TOKUGAWA CLAN Meaning and
Definition
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Tokugawa Clan refers to a prominent Japanese feudal family that wielded immense political power and ruled Japan during the Edo Period from 1603 to 1868. The clan's official name was Matsudaira, but after Ieyasu Tokugawa became the shogun, they adopted the name "Tokugawa" to symbolize their ascendancy as the ruling clan. The Tokugawa shogunate marked a significant turning point in Japanese history and established a centralized feudal system known as bakuhan, where the country was governed by both a shogun and regional daimyo lords.
Under Tokugawa rule, the clan exercised strict control over the country and implemented a policy of national seclusion, known as sakoku, which limited foreign trade and contact with the outside world. This isolationist policy aimed to preserve stability within the country and maintain the authority of the Tokugawa shogunate. However, it also hindered technological advancements and cultural exchange with other nations.
The Tokugawa Clan's governance was characterized by a strict hierarchical social order, emphasizing the samurai warrior class while suppressing the influence of other classes such as farmers and merchants. The clan achieved peace and stability by ensuring the loyalty of daimyo lords and implementing a system of alternate attendance, known as sankin-kotai, which required the lords to spend time in the capital, Edo (present-day Tokyo), while leaving their families as hostages. This ensured the shogunate's control and prevented the rise of rival powers.
The Tokugawa Clan's rule ended with the Meiji Restoration in 1868, when the Emperor regained control and transitioned Japan towards modernization. Despite their downfall, the Tokugawa Clan's legacy continues to shape Japan's modern society, as they
Etymology of TOKUGAWA CLAN
The word "Tokugawa Clan" has its etymology rooted in the Japanese language.
The term "Tokugawa" refers to a prominent samurai clan in Japan during the feudal era, specifically during the Tokugawa shogunate which lasted from 1603 to 1868. The name "Tokugawa" itself is written in Japanese characters as 徳川 and pronounced as "To-ku-ga-wa".
The character "徳" (toki) means "virtue" or "morality", while the character "川" (kawa) means "river". Therefore, the direct translation of "Tokugawa" could be interpreted as "Virtuous River". However, it is important to note that in Japanese names, the individual characters may have different meanings than when they are used individually.
