Shugo Daimyo Muromachi Period. Japan in the Muromachi Age - Essay Example

?Shugo Daimyo Muromachi Period This paper seeks to focus on Shugo and Daimyo on the Muromachi period in Japanese history describing various aspects in this period. The history of Japan is rich and endowed with several changes that took place in medieval period. Most notable changes that took place in this period involved religion, economy, as well as politics. The central component in this period was Heian duration that was later followed by war-oriented governments. Despite these changes, the government of the people continued but authority was vested on military Daimyo class. The medieval period is the most significant period in the history of Japan. The Kamakura period lasted between 1185 and 1333. This was the origin of the class rule system. However, civil affairs arbitration was the authority of the imperial court. After the defeat of Taira, the Yorimoto established family capital on the eastern side of Kamakura. Yoritomo was bestowed with the name Shogun. Moreover, clan disputes were rife at this period especially the Hogen and Heiji disturbance. Kamakura period was because of defeat of Taira family at the civil war. Yoritomo goals were on solid defense of the administration and for this purpose established the Shugo. Shugo administrative area was province and acted as military governors. They played oversight role though they also collected taxes. This form of administration lasted until the later days of 19th century. Shugo later transformed into Daimyo, whose significance was felt throughout the 15th century1. Some Japanese at this period possessed warrior qualities while majority engaged in farming activities. The other most important event in Japanese history was change in government structure. Government was warrior like in nature and acquired enormous amount of wealth. Shugo incorporated culture in their military rule. Art was prominent in this period while religion was Buddhism. The Buddhist teachers taught culture to all people. This lasted for a long period before the advents of Christianity. Monks were also essential in the military rule as chief advisors. Moreover, they influenced traditional values of this culture and activities of Shugo contemporaries. In medieval age, bows and horses were used for military purpose. Samurai were always ready for any battle and were highly focused and disciplined as taught by Yabusame. Initially, warrior society was based on family lineage and gifts, mostly land, was given to Samurai who served as Shugo. This meant that the vassal continued to serve lordship in their lifetime. This period was characterized with forming of alliances between warriors to guarantee source of livelihood. There was also reward for winning alliance and eminence was acquired. There was no family respect or recognition in a battle and in fact, one had to kill a family member if it was necessary to ensure sustenance of authority. Moreover, Shugo shifted allegiance and Daimyo were based on outcomes of the battle. In the last decades of 13th century, Kamakura came under crossfire. Mongol invaded them though they were unsuccessful due to heavy wind. The second invasion saw the neglect of the warrior. Ultimately, financial problems coupled Kamakura government and were faced by an invasion that they were unable to resist. Imperial authority was weakened but emperor legacy was maintained. Rivalry existed between the north represented by Samurai family and south led by emperor. This rivalry took close half a century. Finally, Ashikaga established unity between these two rival groups. The Muromachi existed from 1336 to 1573 and this period was characterized by social disorders, conflict, and uprisings. This characterized second period of Japanese history. This period is known as Muromachi or Ashikaga. Cities were continuously destroyed due to these occurrences. The dominant thing was Shoguns power based on coalition of Shugo who controlled land and powers in the province. As a result, these warriors became wealthy and feudal system, Daimyo was established. Success of establishment of Daimyo was because of military might and social link. Local rule was established by the daimyo while samurai served as shogun and this was based on treatment accorded to them. Ashikaga could not manage to rule the vast areas and daimyo complemented them by exercising authority over the local population2. Ashikaga period saw emergence of more than 200 Daimyo. Muromachi bakufu was the predecessor of the Kamakura bakufu. Bakufu government was faced by turmoil and constant instability, as warriors were unstable. This government was formed on a coalition basis and this might have been the reason for constant instability. The coalition members, the Shigun and Shugo were always in constant disagreement. Shugo had excessive authority and administered either in one or more provinces. Soon as they established they expanded their mandate to neighboring provinces and exercised total control. Other Shugo