Kaleidoscope - Glorious world of Edo Period society

Edo was the castle town of medieval Japan which grew into today’s Tokyo. Between 1603-1868, the seat of government was centred here, hence it was called the Edo Period. Warrior class had broken away from the imperial court in Kyoto and shifted to Edo. This era was generally synonymous to the Tokugawa Shogunate where power remained with the Tokugawa family for an unprecedented 264 years. It ended when Emperor Meiji fully restored his own right to supremacy.

The Edo Period was characterised by stability and prosperity. The shogun controlled foreign policy, military and feudal patronage thus possessed effective power to governance. The emperor’s role diminished to merely ceremonial duties as is in the case with current day royalty. Much of the period was also marked by a selective close-door policy. Despite excluding most of the western world, scientific advancements, trade and internal economies grew and cultures flourished. Scholarly and literally pursuits, craftsmanship and various art forms notably combat and entertainment progressed to new heights.

Enter the historical theme park of Noboribetsu Date Jidai Mura, a recreation of an Edo Period township and demonstration of how people lived during Japan’s pre-modern era.

The ‘merchant street’ is lined with shops on either side. Edo Period society was defined by a ‘tier’ system determined by their occupational status. Merchants are ranked below craftsmen and samurais - the elite warrior class. All three classes live in designated quarters within the city, their houses built around their daimyo or feudal lord’s castle.

A restaurant in a traditional Edo shop building. With growing affluence, a special way of life called ‘choninto’ or ‘the way of towns people’ emerged. Urban dwellers aspired to acquire ‘bushido’ qualities upheld by samurai society.

A ‘samurai’ in warrior mode, complete with armours and swords. Samurais adhered to traditions based on the ‘bushido’ code of conduct or ‘the way of the warrior’. It emphasised on diligence, honesty, honour, loyalty and frugality.

An opulent samurai castle. The Edo period was characterized by relative stability and no warfare. Samurais became increasing cultured with their pursuit of scholarly knowledge and literally skills based on Confucian principles which were adopted in the Bushido concept.

With prosperity, there was affordability for leisure. The search for enjoyment lead to ‘ukiyo’ or ‘floating world’. It refers to the flamboyant world of fashion, entertainment, discovery of aesthetics and actions of everyday life including sex. The service of ‘oirans’ or courtesans in pleasure houses became popular with the rich and famous. ‘Oirans’ are licensed and live in restricted quarters. ‘Geishas’ evolved from ‘oirans’, they are highly priced entertainers but are not involved in prostitution.

Good against evil, a ‘battle’ between samurais and ninjas staged at Date Jidai Mura.

The stereotype ‘ninja’ - typified by an entire black outfit. This is incorrect as they were also dressed in the same armour as samurais and ordinary peasant clothing.

Ninjas are shadowy characters engaged by feudal lords to carry out covert missions that samurais bounded by their honourable bushido code cannot engage in. Their functions include selective strikes, espionage, assassination and infiltration of army strongholds.

A fire watch tower which was also equipped with fire-fighting equipments and materials.

Intruder alarm gadgets made from bamboo pieces and string hung on the ceiling.

A shrine for worship. Buddhism and Shinto were important religions of the period while Buddhism combined with neo-Confucianism principles provided the basis for social norm.