Tokugawa Yoshinobu, also known as Hitotsubashi, was the last shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate in Japan. He was born in 1837 as the son of the Mito clan lord, Tokugawa Nariaki. His potential succession as shogun was thwarted during the succession crisis, but he eventually became the 15th shogun. He faced a tumultuous time as shogun, with the rise of anti-shogunate forces and the decline of the shogunate’s influence. In 2023, NHK drama “Ooku Season 2” depicted his role as a close advisor to Tokugawa Iemochi and eventually becoming the 15th shogun. His early life was marked by political turmoil and unrest, and he eventually became a key figure in Japanese history.
Introduction: Who was Hitotsubashi (Tokugawa) Yoshinobu?
Hitotsubashi Yoshinobu (Hitotsubashi Yoshinobu) was a child of Tokugawa Nariaki, the lord of Mito Domain, and the last shogun of the Tokugawa Shogunate. He was nominated as a possible successor to the position of shogun when the succession dispute arose, but he ultimately could not become shogun at that time. Yoshinobu hesitated to become the shogun himself, but later he would ascend to the pinnacle of the government as the 15th shogun. In “Daio Season 2”, a 2023 NHK drama, he is portrayed as the head of the Hitotsubashi family, who later becomes the 15th shogun, while supporting the Tokugawa family (portrayed by Shunsuke Daito).
Table of Contents
Introduction: Who was Hitotsubashi (Tokugawa) Yoshinobu?
The Era of Hitotsubashi (Tokugawa) Yoshinobu
The Footsteps and Major Events of Hitotsubashi (Tokugawa) Yoshinobu
Conclusion
The Era of Hitotsubashi (Tokugawa) Yoshinobu
Hitotsubashi Yoshinobu was born in the year 1837. The year before his birth, Japan experienced an unprecedented famine known as the “Great Tenpo Famine,” which resulted in widespread starvation and turmoil, reflecting a challenging time for the Tokugawa Shogunate.
The Footsteps and Major Events of Hitotsubashi (Tokugawa) Yoshinobu
Birth and Involvement in the Shogun Succession Dispute
During his childhood, Hitotsubashi Yoshinobu was considered as a potential successor to the title of shogun due to his intellectual capabilities. However, in a highly contentious dispute, Tokugawa Yoshitomi, also known as Tokugawa Kazuhito, the 14th shogun, became the successor, with Yoshinobu’s aspirations being left unfulfilled.
Subsequent Events and Shogunate Participation
By 1858, Yoshinobu was appointed the guardian of the shogun. Under this role, he had the responsibility of supporting the future shogun and enacting crucial reforms, shining a light on his significance in an era marked by change and conflict.
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