Social Changes
Because the Japanese were separated from the rest
of the world, they had the ability to create their own
society using their own beliefs, values, and what was important to them without influences from other cultures around the world. In our society, we focus on getting good education, but in contrast, the Japanese valued peace and harmony, security, and time for recreation more than education. Also, the importance of the samurai decreased, while the merchant class now began to enjoy theirselves as their wealth increased
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Political Changes
The social structure of Japan had been affected by
the isolation of Japan in three ways: First, they had
no idea that their positions in ther hierarchal system would change throughout the Edo period. Secondly, the shogun, also known as the Bafuku, struggled to keep peace between the Japanese people, and foreign traders and christians. Finally, since Japan was vulnerable to bandits, robbers, and pirates which were common in other countries, they were having a lot of trouble trying to get rid of them. 12th century to 17th century, Japan was under the rule of samurais, but politics remained unsettled. Wars within the country were common, especially during the Sengoku Jidai, which is also refered to as the warring period.
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4
Change in Samurai
The samurai adhered the most prestigious p position in society next to the shogun. The code of b behavior for a samurai was called bushido, which means 'way of the samurai'. The samurai were loyal to their masters. Most samurais were esteemed warriors. With peace during this period, the samurai were no longer needed for
Conclusion
Seeing this period from modern perspective and
worldview, it was an interesting time for a part of
humanity, as a period of unity and thriving culture. The basis of Japan's sustained economy and cultural development was a result of the full utilization of limited resources. Many things have changed for sure today, but perhaps the past contains some hints for a sustainable future.
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wars. Instead, they were called upon to take care of the affairs of the daimyo household and maintain and support daimyo residences in Edo. Alas, most samurais had no duties to carry out for their daimyo, so they moved into the cities. There, they learned how to read, write, and use the abacus that the Portugese had brought them. Sanurai posed an important role in opening up Japan to the Western world in the years after the Edo period. During the isolation, most samurai changed from being courageous warriors to administrators and learners, which caused many to suffer from the shortage of work and inadequate income. As a final blow to the samurai, the Bafuku took the names of the samurai off the court lists so the nobility were kept away from the samurai.