#shogunate

[pukindog-v2]

Ronin or Samurai, still...

A Warrior

[my-japanese-corner]

Japanese History Words

将軍 (しょうぐん)

they were a pretty big deal ~

Shōgun: Officially this position was called 征夷大将軍 (Hiragana: せいいだいしょうぐん, Romanji: seii taishōgun) As we know, Japanese love their abbreviations, Shōgun (将軍, means army leader). Kanji Breakdown: 征（せい, sei) means to "conquer" or "subjugate" 夷（い, i) means "brutish" or "unsophisticated warrior" 大（だい, dai) means "big" or "great" [meaning of this kanji changes based on context] 将（しょう, sho-u) means "commander" or "leader" 軍（ぐん, gun) means "armed forces" or "troops"

Essentially, 征夷大将軍 means Commandar in Cheif of Army Against the Barbarian Forces [or Commander-in-Chief of the Expeditionary Force Against the Barbarians]

They were the millitary rulers appointed by the Emperor of Japan in the periods spanning between 1185 - 1868. Generally, Shogun were the de-facto rulers of the country. The last Shogunate of Japan was the 徳川幕府 (Tokugawa Shogunate) also known as the Edo Shogunate. There were total of three shogunates established in Japan: 1. 鎌倉幕府, Kamakura Shogunate (1192–1333, overthorwn during the Kemu Restoration, re-establishing the Imperial Goverment rule until being overthrown by the Ashikaga Takauji and his offspring forming the 足利幕府) 2. 足利幕府, Ashikaga Shogunate (1336–1573, overthrown by 織田信長, Oda Nobunaga, a damiyo) 3. 徳川幕府, Tokugawa Shogunate (1603–1868, disbanded in 1867)

Now of course, the history of each other these shogunates and famous shoguns require many, many posts to over!

As always, Gintama has inspired me to learn more about Japanense culture hehe. Hopefully this was helpful to you as well :)

Please feel free to add onto the post with histroy facts and other interesting stuff :D

[tanuki-kimono]

What patterns are traditionally allowed for a man's kimono? What little I can find indicates that it's stripes or nothing.

In the past, men kimono could be as extragant and luxurious as women's, but men modern kimono fashion takes a lot from Edo era.

The thing is: it was then super regulated by the shogunate which turned a bad eyes at the chônin (=commoners living in cities, especially rich merchants). Those grew richer and richer - much more so than many samurai, and the shogunate dictated sumptuary law after sumptary law to try keep them in check.

In men kimono fashion, this means lavish patterns tended to be hidden: haori linings, juban underwear, etc. It also means they turned to other time consumming techniques to show wealth: edokomon (tiny tiny tiny patterns), and nezumi (grey family) and cha (brown family) subtle colors are some examples.

This historical heritage is sadly still super strong! But that doesn't mean any pattern is actually forbidden :) They are simply used differently, and many men today are pushing the lines so bold patterns (and colors) make a come back!

On a side note, some patterns are much much rarer on women items while they are more easily found on men's: shunga (erotic art), yôkai and/or gruesome sceneries, variation on "manly" symbols like the dragon/tiger imagery, etc etc etc

[beardedmrbean]

[lovlyrp]

ꜱʜŌɢᴜɴ ✾ 2024

some of my fav shots (that've been giffed so far ^ ^) - gif creds attached.

[ricisidro]

🌸Shogun🏯🇯🇵📺🇺🇸

1980 vs 2024

#ToshirôMifune and #HiroyukiSanada

Lord Yoshi Toranaga was inspired by the life of warlord and later shōgun, #TokugawaIeyasu in feudal Japan.

#Shogun or the top military leader holds the real power in the country and act as regent for the Emperor. The #shogunate is a system of military gov't which started in 1192 and lasted until the 19th century.

Shōgun (2024) now streaming on #DisneyPlus.

#ShogunFX #history #fiction

[stesmancaveart]

My latest piece. The Red Panda Samurai.....

My latest piece. The ever adorable, ever deadly....Samurai Red Panda. A new character that will be added to the growing team of Warrior animals, for a new comic I'm working on. Enjoy.

[lauravanarendonkbaugh]

Get some popcorn, because I'm about to tell another tale from Japanese history.

(I like this terrible story.)

In AD 984, Prince Morasada ascended the Chrysanthemum Throne and became Emperor Kazan. He was 17 years old.

