Anastasia Stoltz, Press Corps 14
THE FALL OF EDO, Historical Crisis — In response to multiple crises that concern Japan, many members of the Tokugawa Shogunate disagree on how to respond, and which crises to respond to first. There are internal issues regarding the Imperial Court, which the Shogunate considers an enemy. There are also external issues regarding Russia.
If those problems weren’t enough, Japan is also facing a major economic issue of inflation. Inflation is causing a standstill of progress with the Tokugawa Shogunate. 6 directives have been proposed to tackle the inflation issue, however only one directive passed.
“We are worried about the peasants because they are the most affected by inflation. We are trying to fix it as much as possible, it is our biggest priority,” says Ii Naosuke.
Multiple directives were also discussed to address other current issues in Japan, most of them considering Japan’s national military. Many shogunates voted to strengthen and establish a national military. Katsu Kaishu mentioned possible war and in response said, “Without a strong navy, we will not survive, and we will be taken advantage of.” To which Saionji Kinmochi agrees, “It is vital that we elevate our naval capacity, we cannot stop at diplomacy.”
Another directive focused not on naval security, but establishing a national military. Viscount Enomoto Takeaki said, “We need to enhance our security as a country, we don’t have the ability to suppress rebellion; in any case, having a national military would be nice to have.”
However, other members, such as Arai Ikunoske, disagreed, calling such directives as an act of aggression that will instigate violence. Ikunoske asked fellow members, “How will Russia react?”
Another directive was proposed to support the side of shogunates who disagree with aggressive directives. In favor of the more peaceful policies, Matsudaira Sadaaki said, “We have heard directives of improving our national security, but none about resolving internal conflicts and about peace. Our enemies are the imperial court, we need to keep the Daimyo in check.”
The Japanese Shogunate seem to be overwhelmed with the possibility of war, yet many members are coming to an agreement about how they will proceed with Russia and the Imperial Court.
Many policies are being passed, aiming to build a positive alliance with Russia. “Russia is an opportunity, we should not come into conflict, we should come into alliance with them,” states Viscount Enomoto Takeaki. Japan has also hosted Russian diplomats, attempting to share Japanese culture.
Because of increased diplomatic interactions with Russia, the relationship has grown more positive. Russia is not necessarily Japan’s best friend yet, but it’s developing.
However, in the midst of debate surrounding directives, suspicion arises when ominous messages send a warning. Trust no one, is the main message of this mysterious communication. Confusion and anxiety erupts amongst members as a result of this sinister content.
Furthermore, there seems to be secret communication between members in the Imperial Court and members from the Tokugawa Shogunate, and this is causing a lack of consensus among the members about how to proceed. Will they work together to continue to stay in power, or will external and internal forces cause the disbandment of the Shogunate?