Osaka, the Merchant's Capital of Early Modern Japan

Front Cover
James L. McClain, Osamu Wakita
Cornell University Press, 1999 - Business & Economics - 295 pages
Social and political life in early modern Japan revolved around three cities: the emperor's city of Kyoto, the shogun's city of Edo and the commercial centre of Osaka. This volume explores the merchants' capital, Osaka, during the Tokugawa era from 1600 to 1800. The contributors explore topics including the early growth and development of the city, the geography of wealth and power in the 17th century, political dissidence, the theatre, gang violence, and Osaka's religious and intellectual life.
 

Contents

Osaka across the Ages
1
Gang Violence
6
The Toyotomi citadel
14
Ports Markets and Medieval Urbanism in
23
Sengan Turret
54
The rice market at Dōjima
59
Space Power Wealth and Status in Seventeenth
61
Pressing oil from rapeseeds
69
Osakas Brotherhood of Mendicant Monks
158
Inari Worship in Early Modern Osaka
180
The Fox Deity at Fushimi Inari Grand Shrine
182
Torii marking the entry to the Inari chapel at Ikota Shrine
190
The Fox Woman Leaving Her Child by Yoshitoshi
201
Ogata Kōan and Inter
213
Ogata Kōan
214
The swordslashed pillar at the Tekijuku
229

Osaka in 1657
76
Takemoto Gidayū and the Individualistic Spirit
104
The jōruri stage at the end of the seventeenth century
106
Takemoto Gidayū
115
Bunshichi and His Friends in Crested Outerwear by Shunshō
149
Bunshichis confession
157
Osaka as a Center of Regional Governance
243
The Distinguishing Characteristics of Osakas
261
Glossary
273
Contributors
281
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