His mother was one of the influential Fujiwara clan, and "influential" is an insufficient word. The Fujiwara were tightly involved in imperial politics, married into every level of the royal family and holding most key ministerial positions. (In my Kitsune Tales stories, when Kaede takes the name of the Fujitani, that is my small nod to the Fujiwara of history.) Even today, over a millennium later, at the revered Kasuga Taisha in Nara (that's the Shintō shrine with the famous bowing deer), there is a gate that only the Fujiwara may use.

Fujiwara no Kaneie, Kazan's great-uncle, definitely had his fingers in all the political pies. But neither of Kazan's two principal consorts were Kaneie's daughters (one was a niece), so if either bore Kazan a son, Kaneie would not be entitled to a regent's position. There were two possible solutions: get an heir from one of Kaneie's daughters, or remove Kazan before he fathered an heir and replace him with someone in Kaneie's own line.

The opportunity opened in 985, when Kazan's favorite consort died, still in her teens. Fujiwara no Shishi was Kaneie's niece, but it was Kazan who mourned her. Beset by pressures of the competing ministers, grieving, and still only a teenager, Kazan likely fell into depression.

But Kazan's friend and cousin Michikane was there to support him. Michikane was only a few years older, and he knew well the pressures of the imperial court, being a Fifth Rank official himself. He empathized with Kazan and supported him in his increased religious studies, as Kazan sought solace in Buddhist teachings. When Kazan wondered aloud about leaving behind the world to follow a religious life, Michikane did not laugh, but encouraged him to think about it. When Kazan said he would like to become a monk, Michikane applauded his dedication. "And as the bonds between us are so strong," it is reported he said, "I will immediately join you, as a subject should serve his sovereign," and they would become monks together.

Plans were made, while Kaneie continued to apply political pressure. A message quietly passed to his two eldest sons prompted the three to take the imperial regalia -- the gods-gifts granting the divine right to rule -- out of the imperial palace and to Ichijō, son of a previous emperor. He was only 7; he would need a regent, and he was the son of Kaneie's daughter.

And finally, one summer midnight in 986, Kazan ordered his carriage out of the Sewing Hall Guard Gate. Some report that, as they rode out, Kazan hesitated. "Isn't this a bit hasty? Should we think it over?" But Michikane assured him he was doing the right thing, and further broke the news Kaneie had already sent the imperial regalia to his successor. Kazan conceded that there was no point to returning, and they went on to the temple Gangyō-ji.

Kazan shaved his head to take religious vows, but when he met his friend Michikane again, Michikane still had his hair. "I want to see my parents once more," Michikane explained through tears. (Culturally, he had a filial obligation to his parents, per Confucian teaching, and once he became a monk he would sever that connection. Wanting to see them once more was understandable.) "My parents won't prevent me from returning, though, and I'll come back soon to join you."

But Kazan, with slow realization, did not believe this last promise. He stared at Michikane. "You have deceived me."

"Why would I do such a thing?" Michikane protested. "I'll be back soon!" and then he left.

But the penny had dropped; Kazan now realized why Michikane would do such a thing. Michikane left the temple and joined the armed escort waiting for him, and they together rode home to his father, Fujiwara no Kaneie, regent to the new emperor.

(And now, the commercial)

The Only The Dead Face North Kickstarter!

In Only The Dead Face North, a rumor that a missing imperial treasure was taken by Kazan as he abdicated by night and hidden along a religious pilgrimage route sends humans and yōkai racing to find it, not only for its monetary value but for political leverage in the young shōgunate.

You can back the new story here, getting your own copy for as little as $5, or get the previous stories in the series in this exclusive boxed set, available only direct and, in honor of the Kickstarter, currently discounted with 25% off with code BETRAY (through Feb 22, 2024).

(And feel free to let me know if you enjoyed this bit of history!)

Find Me!

I'll be talking about history and my historical fantasy with Lost Without Japan, a podcast about visiting Japan and related cool topics. Watch for that episode the week of February 12, 2024.

And I'll join the fabulous World Anvil team on February 16 to discuss Kickstarter and projects. Watch us live at 1pm Eastern (find your local time here) or catch the replay.

[along-the-silkroad]

Taira no Masakado and the Rise of the Samurai

When the central authority in Kyoto decided to go to war against the rebellious Emishi in northeastern Honshū, they quickly realized the inferiority of their peasant infantry compared to the mounted archers of their enemies. To win the war, local notables with the resources to purchase horses countered the threat by adapting to the Emishi's style of warfare. Some argue that the "Way of the Samurai" developed during this conflict with these renegades. Specializing in horse archery, they equipped themselves with flexible leather armor instead of heavy iron armor and, in certain instances, utilized their new, curved swords. This style of fighting required years of training, making the local notables who fought as horse archers a highly exclusive elite. Their prowess on the battlefield soon translated into increased political importance, as the central authority in Kyoto became reliant on their military capabilities. Over time, a distinct class identity and a sense of strength emerged among these warriors (bushi).

