Education in Tokugawa Japan

This insightful examination of Japanese education during the Tokugawa era reveals the complexity and significance of educational practices in shaping society.

Published originally in 1965, Education in Tokugawa Japan delves into the educational practices and philosophies that shaped Japanese society during the Tokugawa period, which lasted from 1603 to 1868. This era was marked by significant developments in various fields, including education, and the book provides a comprehensive examination of the systems in place at the time. It highlights the roles of various institutions, such as temples and private academies, and their influence on the intellectual landscape of Japan.

The author meticulously explores how education was not only a means of imparting knowledge but also a tool for social control and cultural transmission. Through detailed analysis, Education in Tokugawa Japan reveals the complexities of the educational system, including the curriculum, teaching methods, and the socio-political context in which education thrived. The book also discusses the impact of Confucian ideals on education and the ways in which these values were integrated into everyday life.

As part of the University of California Press's Voices Revived program, this title has been made accessible once again, allowing contemporary readers to engage with historical scholarship. By revisiting Education in Tokugawa Japan, readers gain insights into the foundations of modern Japanese education and the enduring legacy of the Tokugawa period on Japan's cultural and intellectual development.