Turning Point - Sekigahara: Toyotomi's Global Expansion and its Consequences

Phase 10 - Japan in Expansion Period

Japan, which had been expanding its influence since the mid-17th century, saw relatively little change within its borders compared to its external territories.

At the Osaka Regency, the role and presence of the Toyotomi clan had dwindled significantly, but aside from some members of the clan, not many paid it much attention. The Regency was already being efficiently managed, with an assembly centered around major daimyō and a samurai bureaucracy centered around the magistrate. Financial resources for government operations were abundant, thanks to vast amounts of gold obtained from various parts of the world, tribute payments from primarily urban areas and overseas-active merchants, and Japanese mercenaries working around the world.

The Osaka Regency was in a comfortable financial position, allowing for extravagant overseas expansion. In this context, it resembled Spain from about a century ago.

The commodities brought in from overseas were increasing day by day. A vast quantity of sugar from regions such as Taiwan, Ryukyu, Luzon, and Java had a profound impact on the Japanese diet, to the extent that, for a time, it was said that many foods were flavored with large amounts of sugar, even changing the Japanese palate. This was because pure sweetness had been a very rare presence in Japan until then. Furthermore, the increased interactions in Southeast Asia introduced the habit of eating pork among the Japanese.

The high-calorie foods imported from overseas, represented by sugar and pork, not only improved the calorie intake of the Japanese but also provided the energy needed for their active pursuits, serving as a driving force for further expansion overseas.

The expansion of exchanges with foreign countries also influenced every aspect of Japanese life, particularly in terms of food. In this regard, sugar and the meat-eating habits of Europeans, as well as tea from Chinese regions, had a significant impact on Japanese culture. Japanese people began drinking coffee around the end of the 17th century. Tea, coffee, and various sweet treats served as a contribution to the increase in sugar consumption among the Japanese, and even prompted cultural changes. The consumption of dairy products by the Japanese, influenced by activities at the northeastern edge of the Eurasian continent and Indian trade, began in the mid-17th century.

Additionally, fur brought from North America, inexpensive raw cotton and calico from India, and woolen products imported from Europe and Persia had a significant impact on Japanese clothing. The first Western-style clothing tailored for Japanese individuals was sold in small kimono shops in Osaka in the early 18th century.

Regarding housing, since traditional Japanese-style homes were not suitable for many places abroad, especially those in the northern regions and dry areas, mainly European-style housing was adopted overseas, rather than within Japan. In regions like Australia, where earthquakes were rare, multi-story buildings using European technology became more common.

There were countless other minor changes, but apart from adopting convenient and novel items, the fundamental essence of the Japanese people remained unchanged.

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On the other hand, exports from Japan gradually became more abundant.

Silk, which had been imported in vast quantities from China, saw significant improvements in quality and production volume due to the introduction of Chinese technology and domestic innovations. Some of it began to be redirected towards exports, primarily to Europe. Porcelain also saw innovative advancements in technology through the introduction of techniques from Korea and China. Japanese improvements further solidified its position as a major export product. By-products like tiles were also produced and a considerable amount of them were exported. In addition to this, lacquerware and tea, primarily destined for Europe, were also being exported. Even the export of Japanese swords, which had been a major export item, continued to be highly regarded in Europe due to increased precision in craftsmanship. Under the influence of European culture, the production of glass products also became prosperous.