12-Japanese History-Edo, Meiji and Modern Japan

Edo period

A historical period in Japan (1603-1868) characterized by a centralized government, economic prosperity, and urban development in Edo (now Tokyo).

Meiji Restoration

The period of Japan's history (1868-1912) during which the country transitioned from feudalism to a modern state and underwent rapid industrialization and modernization.

Shimabara Rebellion

A 1637-1638 uprising by Japanese Christians against the Tokugawa shogunate, which led to severe persecution of Christians in Japan.

Shogunate

The last feudal Japanese military government, which existed from 1185 until the Empire of Japan was established in 1868.

Cultural isolation

A period, particularly during the Edo period, when Japan largely closed itself off from foreign influence, especially Western, which began around 1639.

Emperor Meiji

The Japanese emperor who reigned from 1867 to 1912, known for leading the Meiji Restoration and the modernization of Japan.

Tokugawa Shogunate

The feudal regime of Japan established by Tokugawa Ieyasu, lasting from 1603 to 1868.

Kamakura Period

A historical period in Japan (1185-1333) marked by the rule of the shogunate, known for the rise of the samurai class.

Christian persecution

The systematic repression and violence against Christians in Japan during the late 16th and early 17th centuries.

Imperial growth

The expansion of Japan's empire during the Meiji period, including military invasions and colonization of neighboring territories.