BUNKA-BUNSEI PERIOD

also called Ogosho Period, in Japanese history, the era from 1804 to 1829, which witnessed an urban cultural scene unmatched since the Genroku period (16881704). The austere reforms and sumptuary laws passed under Matsudaira Sadanobu in the late 18th century were soon followed by a period of extravagant luxury led by the 11th Tokugawa shogun Ienari and his administration, known for its financial laxity, graft, and corruption. The lavish habits of the ruling class quickly spread to the populace and further invigorated an urban culture dominated by the flamboyant, pleasure-seeking merchant class. In contrast, the financial position of the shogunate and the domains (han) continued to decline in spite of repeated currency debasements. Famines and peasant uprisings occurred more frequently as the period progressed, while initial attempts by Western powers to establish relations with Japan were steadfastly opposed. Ienari, shogun for 50 years, resigned in 1837, but thereafter referred to as Ogosho, or retired shogun, he continued to rule until his death in 1841.