A History of Edo / Tokyo
Edo is most well known for its important role in the Tokugawa period of Japanese history, from 1603 to 1867. It was first settled during the 1100s, and grew in size until Tokugawa Ieyazu made this town his home and the administrative capital of his world. When this occurred, the emperor remained in Kyoto, but the real business of Japan took place in Edo.
By the 1700s, there were around 1.2 million Japanese living in this bustling city. This was assisted by the Tokugawas’ system of requiring all underlings to spend a portion of each year in the city. The presence of all of these nobles fueled the artisans, craftsmen, and other townsfolk, and built up many of the arts.
Reports from outsiders at this time marvel at the cleanliness and orderliness of the city. The city was broken up into distinct trade districts - cobbler sections, tailor sections, and so on. There are even fish sections kept completely separate from the fruit and vegetable areas.
In 1869 the emperor decided to move to Edo, and in 1889 the new Imperial Palace was constructed. It was then that Edo was renamed to Tokyo, or "Eastern Capital".
Edo is the scene of one of the most important stories of Japanese samurai. The 47 Ronin, based on actions in Edo in 1701, tell how samurai revenge the wrongful death of their master, and in the end commit suicide for their actions.
Even in modern times, Tokyo represents a city of grandeur to the Japanese. When they look at this city, they see not only the modern metropolis but also the visions of what this city once was to the nation.
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