The Japanese Edo period

The Edo period (1603-1868) was a time of peace and stability in Japan, under the rule of the Tokugawa shogunate. Japan was mostly isolated from the outside world, with strict control over trade and foreign influences. Society was highly structured, with samurai at the top, followed by farmers, artisans, and merchants. This era saw flourishing arts, culture, and urban development, especially in Edo (now Tokyo). The period ended with the opening of Japan to the West, leading to modernization. Overall, the Edo period laid the foundation for modern Japan’s social and cultural identity.