春雨直播app

In Japanese history, the Azuchi-Momoyama period and Edo period are collectively referred to as the early modern period. This book is the first in a series that compiles research findings on early modern Japanese history, presents a comprehensive picture of the period, and aims to provide insight into this era. Volumes 1–3 provide a general historical perspective, while volumes 4–6 are themed volumes that attempt to provide a deeper understanding of early modern society. The first volume covers politics and foreign relations from the era of Nobunaga and Hideyoshi to the end of the 17th century.
 
The orthodox method of writing a general history focuses on the political and institutional history of the central government, chronicling the actions of those in charge. The rulers of Japan and their powers drove the politics and military affairs of the Japanese archipelago, making it natural to focus on their actions. However, this method has significant limitations.
 
From the viewpoint of the rulers of Japan, the powers and societies in the northern archipelago, such as the Ainu, and the people of Ryukyu in the south appear only briefly as objects. Furthermore, there must have been independent movements and activities by various people throughout the country; however, these scenes are rarely depicted. Connections and exchanges with the world outside the archipelago must also be considered.
 
The actual narrative combines various perspectives. In this book, Chapter 1, "Early Modern Japan in the World," describes the beginning of the early modern period in the Japanese archipelago from the perspective of the global surge in interregional exchange, the corresponding government plans of Japan’s rulers, and their consequences. Chapter 2 discusses Hideyoshi's invasion of Korea, the most significant event in interregional exchange during this period, and places it within the context of the establishment of early modern Japan.
 
The following chapters are structured as follows: Chapter 3 describes the state of Bakuhan politics and samurai society, Chapter 4 describes the reconstruction of the Imperial Court, Chapter 5 considers the Shimabara/Amakusa Revolt and the policy of prohibition against Christianity, Chapter 6 describes the Ryukyu Islands, and Chapter 7 focuses on the northern regions (Ainu and Matsumae).
 
Thus, this volume emphasizes foreign relations, reflecting recent research trends. It is clear that early modern Japan was by no means the history of a closed island nation. Rather, how was the seemingly strong order of the Edo period (the Shogunate and feudal system) formed and maintained amid the swell of various interregional exchanges that engulfed the Japanese archipelago? I encourage all readers to ponder this question.
 

(Written by MAKIHARA Shigeyuki, Professor, Graduate School of Humanities and Sociology / 2024)