enlisted as vassals who became extremely rich. The dominion of coalition by the Shoguns was the reason for their success. However, Muromachi bakufu government faced various levels of instability that weakened its total control and authority. Relative peace was only enjoyed during the reign of third and sixth Shoguns (1370-1441). This destabilization and division affected enforcing shogul authority over the Shugo. In addition, Ashikaga came from warlike families in eastern part of Japan. They managed to topple Kamakura bakufu with the assistance of Ashikaga takauji and managed to exercise direct royally authority. However, Ashikaga takauji was not satisfied with what he got back because of the assistance, Takauji imposed an emperor who sent Go-Daigo into exile after taking the title of shogun. However, Go-Daigo established an opposing group in Yoshino. This the origin of protracted civil war between the north led by Ashikaga and the southern part led by Go-Daigo3. Their supporters were in constant clashes. Thus, feeble nature of the Ashikaga was evident in early period of its inception. The authority lacked a stable military power. Takaugi authority was based on coalition partner Go-Daigo, this was the basis for constant disagreement, and strife. Takauji lacked total military authority and political authority and therefore, failed to impose authority over his chief vassals. There was also lack of adequate income, as total control over a vast region could not be established. As a result, the tax collected could not sustain the authority, as it was minimal. This led to downfall and a third Shogun was established. This Shogun was Ashikaga Yoshimitsu who reigned between 1358 and 1408. This reign was successful that that of its predecessor. Yoshimitsu was politically efficient and was supported by reliable vassals in the administrative centre. Those Shugo who were against the authority were segregated and their rivals were given support to weaken them. Yoshimitsu oversaw the unification of rival north and south and this enabled Yoshimitsu wield considerable power and authority. In addition, imperial court came under this authority. This period also saw foreign relation with china improve significantly in terms of trade and diplomatic relation. He was also crowned king of Japan. His contemporary Yoshimochi was less efficient in foreign policies with china. However, Yoshinori restored stability and was active in all affairs. However, he was assassinated by dissenting Shugo and this affected shogunal authority. This authority faced deep-rooted problems at the reign of eighth shogun. Yoshimasa was politically incompetent and this led to 1467 war. In this war, Kyoto was destroyed. The monks and the rich fled this region while Shogunal authority faded. After this protracted civil war, several random wars broke in some of the provinces. Shogunate managed to overcome this war but authority was shifted to Shugo who managed Kanrei. Some Shugo lost power to their juniors while local warrior’s families established authority that managed to survive at this period of war. These came to be known as Daimyo and had warring skills. In the last half of 15th century, Japan was ruled by weak Shogunate. Moreover, over 200 hundred Daimyo existed and leaders were against bakufu rule and their purpose was to strengthen military force through acquisition of land and enough workforces. This created a chance in which a country could reunite. Oda Nobunaga laid a foundation for unification of Japan. Though he was perceived as weak, he exploited new technology from the western side to strengthen his authority. He used this power in overthrowing the daimyo and authored proliferation of arms among the religious communities that occupied the central area of Japan. Consequently, this authority was overthrown by the shogun due to disagreement that arose when marching into Kyoto to support Yoshiaki. After this period, no one had the audacity to acquire the title of shogun. Authority was now vested on forces and court titles. Unifiers assumed shogul title later. After Tokugawa Ieyasu took over, his rule was inspired by Minamoto Yorimoto policy and model. Bakufu took care to avoid strife and turmoil witnessed during the reign of ashikaga4. Muromachi period may have been a period of political instability and civil strife. However, this period saw expansion and growth in terms of economic. This period of war led to breakdown and weakening of social aspects, spirit of well-being was instilled and this stimulated society to think about growth and expansion. The shoen and the large temples initiated this transformation. Moreover, Za became part of this transformation due to support of dignified people in the society. Shoen had been for a long time thrown into political and economic oblivion as the Kamakura and other group of warriors sought to establish themselves. This state was further worsened by the civil war of 14th and 15th centuries. The reign of Shugo and daimyo saw the denial of chance for Shoen