Tokugawa Nariaki

Quick Facts: Who was Tokugawa Nariaki?

Subject:

Tokugawa Nariaki

Known for:

Daimyō who championed national defense and influenced the Meiji Restoration.

Born:

1800-04-04

Died:

1860-09-29

Century / Era:

1800s Historical Era Archive

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Tokugawa Nariaki (徳川 斉昭, April 4, 1800 – September 29, 1860) was a Japanese daimyō who ruled the Mito Domain (now Ibaraki Prefecture) and contributed to the rise of nationalism and the Meiji Restoration. Nariaki was the 3rd son of Tokugawa Harutoshi, the seventh-generation daimyō of Mito. The family headship first passed to Harutoshi's eldest son Narinobu, before being passed on to Nariaki in 1829. Nariaki was also leader of the Jōi (expel the barbarian) party and made a Bakufu adviser on national defence. His childhood name was Torasaburo (虎三郎) later changed to Keisaburo (敬三郎).

Career & Major Achievements

Nariaki was put in charge of Bakufu efforts to defend the country against encroaching foreigners. His own view was that the bakufu should strengthen its military and fight the foreigners, and was at odds with Ii Naosuke on the issue. He was pro-emperor and favored imperial restoration. Nariaki also greatly expanded the Mitogaku school established by Tokugawa Mitsukuni. He wrote a document entitled "Japan, Reject the Westerners" in 1853.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

in this document, he stated ten reasons why Japan should stay isolated from the rest of the world. He said that the Japanese people had a choice between war and peace, but clearly to him, the Japanese people should choose war so that Westerners would not intrude into Japan's affairs. Nariaki was significantly influenced by the Kokugaku school. Ōkuni Takamasa, a student of Hirata Atsutane attempted to persuade him to combine ritual with technology in order to protect Japan's borders and expand Japan as an empire. This depended on reinvigorating the Japanese "national spirit".

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1800 (1800-04-04): Birth of Tokugawa Nariaki — Daimyō who championed national defense and influenced the Meiji Restoration.
2. 1829: 1829 Milestone — The family headship first passed to Harutoshi's eldest son Narinobu, before being passed on to Nariaki in 1829.
3. 1853: 1853 Milestone — He wrote a document entitled "Japan, Reject the Westerners" in 1853.
4. 1860 (1860-09-29): Passing & Historical Legacy — Tokugawa Nariaki passed away on 1860-09-29, leaving an enduring historical legacy.

Notable Quotes by Tokugawa Nariaki

“Japan, Reject the Westerners” (1853)

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Tokugawa Nariaki

True or False: “Tokugawa Nariaki was always in agreement with Ii Naosuke regarding Japan's defense strategy.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): Nariaki was at odds with Ii Naosuke on the issue of defending against foreigners.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Tokugawa Nariaki