Fast forward to the 10th century, this strength and newfound sense of self-determination were exemplified by the first major rebel against the central court in Japanese history: Taira no Masakado. Like many members of the emergent samurai class, he hailed from the Kanto region and was a descendant of Emperor Kanmu (r. 781–806). With the support of his followers, he rebelled against the emperor, declaring himself "the new emperor" (Shinnō) to challenge Kyoto's perceived divine right to rule. He captured nine regional headquarters and stopped sending taxes to the capital. However, his rebellion was crushed in 940 by Fujiwara no Hidesato, who sent Masakado's head to Kyoto.

Taira no Masakado's legacy endured. His rebellion marked the beginning of an independence movement in the Kanto region. The Taira clan would continue to play a central role in Japanese politics. This episode also demonstrated that the samurai had awakened and become aware of their strength. Centuries later, during the Kamakura Shogunate, the bushi warrior elite would come to dominate much of Japan, eventually extending their influence across the entire archipelago during the Muromachi period.

Olivier Goossens

[ivylefay]

a sad day, as today, in 1868, the Tokugawa Shogunate was abolished.

Terribly sorry for everyone only hearing about this just now.

[davidstanleytravel]

Star-shaped Goryokaku Castle at Hakodate was Japan's first Western-style fort. Goryokaku was constructed by the Togukawa Shogunate in 1864. Today only the walls and moat remain but the entire area is accessible as a park.

[pukindog-v2]

[sheltiechicago]

Kiso Yoshinaka and the Flight of the Child Emperor

Tomoe Gozen, by Kitao Masayoshi, Edo Period, Source: Ukiyo-e.org

The Rise of the Minamoto: Japan’s First Shogunate

The samurai, through most of Japan’s history, were the ruling warrior class. But that wasn’t always so. Discover how Japan transitioned under the Minamoto.

Yoshitsune’s Campaign

The Battle of Ichi-no-Tani, on folding screen, late 1600s, Source: Wikimedia Commons

Dan-no-Ura

Yoshitsune Leaps Over Eight Boats, by Utagawa Yoshitoshi, 19th century, Source: The Art of Japan

The Kamakura Shogunate

Hunting at the Foot of Mount Fuji, by Utagawa Kunisada, 1820, Source: Japanese Prints

[arthurdrakoni]

Flag of the Republic of Ezo

This is the flag of the Republic of Ezo.  It comes from a world where the Boshin War went slightly more favorably for the Shogunate forces.  As a result, the Meiji government was forced to, at least temporarily, recognize the Republic of Ezo.  It wasn't long before the Japanese declared war on Ezo once again.  However, the Satsuma Rebellion still happened and was a lot more widespread, emboldened by Ezo's success.  The Meiji government was forced to focus on quelling the Satsuma Rebellion.  Ezo was able to find support from France and Russia to help protect them from the Japanese.  Eventually, Japan had no choice but to formally recognize the Ezo government. 

In response to Ezo's alliance with France and Russia, Japan strengthened its ties to Britain and Germany.  Following their failure to capture Hokkaido, the Japanese turned their attention to Korea.  Ezo, under the command of the recently defected Saigo Takamori, also sent an expedition to conquer Korea.  Korea was able to play Japan and Ezo off of each other, and was able to maintain its independence.  In time, Korea was able to modernize and industrialize like Japan had.  Japan was humbled by its failure in Korea, and the Japanese were forced to focus more on domestic policy than foreign conquest.

Ezo also pursued a policy of isolationism following the failed expedition to Korea.  Some industrialization was a necessary evil, but on the whole Ezo strived to maintain as much of its traditional culture and way of life as possible.  As time went on, however, Ezo began to increasingly fall under French influence.  In many way, it could be said that Ezo had become a French protectorate.  

World War I started off around the same time, and with very similar circumstances, as our world.  However, in this world Japan fought for the Central Powers.  The Japanese were bitter at the British for selling weapons to Ezo, resentful growing opposition to the creeping British influence on Japanese society, and their alliance with Germany was as strong as ever.  Ezo initially tried to remain neutral, but a surprise Japanese attack prompted Ezo to join the Entente Powers.  The war ended in an Entente victory.  Japan was placed under crushing reparations to Ezo, and was forced to cease land in northern Japan to Ezo.

