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The Azuchi-Momoyama Period This page is on the lifestyle and history of the Azuchi-Momoyama Period of Japan. For information on the military and politics of the Azuchi-Momoyama Period: http://as2010-azuchi-momoyamakoehler.wikispaces.com/

For information about the music, dance, art and other cultural expression of the Azuchi-Momoyama Period: http://as2010-azuchimomoyamamoussallem.wikispaces.com/

History
The Azuchi-Momyama Period in Japanese history occurred between the years of 1573-1600 c.e. It rose after the fall of the Muromachi Period and was lead by the General Nobunaga in an attempt to unify the country into one land rather than many provinces. Although he failed, his successor, Toyotomi Hideyoshi succeeded in bringing unification to Japan. In this way the Azuchi-Momoyama Period was much like the Qin Dynasty of China. However, Nobunaga was not only fighting for the provinces to unify, but also against Buddhism. He allowed Christian missionaries to spread Christianity (as that was their job) in Japan, but he was not so nice to Buddhists. Of course the main religion in Japan remained Shintoism, while Nobunaga himself was an atheist. In 1582, Nobanaga reign came to an end when he was murdered by one of his rivals, General Akechi. General Hideyoshi, the leader of Nobanaga's armies was quick to the scene and Akechi was gotten rid off. After much work, many battles and the Sword Hunt, a forced movement of all samurai into castle cities, showing an emphasis on military rather than domesticism and agriculture in the period, the unification was complete. With Hideyoshi in charge the Christi an missionaries were also cracked down on until only Shintoism was left. The period ended with an invasion of Korea, but when the Chinese decided to help the Koreans out, the Japanese were quick to get out of there. With the death of Hideyoshi in the late 1590's, the period came to an end rather quickly with the coming to power of Mr Ieyasu.

Lifestyle
During th e Azuchi-Momyama Period, most of the people were samurai, or in modern jingo, soldiers. As is normal with most unification of countries. During this time a re-popularization of Noh theatre occured amongst the samurai. Instead of elaborate costumes and such the samurai used must lighter outfits for their plays, like the one shown on the left. This was for the current style and because it was easier for soldiers to carry when they traveled. So its safe to say that during the Azuchi-Momoyama period most people were either in battle or when not, enjoying Noh theatre. Or cowarding in their houses because their province was being invaded by Nobunaga or Hideyoshi.

In brief, this is what went down during the Azuchi Momoyama Period:

Oda Nobunaga came into power in a province in Japan The Muromachi period ends Oda Nobunaga tried to unite Japan This has a lot of little details covered by none other than Chad Koehler Oda Nobunaga failed Oda Nobunaga was killed Toyotomi Hideyoshi replaces Oda Nobunaga Toyotomi Hideyoshi unites Japan This also has a lot of details also brought to you by Chad Koehler In your face, Oda Nobunaga Toyotomi Hideyoshi decides to invade Korea Toyotomi Hideyoshi invades Korea Toyotomi Hideyoshi takes Seoul in a matter of weeks China is like, "Woah there Japan, calm down and go back to your island and leave our little peninsula friends alone" Toyotomi Hideyoshi pulls out of Korea Toyotomi Hideyoshi dies Tokugawa Ieyasu comes into power This is where the Edo period begins

The websites I found helpful in the quest of collecting my information: http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/47056/Azuchi-Momoyama-period http://www.mnsu.edu/emuseum/prehistory/japan/momoyama/azuchi-momoyama-p.htm http://www.justjapan.org/japan/history/japan-history5.asp http://www.tnm.jp/en/servlet/Con?pageId=B01&processId=01&event_id=5891

PS:
This whole thing was made into a corny, turn by turn video game called "Nobunaga's Ambition" and it was apparently good enough to have sequels. It looks like a rip off of Empire Earth or some game like that. Except extremely racist. No, really. This is probably one of the most racist games I've seen, see for yourself: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4p5VXvXm6CU