Iwanami New Book Selection 04: Edo Period

The Edo Period (1603-1867) was the last era of Japan's feudal system, the era that left the most legacy for today's Japan, and the era in which Japanese culture matured in an all-round way. _X000D_ In the 17th century, the Tokugawa clan, which was gradually gaining a foothold, no longer needed to tolerate Christian missionary work in exchange for trade with the West. When the shogunate's army crazily slaughtered Christians, the believers adhered to the belief that "if they resisted, they would not be able to bask in the glory of martyrdom" and allowed others to kill them. At the same time, farmers and monks formed a powerful power group. They were not afraid of the butcher's knife of the officials. They frequently appealed to higher levels, launched riots, and angrily scolded the officials who blocked the road: "You are not supported by the people." "With the development of the city, the wealthy townspeople began to straighten their backs, daring to ridicule the poor but unwilling samurai, calling them like tofu with two skewers..._X000D_ This is a period of epic and turbulent history. When you open it, you will see images of all living beings. When you close it, it feels like heaven and earth. _X000D_