Shogun: The Life and Times of Tokugawa Ieyasu: Japan's Greatest Ruler

This book provides a comprehensive biography of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the man who unified Medieval Japan and established a new central government that enabled his descendants to rule for the next 260 years. It includes dramatic episodes such as his victory at the Battle of Sekigahara, his creation of a centralized government, and his decision to limit the spread of Christianity.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 416 pages
Publication date: 27 October 2022
Publisher: Tuttle Publishing

For over seven centuries, Japan was plagued by a cycle of constant warfare among its military commanders. This tumultuous period came to an end with the rise of Tokugawa Ieyasu, a remarkable figure who unified and brought lasting peace to the nation. Ieyasu's legacy is profound, as he established a new central government that enabled his descendants to rule Japan for the next 260 years, a period marked by immense cultural and technological advancements.

One of the most significant events in Ieyasu's life was his crushing victory at the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600. This monumental battle, considered the largest ever fought in Japan, marked the decisive turning point in his quest for unification. With his strategic brilliance and unwavering determination, Ieyasu emerged victorious, securing control over the entire country.

In addition to his military prowess, Ieyasu was also a visionary leader who implemented a new form of government with a centralized system of control. This system allowed his descendants to rule Japan peacefully for the next 15 generations, fostering a period of stability and prosperity that is unparalleled in Japanese history.

However, Ieyasu's rule was not without its challenges. One of the most controversial aspects of his reign was his decision to limit the spread of Christianity in Japan. Despite the religion's growing influence among the Japanese people, Ieyasu believed that it posed a threat to the traditional Japanese way of life and culture. As a result, he issued a series of edicts that banned Christianity and ordered the massacring of tens of thousands of ardent believers.

The dramatic episodes retold in this book, including Ieyasu's victory at Sekigahara, his creation of a new government, and his decision to ban Christianity, provide a glimpse into the complex and fascinating life of this remarkable man. In the critically acclaimed FX/Hulu series Shogun, producer Hiroyuki Sanada stars as military leader Lord Yoshi Toranaga, based on the real life of Tokugawa Ieyasu. This new edition of the book highlights the drama and pageantry of Ieyasu's life, and features a new foreword by leading Japanese military historian Alexander Bennett.

Tokugawa Ieyasu's legacy continues to inspire and influence Japanese culture and society to this day. His unwavering commitment to unification and his vision for a peaceful and prosperous Japan have left an indelible mark on the nation's history. This epic biography offers a deeper understanding of the man who unified Medieval Japan and paved the way for the modern era of Japan.

Weight: 482g
Dimension: 203 x 130 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9784805317174