Complete History of Edo Castle 15: Why Did Tokugawa Yoshimune Implement the Kyoho Reforms?

Edo had grown into one of the world's leading metropolises.

Merchants gathered in the town, goods were transported from all over the country, and people's lives were more vibrant than ever before.

However, behind that prosperity, the Tokugawa Shogunate was quietly beginning to waver.

Finances were deteriorating, rice prices were becoming unstable, and administration was growing increasingly complex.

It was precisely because of the long-lasting peace that new problems were emerging.

It was in such an era that Tokugawa Yoshimune became the eighth shogun.

To rebuild the Edo Shogunate, he embarked on large-scale political reforms.

This was the 'Kyoho Reforms'.

In this installment, we will look at why Yoshimune felt the reforms were necessary and how he sought to change Japan from Edo Castle.

The Shogunate's Crisis Spreading in the Shadow of Prosperity

In the first half of the Edo period, the Shogunate maintained relatively stable governance.

However, the situation changed upon entering the 18th century.

The population of Edo continued to grow, and the burden of maintaining roads, bridges, moats, and government offices that the Shogunate was responsible for also increased.

Furthermore, while samurai stipends were paid in rice, the economy began to revolve around currency, making the Shogunate's financial management increasingly difficult.

A peaceful era is not an era without expenses.

Instead of wars, the costs required to maintain a massive city and nation were continuing to rise.

The Eighth Shogun: Tokugawa Yoshimune

In 1716, Tokugawa Yoshimune assumed the position of the eighth shogun.

Having built a track record as the lord of the Kishu Domain, Yoshimune was known as a pragmatist who prioritized reality.

The shogunate could not function on lavish ceremonies and formalities alone.

Thinking this, Yoshimune made restoring the shogunate's finances his top priority.

These reforms were advanced through repeated consultations with the senior councilors (roju) at Edo Castle and spread throughout Japan.

What were the Kyoho Reforms?

The Kyoho Reforms were not just a single policy.

They were a comprehensive set of reforms aimed at rebuilding the entire shogunate.

First, he enforced strict frugality to curb shogunate expenditures.

He promoted the development of new rice fields to increase farmland and aimed to expand tax revenue.

Additionally, he introduced the 'Age-mai' system, a policy where daimyo were required to contribute a certain amount of rice in exchange for a reduction in their required period of residence in Edo.

Furthermore, a 'meyasubako' (suggestion box) was installed to collect opinions directly from townspeople and farmers.

The attempt to reflect the voices of the common people in politics was a groundbreaking initiative for that time.

He also focused on improving the legal system, laying the foundation that would lead to the compilation of the 'Kujikata Osadamegaki'.

Yoshimune's reforms extended not only to finance but also to administration and the judiciary.

Reforms that began at Edo Castle

These policies did not emerge naturally across the country.

Their starting point was Edo Castle.

The shogun would hold repeated discussions with the senior councilors to decide on policies.

The decided policies were then communicated to various regions through magistrates and local officials, influencing daimyo and local administration.

We tend to view 'Edo Castle' as just a single building.

However, in reality, it was a massive command center that determined the direction of all of Japan.

The Kyoho Reforms also spread from this Edo Castle to the rest of the country.

Was Yoshimune a Wise Ruler?

Tokugawa Yoshimune is often evaluated as a "wise ruler who made the Kyoho Reforms a success."

Certainly, there is no doubt that he achieved certain results in improving the shogunate's finances and administrative reforms.

On the other hand, he was not able to solve every problem.

There are also criticisms that his austerity policies placed a burden on people's lives and suppressed economic activity.

Furthermore, the fundamental issues of the shogunate's finances were not completely resolved.

Even so, the reason Yoshimune is highly regarded is that he did not turn a blind eye to problems and took on the challenge of reform.

What is important in history is not just achieving "perfect policies."

The very attitude of facing a changing society and trying to find new answers also has great significance.

Conclusion

The opponent Tokugawa Yoshimune faced was not an enemy army.

It was the financial and administrative challenges that arose precisely because peace had continued.

The Kyoho Reforms that began at Edo Castle were a major challenge to rebuild the shogunate.

That challenge achieved certain results.

However, the times continued to change even further.

Even if reforms succeed, new issues will inevitably arise.

The Edo Shogunate would continue to face a changing society while repeating reforms many times thereafter.

Next time, we will take up Tanuma Okitsugu, who is often described in textbooks as a "corrupt politician."

Was he truly a villain?

References

• Tokugawa Yoshimune

• Edo Shogunate

• Edo Castle

• Tokugawa Yoshimune and the Kyoho Reforms

• National Archives of Japan Public Documents

• National Diet Library Digital Collections