domination. Sengoku daimyo especially contributed to the weakening of Shoen. They excluded the Za and substituted them with local merchants who were loyal to their domain. Nobunaga reign changed this policy. There were enormous economic changes because of failure of dominant groups and weakening of the shoen. Farmers that were now set free could take large amount of their produce to the market. This led to surplus in agricultural goods. Increased production may have resulted due to various changes that took place during this period. The most significant change was technological discoveries that led to evolution of cropping systems and use of animals in farming. Additionally, improved farming implements led to increased production. Markets were distributed in wide areas and became regular. This form of improvements led to rise of peddlers, dealers and transport representatives. Due to establishment of trading routes produce from far away province found its way in Kyoto and Kamakura wholesale market. The daimyo rule was based on military prowess and this created high demand for building materials, weapons and other forms of military requirements. Of more importance were the Yoshimitsu progressive policies. This rule opened up commercial routes and foreign relationship improved significantly. Consequently, diplomatic relation was established with the Ming dynasty of China. China goods could now be sold in Japan and this provided a source of wealth to the merchants from Kyoto and other regions of Japan. Muromachi Bakufu lacked extensive land to control. This forced them to look for alternative source of income and wealth. Hence, they turned into trading activities to complement the meager resources from few lands under their control. Trading and commercial policies were implemented to facilitate trade. Ashikaga shoguns encouraged proliferation of trade activities of Kyoto leagues, brewers, and merchants to increase tax collection. The rise of piracy in the coastline saw private traders shift their focus to South East Asia. In addition, in 1540’s Portuguese sailors discovered trade routes in Japan. Consequently, they brought with them merchants and missionaries. This benefited Japan as commercial link was established in Asia and Europe. The other important step in trade was growing use of money. Copper coins were minted in china but found their way into Japan territory. Thirteen century was a period of coin proliferation. In some region, tax began to be paid in cash rather than agricultural goods. In muromachi period, coins were mostly used. Ashikaga shoguns failed to make coins and this led to overdependence on China. This affected them in delivery and value. Increased source of wealth due to coins availability led to rise of moneylenders, and businesspersons. There was persistent problem of debt payment and this led to a major uprising aimed at pawnbrokers and bakufu due to failure to offer solutions. However, Bakufu offered temporary solution that further aggravated the problem. Merchants were demoralized to offer loans. However, economic gains at this period were far above the losses. Destabilization of shoen was significant as it created room for merchants and farmers expansion. Emergence of coins as a mode f trade and exchange helped in economic expansion of Muromachi. Foreign trade and trade activities were established during this reign. Western daimyo took this initiative where it was left by Ashikaga shoguns. Sengoku daimyo recognized the role played by trade and commercial in strengthening of their strongholds. Products from interior managed to reach the market and the coastline was opened due to improved trade and foreign relations. This period also saw proliferation of religious practices and beliefs. Buddhism became popular during this reign. Ise shrine was popular. In addition, Shinto kami were more significant that Buddha’s after revival of Shinto. Temples were built at this period. However, Christian missionaries became part of this region especially after discovery by the Portuguese. There were religious convert due to influence of missionary especially in Western daimyo. This brought rivalry between Christianity, Buddhism, and Shinto in the area. Basic centers still maintained Buddhist influence. Court system was used to guarantee religious, political, and land rights. This power was reduced when Nobunaga attacked and destroyed Enryakuji5. Additionally, Hideyoshi weakened land holdings and military prowess. Buddhism continued to prosper with the inception of new schools. In addition, people affected by violence that ravaged this region for a long time turned to Buddhism. This was a source of hope for them as there was a guarantee of life after death. Prior to this, religion was a religion of the monk. However, this changed during the Muromachi period as ordinary people were allowed to join. Pure land Buddhism was the most popular of all others. The period of turmoil and uncertainty afforded Zenn Buddhism appeal to warrior culture6. Noichren’s teaching also