Understanding Edo in the Context of the Tokugawa Shogunate

In Shōgun episode 3, titled "Tomorrow is Tomorrow," the story shifts to a new location in feudal Japan - the city of Edo. Previously, most of the action took place in Osaka, a city of great importance in Japanese history. Toranaga, facing challenges from the Council of Regents, and John Blackthorne, escaping an assassination attempt in Osaka, are now on the run to safeguard their lives and interests.

Edo Is The Former Name Of Tokyo In Japan

In Shōgun episode 3, Blackthorne, once viewed as a heretic by the Council of Regents, has now become one of Toranaga's closest allies. Despite posing a threat to many in Shōgun, especially the Portuguese who concealed Macao from the Japanese people for profit, Blackthorne has gained Toranaga's trust. By the end of the episode, Toranaga promotes Blackthorne to the esteemed rank of Hatamoto, a high-ranking samurai warrior. Toranaga intends to harness Blackthorne's cleverness and Western battle strategies in the upcoming conflict with the Council of Regents and their allies.

Anna Sawai as Lady Mariko in Shogun - Edo Is The Former Name Of Tokyo In Japan

Edo, the former name of Tokyo, Japan, was situated in the central-eastern region of the country. It was during the Edo Period, under the Tokugawa shogunate from 1603 to 1868, that Edo was officially renamed Tokyo. Following the Meiji Restoration in 1868, Tokyo quickly rose to become the most significant city in Japan. The Emperor's move from Kyoto to Tokyo marked the end of the Edo Period. Throughout Tokugawa's rule as shōgun, Tokyo, now known as the bustling metropolis it is today, grew to become one of the world's largest cities.

Lord Toranaga, along with Blackthorne, escapes from Osaka in Shōgun episode 3 by striking a deal with the Portuguese trading ship, the Black Ship. After overcoming the dangers of Osaka and the Council of Regents, Lord Toranaga heads towards Edo, stating that he has important matters to attend to. His plan is to leave his son and Yabushige in the safe fishing village of Ajiro, where they can prepare a new group of fighters under the new Hatamoto, John Blackthorne. Toranaga's visit to Edo, based on the real-life Tokugawa shogunate, will play a crucial role in determining his legacy.

Understanding Japan's Edo Period & Tokugawa Shogunate Control

Closeup of Hiroyuki Sanada as Toranaga in Shogun - Japan's Edo Period & Tokugawa Shogunate Control Explained

The rise of the Tokugawa shogunate was closely tied to Japan's Edo Period. Following Tokugawa's victory at the Battle of Sekigahara in October 1600, the Edo Period officially began with the establishment of the Edo Castle in 1603. This castle served as the new headquarters of the Tokugawa shogunate, leading to Edo becoming the most significant and powerful city in Japan. From a small fishing village in the 15th century, Edo transformed under Tokugawa's rule into one of the most influential cities worldwide.

During the Tokugawa era, Edo thrived as one of Japan's most powerful cities thanks to the Tokugawa shogunate. However, Osaka remained a key economic hub and important port city. Tokugawa Ieyasu returned to Osaka to seize control of the castle in the Seige of Osaka, with the assistance of his successor Tokugawa Hidetada. Ultimately, the Tokugawa shogunate emerged victorious over the Toyotomi clan, gaining complete dominance over Osaka. Toyotomi Hideyori, depicted as the young heir of Taiko Toyotomi Hideyoshi in Shōgun, chose to commit seppuku after being defeated by the Tokugawa forces.

Lord Sugiyama in Shogun - What Happened To Edo During The Tokugawa Era

The Tokugawa shogunate brought about a remarkable 250 years of peace and stability in Japan, with its main base in Edo. Lord Toranaga's visit to Edo likely involves acquiring land and building a new castle. Tokugawa Ieyasu, a key figure of the Edo Period, managed 2 million koku of land, constructed a strategically important castle in Edo, and governed an additional 2 million koku of land along with 38 vassals.

Lord Toranaga's Decision to Travel to Edo in Shogun

Another groundbreaking development during the Tokugawa shogunate in Edo was the introduction of the bakuhan political system. This system combined the bakufu, or shogunate, with the han, the territories allocated to daimyos under the shogun's authority. In Edo, the bakuhan granted the shogun national power over Japan, while daimyos held regional authority as vassals to the shogun. As part of this system, daimyos were required to spend alternate years in Edo by the Tokugawa shogunate, contributing to the growth of Edo as Japan's most prominent city.

Toranaga holding his sword during a battle in Shogun episode 3 - Why Lord Toranaga Plans To Go To Edo In Shogun

In the new series Shōgun, Lord Toranaga hinted at his plans to visit Edo briefly in episode 3. Following the footsteps of Tokugawa Ieaysu, it is likely that Toranaga, the runaway feudal lord, will aim to establish his presence in Edo. He understands the risks of returning unprepared to Osaka, where death awaits him. Hence, whatever business he attends to in Edo will be carefully planned with the future of his shogunate in mind.

It is still uncertain at this point in Shōgun, after only three episodes, whether Edo's time will be shown on screen or if the focus will shift to Blackthorne's new role as Hatamoto and his training of a new regiment for Toranaga's army. As the Battle of Sekigahara is expected to be a significant event in upcoming episodes of Shōgun, Toranaga will likely return westward soon, as Sekigahara is situated near Osaka. Given the distance between Edo and Osaka, Toranaga's decision to establish a new dynasty in Shōgun seems to be a wise one.

Editor's P/S:

The article provides a fascinating exploration of the historical backdrop of the "Shōgun" episode and the significance of Edo in Japanese history. The relocation of the story from Osaka to Edo adds a new layer of intrigue and historical context to the unfolding events. Edo, the former name of Tokyo, was a pivotal city during the Edo Period and the center of power for the Tokugawa shogunate. Toranaga's decision to travel to Edo in the episode hints at his strategic planning and the potential for new alliances and developments in the conflict with the Council of Regents.

The article also delves into the complexities of the Tokugawa shogunate and the bakuhan political system. This system granted the shogun national power while allowing daimyos regional authority as vassals. Toranaga's visit to Edo likely involves acquiring land and building a new castle, following in the footsteps of Tokugawa Ieyasu. The focus of the article is on the historical aspects of the episode, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the setting and the motivations of the characters.