Japan began to grow resentful against Ezo, and began to rearm for another war.  Ezo and Korea were subjected to a series of harsh bombing campaigns. It wasn't long before Ezo and Korea were forced to surrender and formerly occupied by Japan.  The Japanese continued to expand their influence across East Asia and the Pacific.  It wasn't long, however, before they found themselves in conflict with the United States.  Like in our world, the war ended in an American victory.  

Ezo regained its independence following the war.  Though there is still bad blood between Ezo and Japan, the two nations are slowly putting their past behind them.  There is a movement to reunify Ezo and Japan into a single nation, but it doesn't have much support at the moment.  Still, you never know what the future might hold.

The flag is black and white in reference to the flag of the Tokugawa Shogunate, and the seven-pointed star stands for the spirit of the Ezo people.

Link to the original flag on my blog: https://drakoniandgriffalco.blogspot.com/2017/10/flag-of-republic-of-ezo.html?m=1

[odaclan]

Was Nobunaga actually already the “shogun” without having the “Sei’i Taishougun” title?

This was a theory that I found while trying to study the bureaucratic protocols and norms of the Sengoku. It suggested that Nobunaga’s reign did too have the approval from the imperial court, and he didn’t need to take over the “Sei’i Taishougun” title from shogun Yoshiaki.

After ousting Yoshiaki, Nobunaga was awarded the titles Dainagon (Major counselor) and Ukonoe no Daishou (General of the Right, also sometimes shortened as simply “Udaishou”). These are titles that the shogun traditionally also held, as the “Sei’i Taishougun” title is something of a unique title that is separate from the imperial hierarchy. Upon these appointment, Nobunaga was allowed to be addressed by the honourific address that usually only the shogun has: ue-sama.  

Some people thought that this means the imperial court has acknowledged that Yoshiaki’s authority is over, and Nobunaga is in charge now, even though he does not have the “Sei’i Taishogun” position at this point. 

The logic for that theory was that in that time period, the Udaishou was the highest imperial office that someone of the samurai class could have, hence the tradition of having the shogun also hold that post. The higher ranking Sakonoe no Daishou/Sadaishou post, the General of the Left, was traditionally held by the noble houses.

Shogun Yoshiaki and his brother Yoshiteru before him did not have Dainagon and Udaishou titles, and the last Ashikaga shogun to also have the aforementioned titles was their father Yoshiharu. Yoshiaki and Yoshiteru’s official court title was only up to the Sakonoe no Chuujou (Lieutenant-General of the Left), one rank under the Taishou.

Because in the imperial hierarchy Nobunaga’s Udaishou post outranks Yoshiaki’s Sakonoe no Chuujou, the theory posits that he is already acknowledged by the imperial court as the new ruler replacing Yoshiaki. That is, he is the “new shogun” (i.e the samurai ruler of the land), even though he does not actually have the literal “shogun” title. 

What will change if this theory turns out to be true? 

For one, it further confirms the idea that Nobunaga is not as wildly "out there” as most people thought he was. He still operated within the standard norms of the time period and adhered to the established traditions, and didn’t just smash his way through the court and government without regard to the customs. 

Also, if this theory is true, it would debunk all the Honnouji conspiracies that involve any variation of “the imperial court feared Nobunaga’s power/ambition”. If Nobunaga ruled with the approval of the imperial court, then all that backstage plotting makes no sense. 

And the last thing is that this theory being true would also further lend credibility to the other theory saying that Nobunaga wished to return the power to the emperor and do away with the concept of a “shogunate rule”. After all, the specialty-designation “shogun” title was the very proof of the samurai rule breaking away from and undermining the imperial court. Nobunaga choosing to not take the shogun post, and instead adhering to the “standard” imperial court ranks, was thought to be proof that he’s returning to the old imperial rule rather than following  the path of the “samurai/shogunate rule”.

Of course this is just a theory, and it only spawns more theories and what-ifs. I still find this worthwhile to consider because I’m realising that I don’t actually know what the rules and norms of the government of that time period is like. Even though in practice the daimyou and other local rulers largely disregard the central government (the shogun and the emperor both), I do see proof that the various rites and protocols still has to be performed. It means that the bureaucracy still matters to some degree, and learning about how this whole system works is something that is necessary to properly understand the Sengoku environment.