became popular at this period. Their teachings were spread using military activities to non-believers. However, their rule did not last long as Enryakuji expelled them and temples were brought down. Rinzai temple were built in every province during dominion of shogunal and daimyo. Prayer ceremonies became integral among farmers and local samurai families at the time of Zen in northern and southern part. However, Muromachi saw rise of Christianity. Initially Christian progress was hindered by Christian persecution and mistreatment by Hideyoshi. However, Nobunanga collaborated with Christian to weaken the militant Buddhism. This led to Christianity being accepted by many Daimyo, farmers, and even Samurais. Churches and seminaries were built to accommodate the converts7. Muromachi period also had a division in culture. However, cultural activities were important during this period. Cultural divide existed between Kitayama and Higashiyama. Kitayama was the basic cultural structure of Muromachi and took shape in the northern territory. Higashiyama took control of the eastern mountains during the reign of eighth shogun. These were the dominant cultures; however, other small cultures existed in Muromachi such as Sengoku and Nanban. Muromachi culture was full of diversity. Nanban culture originated from other areas though well adopted by Japanese at this period. Muromachi period was a period of cultural enrichment and propagation. Elaboration of tea drinking and inception of drama are just a few example of enrichment. Zen aesthetic values also enriched muromachi culture and high-level architecture and drawings became part of Muromachi culture. Muromachi culture drew inspiration from acumen, visualization, and skill from all aspects of the society. Shoguns and Shugo brought new cultural ideas to Kyoto. Zen monastic allowed propagation of these cultures among their people. Painting was also the most important thing in muromachi cultural heritage. Moreover, people from Kyoto became more involved in urban cultural activities. After a period, there was growth of other towns and states and this led to decentralization of cultural activities in these areas. Cultural interaction occurred both in provincial and regional boundaries. The monks and dignified people in society were also trusted with culture spread8. Additionally, the entrance of Japan into trading activities and arrival of missionaries brought new cultural ideas from south East Asia and western part of Europe. In conclusion, the history of Japan during the medieval period is rich and full of events that has seen transformation of Japan. This transformation has taken various aspects of Japan in terms of politics, religion, culture, and even warfare. Japan political period was characterized by warfare and civil strife that saw domination by different group in the medieval period. Military supremacy enabled a dominion to take shape in the society. Of more importance is the shift of alliance that took place during the war. Alliances were formed based on success in battlefields. The other important thing that took place during this period was the role of religion in society. The medieval period in muromachi was a period of war and civil strife and many families were affected by the instability witnessed at this period. This forced several families to join religion as the only source of hope and solace. They relied on Buddhism for a long period before the arrival of Christianity in last half of 16th century. The establishment of Christianity in this region was not a smooth process due to religious persecution that took place and the deep-rooted Buddhism activities. However, rivalry that existed among the rulers at this period allowed spread of Christianity among the locals. This led to proliferation of religious converts in Japan and seminaries and churches were built to offer accommodation. In addition, Ashikaga ensured there was cultural transformation in Japan in the medieval period. Zen Buddhism influenced this cultural transformation in terms of government, education, and arts. Zen called for humility, meditation, and discipline in practice of arts. The other important thing in Muromachi history was the warrior life of samurai. Armor and swords were the order of the day in this period and were believed to have spiritual connection. All these have transformed Japan to be the way it is today. Kyoto is now one of most developed capital in Asia. Bibliography Berry, Mary Elizabeth. The Culture of Civil War in Kyoto. New York: University of California Press, 1997. Conference on Japan in the Muromachi Age. Japan in the Muromachi Age. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1977. Grossberg, Kenneth. Japan's Renaissance: The politics of the Muromachi Bakufu. New York: Council on East Asian Studies, Harvard University, 1981 Hollingsworth, Mary. Art in World History. Italy: Giunti Editore, 2004. Swanson, Paul and Chilson, Clark. Nanzan Guide to Japanese Religions. New York: University of Hawaii Press, 2006. Read More