By Bananaking

On August 1, 1590, Tokugawa Ieyasu, one of Japan’s greatest samurai lords and future shogun, made a bold move that changed the course of Japanese history forever. He entered Edo Castle, an often-overlooked fortress in what was then a quiet fishing village, and began the transformation of Edo into a powerful capital that would eventually become modern-day Tokyo. This event marked the start of the Tokugawa shogunate, a stable government that ruled Japan for more than 250 years. Like the Tokugawa Shogunate, a start to a great era, let’s hear from today’s sponsor, the Daily Upside:

In a world of clickbait headlines and empty hot takes, The Daily Upside delivers what really matters. Written by former bankers and veteran journalists, it brings sharp, actionable insights on markets, business, and the economy — the stories that actually move money and shape decisions.

That’s why over 1 million readers, including CFOs, portfolio managers, and executives from Wall Street to Main Street, rely on The Daily Upside to cut through the noise.

No fluff. No filler. Just clarity that helps you stay ahead.

Subscribe free today.

Before this pivotal day, Tokugawa Ieyasu’s family controlled lands closer to Japan’s central political hub, Kyoto. However, after the Toyotomi clan defeated the powerful Hojo clan, Hideyoshi Toyotomi, the country’s most influential leader, reassigned the Kanto region—including Edo—to Ieyasu. This meant leaving behind his ancestral lands for a new domain far from the traditional capital. It was a risky strategic move—like swapping a prime downtown penthouse for a fixer-upper miles away.

But Ieyasu, ever the strategist, saw potential in this “quiet backwater.” Edo offered room to grow and a fresh start to secure his power base far from the watchful eyes of rival clans.

Edo Castle, at that time, was not much to write home about—much of it was dilapidated, perched in a modest fishing village. But Ieyasu got to work, overseeing vast construction projects to repair and upgrade the castle and build infrastructure around it. His vision was clear: turn Edo into a political, military, and cultural hub.

To cement his authority, Ieyasu placed loyal vassals strategically around Edo, creating a protective ring of allies. He also instituted the “sankin-kotai” system, requiring daimyo (feudal lords) to spend alternating years in Edo. This acted as both a political leash and a catalyst for Edo’s growth, bringing nobles and their retainers to the city, boosting the economy and culture.

This event is a masterclass in power, politics, and urban development. Tokugawa Ieyasu wasn’t just a warlord; he was a visionary who understood:

Plus, it’s a reminder that history often hinges on quirky and bold decisions—a fishing village transformed into a capital by a samurai’s vision.

Edo’s transformation under Tokugawa Ieyasu laid the groundwork for Tokyo’s rise as one of the world’s largest and most influential cities. When you walk through Tokyo today, you’re walking on the legacy of a far-sighted shogun who saw opportunity where others saw nothing.

If you love history filled with strategy, politics, and a pinch of samurai drama, then Ieyasu’s entry into Edo Castle is a tale you’ll want to dive into again and again.

Want more wild and wonderful history stories served with a sprinkle of silliness? Help keep the history bananas rolling at HistoryGoneBananas! Subscribe to our newsletter, follow us on social media, and join a community that loves to laugh and learn from the past.