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Tokugawa Tsunayoshi

Type Figure Region Japan Time 1646–1709 Also known as Tokugawa Tsunayoshi (kanji)

Tokugawa Tsunayoshi (1646–1709), fifth shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate and a famous Edo-period ruler, was daimyō of Tatebayashi in his youth and suc…

Timeline

  1. 1646–1662Edo Castle · EdoSon of the third shogun Tokugawa Iemitsu, he grew up in Edo in childhood. Later granted the Tatebayashi domain and adopted as heir by the Kii Tokugawa, one of the Go-Sanke, laying the foundation for his eventual succession to the shogunate.
  2. 1662–1680Tatebayashi Castle · Tatebayashi domainGoverned the Tatebayashi domain for nearly twenty years, accumulating administrative experience. In the 1670s, as a Go-Sanke daimyō, his position in shogunal politics grew. In 1680 his brother Ietsuna died without an heir, and Tsunayoshi succeeded to the main Tokugawa house in Edo as fifth shogun.
  3. 1680–1709Edo Castle · EdoReigned nearly thirty years, relying on close retainers such as Yanagisawa Yoshiyasu and Hotta Masatoshi, promoting civil rule and fiscal reform. Encouraged Confucianism and sponsored scholars like Hayashi Shūkō, flourishing Edo culture. In his later years promulgated the Laws of Compassion for Living Things, restricting needless killing; his policies were far-reaching and controversial.

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