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of the country was so wisely adapted to the conditions of the times, and moved with such perfection and success, that it finally brought the military government and feudalism into dissolution—a very natural consequence. With the development of learning, the study of the history and the literature of Japan, together with the Chinese system of politico-ethics of Confucius and Mencius, was greatly extended. Several Daimyos encouraged their retainers to pursue learning, and Tokugawa Mitsukuni (born 1622, died 1700) accomplished the publication of his famous ‘Dai Nippon,’ or ‘The History of Great Japan.’ The origin and nature of the Shogunate became better known and understood by the increasing numbers of educated men, who began to doubt the necessity of continuing the state of military government. This sentiment was often expressed by the popular cry of ‘Kinno’—the restoration of the status quo of the Emperor’s rule—which originated at this time. The growth of the city also effected a great change in the economical condition of the country, and tended to weaken the basis of feudalism. Moreover, the financial state of the later Tokugawa Shogunate lost its fame and credit.

The eighth Shogun, Yoshimune (1716–1744), was a keen, fore-sighted statesman, and renewed in many respects the reputation of the Tokugawa Shogunate. One of his most remarkable merits was his endeavour to aid the progress of his country by introducing Western science and civilization. From 1720 (5th year of Kyoho) he permitted the importation of Dutch books concerning mathematics, astronomy, geography, medicine, botany, chemistry, etc., except those relating to the Christian religion. He encouraged at the same time the study of the Dutch language, and ordered scholars to publish the translation of important Dutch books. Many of the Daimyos followed his example, and a better understanding of the state and condition of Europe was secured.

During the period from 1792 to 1853 (4th year of Kwanse to 6th year of Kaye), besides the Dutch, the visits of foreign vessels—chiefly English and Russian—became more frequent, and Japan’s attention was directed towards coast defence. When the disturbances occurred in the North with the Russian adventurers in 1806 and 1807 (3rd and 4th year of Bunk), and the English man-of-war Phaeton abruptly appeared off Nagasaki in 1808 (5th year of Bunkwa), the mind of the entire nation was turned to the question of Japan’s integrity from foreign ambition. This feeling was often expressed by the cry of ‘Joi’ (expulsion of the ambitious foreigners) which arose at this time. The Dutch system of military discipline was adopted in 1837 (8th year of Tempo), and was soon adopted by all the principal Daimyos, Tokugawa of Mito, Shimazu of