The Effects Of Sankin Kotai System And Kingdom Of Ryukyu And Its Abolition During The Era Of Emperor Meiji

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The effects of Sankin Kotai system and kingdom of Ryukyu and its abolition during the era of Emperor Meiji
The history of the Ryukyu Kingdom depicts an island with a high degree of national sovereignty. Ryukyu kingdom existed in the southern parts of Japan, its strategic position promoted trade and cultural links with both China and Japan. The degree of economic benefits enjoyed by Satsuma cannot be debated; the political prestige gained through its relationship with the neighboring countries presents its uniqueness during the Edo period.
Satsuma was once a powerful domain in Tokugawa lasted from 1603 to 1867 and marked the end of the traditional Japanese government after the government was overthrown. The powerful kingdom was toppled by Emperor Meiji who propelled the country into the modern era. Satsuma ruled the Ryukyu Kingdom for over 250 years promoting peace and prosperity that saw the rise of the merchant class and increased urbanization (Jansen & Rozman, 2014).
To guard the kingdom against external influence, the kingdom worked closely with the Japanese government to avoid western influences of Christianity. With time Tokugawa rule became weaker, two clans collaborated and seized power, hence the beginning of the imperial restoration that brought the rule of Emperor Meiji. Meiji restoration saw the end of the feudalism in Japan and created the modern Japan Society (McNabb, 2016).
Before the formation of the modern Japan, the Ryukyu kingdom became subordinate to both China and Japan. Since China prohibited trade with Japan, Ryukyu kingdom enjoyed trade relations with China and used its influence to advance its ruling. Ryukyu kingdom was unique because they were not part of Japan, Ryukyu was an autonomous kingdom, the autonomy served their interests especially with China. The introduction of a code of laws that restricted its people in different areas like dressing, types of weapons to possess, marriage weaken the regime (Jansen & Rozman, 2014). The law established the sankin kotai system, which also limited activities along the island. The ruling gave birth to taxes for military purposes and other development projects. The sankin kotai rule depleted wealth from the locals, weakening the Satsuma rule (Hirano, 2015).
Sakin kotai system, which came into effect 1635 by the Tokugawa shogun, required the daimyo the feudal lords to reside for many months within Tokugawa. The system ensured submissiveness continued. However, Sankin kotai system improved communication and trade. Merchants assembled in the capital supplying all the goods to the Lords (Howell, 2015). People became dissatisfied with the policies, and the sankin kotai system was abolished, and the ruler was overthrown.
Why sakin kotai system failed.
Even though his sakin kotai system is associated with negative images, much of economic and socia...