Azuchi-Momoyama Period

Azuchi-Momoyama period covers the years from approximately 1568 to 1600.

This period is called Azuchi-Momoyama because there were two great centers of power during this time. One was Oda Nobunaga's castle at Azuchi near Lake Biwa.^[3] The other was Toyotomi Hideyoshi's castle at Momoyama near Kyoto.^[4]

The times when Toyotomi grasped the government are called Momoyama period (桃山時代 Momoyama-jidai^?), and the culture that prospered mainly on this time is called Momoyama culture (桃山文化 Momoyama-bunka^?).

A new merchant class grew in cities at this time. Consumption and luxurious culture increased among the wealthy.

During the Azuchi-Momoyama period, different parts of Japan became again united. Its military power grew. In 1592, Japan wanted to conquer China. At that time China was ruled by the Ming dynasty.

At that time Toyotomi Hideyoshi was one of the main leaders of Japan. He sent an army of 160,000 troops to Korea. But, the Japanese could not win and returned to Japan.

In 1597, Japan again sent an army to Korea. In 1598 Toyotomi Hideyoshi died. After his death, the Japanese dropped the idea of conquering Korea and China.

During this period, Japanese brought many Koreans to Japan. These Koreans were very good at making pottery and at other arts. Some of them were very learned persons. Japan gained new information and knowledge from these Koreans.