third century to the seventh century is the Kofun period. Kofun means tumulus. Many tumuli were made around Japan. During the period, Yamato government had considerable power. Yamato government was based on Yamato region, central Japan.
[the Asuka period]
About from the end of the sixth century to 710 is the Asuka period. During the peiod Asuka was the capital of Japan.
From 593 to 622, Shotoku Taishi (Prince Shotoku) made several political reforms as regent of Empress Suiko. For instance, he developed a promotion system to rank officials into 12 levels, established the Seventeen-article Constitution (Japan's first written code of laws) and dispatched emissaries to Sui to establish democratic relations with Sui and have them learnt Sui's social systems and cultures.
In the early eighth century, the government developed a system for governing country by establishing the ritsuryo legal codes.
[Nara period]
From 710 to 784 is Nara period. In 710, the government relocated the capital to Nara. During this period the government completed the centralized system. And the government dispatched many students to Tang to have them learnt advanced foreign cultures. Buddhism developed, because the government protected Buddhism.
[Heian period]
From 794 to 1185 is Heian period. In 794, the government relocated the capital to Heiankyo, now known as Kyoto. In the period, the Emperor and noblemen took power. But at the end of the period, samurai gained power and influence over politics.
The government ceased to dispatch students to Tang in 894. As Japan disconnected from the continent, unique culture developed. Hiragana and Katakana began to be used in this period.
(To be continued)
A brief outline of Japanese history (1)
A brief outline of Japanese history (2)
A brief outline of Japanese history (3)
A brief outline of Japanese history (4)
2010年8月10日火曜日
About this blog, privacy policy
Welcome to my blog "Personal Japanology."
[About this blog]
The main aim of this blog is to provide information on Japan. It's a personal blog, so I don't have detailed plans.
I'm sorry I don' allow you to comment this blog. My email address is smjournal77@yahoo.co.jp
[About me]
My name is Hiroshi Tomishige. I'm a native Japanese male. I've lived in Japan since I was born. I spend all day managing my websites. Now I'm unemployed. :((
I'm not a specialist in Japanology. I was educated in Economics at a Japanese university.
I study English every day to read and write correctly. One purpose of writing this blog is to improve my English writing skills.
[Privacy Policy]
Personal Japanology uses cookies and web beacons to collect data. The use of cookies and web beacons is an industry standard.
A Cookie is a small piece of information that web sites send to your computers temporarily and later retrieve. You can configure your web browser to reject Cookies. A web beacon is a small graphic image on a web page that tracks user's behavior.
PJ use use Cookies and web beacons in the course of website tracking. PJ track information such as your remote host, country/language, HTTP user agent, HTTP Referer, display resolution, etc.
[Related websites]
Selective Mutism - My Memories
http://selectivemutism-mm.blogspot.com/
(New window open)
Hikikomori - Social withdrawal in Japan
http://nhjournal37.blogspot.com/
(New window open)
[About this blog]
The main aim of this blog is to provide information on Japan. It's a personal blog, so I don't have detailed plans.
I'm sorry I don' allow you to comment this blog. My email address is smjournal77@yahoo.co.jp
[About me]
My name is Hiroshi Tomishige. I'm a native Japanese male. I've lived in Japan since I was born. I spend all day managing my websites. Now I'm unemployed. :((
I'm not a specialist in Japanology. I was educated in Economics at a Japanese university.
I study English every day to read and write correctly. One purpose of writing this blog is to improve my English writing skills.
[Privacy Policy]
Personal Japanology uses cookies and web beacons to collect data. The use of cookies and web beacons is an industry standard.
A Cookie is a small piece of information that web sites send to your computers temporarily and later retrieve. You can configure your web browser to reject Cookies. A web beacon is a small graphic image on a web page that tracks user's behavior.
PJ use use Cookies and web beacons in the course of website tracking. PJ track information such as your remote host, country/language, HTTP user agent, HTTP Referer, display resolution, etc.
[Related websites]
Selective Mutism - My Memories
http://selectivemutism-mm.blogspot.com/
(New window open)
Hikikomori - Social withdrawal in Japan
http://nhjournal37.blogspot.com/
(New window open)
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