The last shogunate in Japan's history, lasting more than 250 years, was the Tokugawa Shogunate. It was a period of relative stability compared to previous shogunates, in part due to the strict social and foreign policies it is remembered for. This clip provides numerous examples of the social laws and codes that controlled all aspects of Japanese society, including those for Daimyo and Samurai. The foreign policy of 'Sakoku' (meaning 'locked country') is explored, looking at: trade limitations; removal of foreigners; reasons for the policy; and its eventual demise following Commander Matthew Perry's visit in 1854. Led by a Japanese presenter, artistic depictions from the era and easy to follow graphic timelines and maps tell the story of this important period in Japan's history.

Originally released by Video Education America (VEA), 2014. Streaming video file encoded with permission for digital streaming by Infobase on January 19, 2017.

The End of the Muromachi Shogunate (2:35); --Policies Under Tokugawa Ieyasu (4:52); -- Policies Under Tokugawa Iemitsu (4:44); -- The End of Sakoku (4:40); -- Credits: The Tokugawa Shogunate: Social and Foreign Policies (0:13); .