Edo Period 1603 - 1867
The Edo period, from 1603 - 1867 was a time of peace and prosperity for Japan. It also saw Japan isolate itself from the rest of world and brought about an unexpected change in social hierachy and class definitions.
Style of Government
It was Tokugawa Ieyasu, appointed as Shogun by the Emperor, who initiated the Edo period. His government set up it's headquarters in Edo and ruled Japan from the area that is now known as Tokyo. At this time the passing of the title became hereditary so that the power of the Shogun remained within the Tokugawa family, until the end of the Edo period.
A significant change in ruling during the Edo period was the change in power from local governance under the Daimyos, to central governance under the Shogun. Tokugawa and his clan reigned supreme over Japan and, as time went by, for the first time in many years, Japan experienced peace. Internal feuds and attempted acquisitions of local land areas ceased, and people were able to get on with their lives without interruption.
This change proved to be highly significant as a change in roles and values emerged from this new era of peace. Under the Daimyos, merchants paid their dues to the Daimyo, but under this new system, the merchants began to grow wealthy as they reaped the benefits of their own individual efforts. New trades were born as people had more time and money to spend on the luxuries of life.
The Arts
Today, one of the most famous influences that remains from this time was the development of the arts. The genre of painting known as ukiyo-e originates from the Edo period. Paintings were based on pictures of what was known as 'the floating world'. Due to better living conditions and the growth in personal wealth, money was spent on indulging the senses in ways that had not been accessible to the public before. Ukiyo-e paintings reflected these new 'hobbies' and in modern terms may be considered to be artistic pornography.
The ukiyo-e style of art continued to grow in popularity and soon many different subjects were depicted in this style. The method of painting later evolved into using hand-colored woodblock prints to create the image. Perhaps the most famous of the ukiyo-e artists is Hokusai. His most popular series, 36 views of Mount Fuji, which includes 'The Great Wave' to your right, has been reproduced many times and is recognized world wide.
Success Brings Problems
It was the very success of the Edo period that in the end brought it's downfall. With no war to control the size and growth of the population, families settled down and steadily grew in size. Whilst resources were plentiful all was well, but as the number of mouths that needed feeding grew, agricultural production and processes started to feel the strain. The appearance of Captain Perry and his black ships further upset the ruling order. Eventually the infrastructure that existed was not enough to support the population of Edo and Japan - famine was the result. This in turn lead to revolt and the eventual overthrowing of the government signaling the end of the Edo period and the beginning of the Meiji Restoration.
