The Tokugawa Shogunate

The Tokugawa Shogunate was a period of peace in Japan that lasted from 1603 to 1868. A military leader called the shogun ruled the country from the city of Edo, now called Tokyo. Japan was mostly closed to the outside world during this time. Art, culture, and cities grew and flourished.

Peace and Order

Before the Tokugawa period, Japan had been torn apart by wars between powerful lords. Tokugawa Ieyasu defeated his rivals and became shogun in 1603. He created strict rules to keep the peace. The country was divided into domains ruled by local lords called daimyo.

A Closed Country

The shoguns decided to close Japan to most foreigners. Only a few Dutch and Chinese traders were allowed in. Japanese people could not leave the country. During this peaceful time, cities grew large and arts like kabuki theater and woodblock printing became popular.

Fun Facts

• The Tokugawa period lasted over 250 years with very little warfare.
• Edo (now Tokyo) became one of the largest cities in the world with over one million people.
• Kabuki theater, which is still performed today, became popular during the Tokugawa period.

Did You Know?

The Tokugawa shoguns required local lords to spend every other year living in the capital city of Edo to make sure they stayed loyal.