Important Dates

Question 0

Battle of Sekigahara

Answer 0

• 1600
• over 160,000 warriors fought in this battle that would unify Japan under the rule of Tokugawa Shoguns
• japan achieved victory over Ishida Misunari and took control of Japan

Question 1

William Adams first arrives in Japan

Answer 1

• 1600
• William Adams first arrives in japan in 1600
• he had been shipwrecked and was the only one of his fellow 24 survivors who offered to greet the Japanese.
• he was immediately taken to Tokugawa Ieyasu who was interested in his knowledge of ship-building and navigation and soon Adams became his most valued advisor.
• Adams was also granted two samurai swords, which was a privilege

Question 2

Hideteada become second Shogun

Answer 2

• 1605
• Ieyasu’s son
• Ieyasu still continued to rule as ogoshosama (his retired majesty) until his death in 1616
• following his death, Hidetada assumed power and married his daughter to the emperor in order to strengthen the power of the Tokugawa Shogun

Question 3

Anti-Christian laws proclaimed

Answer 3

• 1606

Question 4

Missionaries expelled from Japan

Answer 4

• 1610

- Ieyasu was apprehensive about the spread of Christianity so he expelled al Spanish and Portuguese missionaries

Question 5

Ieyasu prohibits Christian activity

Answer 5

• 1614

- in order to maintain political stability, Ieyasu banned Christian activity in Japan and limited foreign trade

Question 6

Death of Ieyasu

Answer 6

• 1616
• Ieyasu fell ill
• Hidedata was already ruling so it was arranged that his son Iemitsu would be next as heir, being Hidedata’s eldest son

Question 7

William Adams dies

Answer 7

• 1620

- Adams falls ill and dies at the age of 56

Question 8

Tokugawa Iemitsu becomes 3rd Shogun

Answer 8

• 1623

Question 9

Tokugawa Iemitsu forbids overseas travel

Answer 9

• 1633
• at first, japan ships had to be certified before travel abroad but two years later, all of Japan’s ships were forbidden to leave the country. Those who disobeyed were executed