Asian Literature

The growing influence of Christianity and the threat it posed to the political structure of Japan were the primary reasons why Christianity posed a threat to the coming Tokugawa Shogunate and the rise of statehood that wanted to combat foreign imperialism.

The relevance of the Tokugawa Period (Edo Period) to the development of Modern Japan is based on the fact that it marked the restoration of imperial rule and ushered in the beginning of the development of early modern Japan.  The innovations that were introduced during this period included the increase in commerce through the encouragement of the shipping of commodities.  This resulted in the economic expansion of Japan on a domestic scale initially and eventually foreign commerce.  This also saw the flourishing of construction trades as well as banking facilities and merchant guilds.  Through these economic developments, Japan quickly saw the urbanization of its society and the rising economic independence through the increase in agricultural production and the spread of rural handicrafts which greatly revitalized the economy and helped convert a population that was comprised of 80 percent (80) peasants into a more mercantile population.  The changes that occurred during this era, however, were not without its consequences as it resulted in a shift in political power that had a great impact on the spread of Christianity in Japan during the 16th and 17th centuries and arguably to the rise of Japan due to the ban that resulted.  It is also for this reason why Christianity was as much a factor to the development of Japan during its presence as it was during its absence in Japanese society.

The relevance of the line and the previous statement comes from the fact that prior to the introduction of Christianity by Spain and Portugal, Japan was a very secluded society that had a rigid system of social classes.  During this time, the main religion was Buddhism and the ruling class was disjointed from the rest of society.  Japan was basically a fragmented society prior to the entry to Christianity.  This led to several problems such as civil wars that led to divisions within the country.  This infighting created a very chaotic situation where no single ruler enjoyed a tangible hold over the entire population resulting in weak institutions and poor control.

The introduction of Christianity to Japanese Culture was arguably both a boon and a bane necessitating the imposition of a ban in the 17th century.  Since the ruling parties were weak and the country was fragmented, Christianity began a transformation that would have far reaching effects and implications in Japanese history.  In the early part, Christianity was used as a colonizing tool that would make it easier for European powers to take advantage of trade in the area.  Over time, Christianity became more of a political force, an ideology that lent to the unification of Japan as Christian Daimyos would aid other Christian Daimyos in their battles against the non-Christians.  This is made quite clear in the support of Omura Sumitada and Arima Harunobu, who fought against the anti-Catholic Ryuzoji clan.  For Japanese Christians, the tenets of Christianity and internal government would hinge on the way they combated forces at a regional level via the battle for the domination of Christianity over the feudal system.

The growing influence of Christianity, however, was also perceived as a threat to the development of Japan.  The impact that Christianity had on the existing culture and society was such that it introduced a whole new moral and ethical code which was largely incompatible with the existing norms of society.  Though Christianity was still a minority, its growing influence was undeniable and it became inevitable that its spread would lead to clashes with the Buddhists and other political leaders.  The growing influence of Christianity and the threat it posed to the political structure of Japan were the primary reasons why Christianity posed a threat to the coming Tokugawa Shogunate and the rise of statehood that wanted to combat foreign imperialism.

The spread of Christianity was facilitated by the fragmented Japanese society that existed at this time.  With the spread of trade and commerce, there was an incentive to learn the ways of the old world, including embracing its practices.  However, the benefits ended there since such foreign imperialism was seen as a threat to the growth and development of Japan and soon contributed to the iron curtain policy that was erected for over 250 years.  While it would only be safe to guess at the impact on history had the ban never been imposed on Christianity, it would be safe to surmise that without Christianity, the influence and modernization that occurred during the Tokugawa Era, as well as those succeeding, would never have happened.