Japanese Dogs and a Dog-Loving Shogun

Dogs have been deeply connected to people's lives in Japan since ancient times and have been loved by many. When Japanese people think of historical stories related to dogs, many may recall the name of Tokugawa Tsunayoshi(1646–1709), the fifth shogun of the Edo period . He is known for issuing the "Edict of Compassion for Living Beings" (Shōruiawareminorei), a series of laws aimed at protecting animals, including dogs.

Tokugawa Tsunayoshi

Tokugawa Tsunayoshi was the fifth shogun of the Edo shogunate and was born as the fourth son of the third shogun, Tokugawa Iemitsu. He promoted scholarship, establishing institutions such as the Seidō Gakumonjo (a Confucian academy). Additionally, he sought to eliminate the warlike atmosphere that had persisted since the Sengoku period, advocating a governance style that emphasized virtue and peace.

What Was the Edict of Compassion for Living Beings?

The "Edict of Compassion for Living Beings" (Shōruiawareminorei) was a series of laws issued by Tsunayoshi starting in 1687 (Jōkyō 4), prohibiting the killing and mistreatment of animals. The edict aimed to foster compassion in people's hearts. Some believe that the premature death of Tsunayoshi's young son, Tokumatsu, influenced his decision to implement these policies.

Particularly focused on protecting dogs, the edict imposed severe punishments on those who harmed them. It is also said that because Tsunayoshi was born in the Year of the Dog(Japanese zodiac), he believed that treating dogs well would bring good fortune.

A map of "Inu Yashiki"

The Shogun Known as "Inu Kubō"

At first, Tsunayoshi's animal protection policies were relatively mild, including regulations such as "Dogs do not need to be tied up when the shogun visits" and "Sick horses and cattle should not be abandoned." However, over more than 20 years, additional rules were continuously introduced, eventually exceeding 100 in total. The edict became increasingly strict, banning practices such as selling live fish or birds for consumption, training animals for performances, harming dogs, and even fishing.

The punishments for violations became severe, leading to widespread resentment among the common people. Because of his strong emphasis on dog protection, Tsunayoshi was mockingly referred to as "Inu Kubō" (Dog Shogun). Some dog owners, fearing punishment if anything happened to their pets, secretly abandoned them, causing a surge in the number of stray dogs.

In response, Tsunayoshi constructed Inu Yashiki(a massive dog shelter) in Nakano, a suburb of Edo, where thousands of stray dogs were housed at its peak. The facility included officials and Inu Isya(dog doctor: now called veterinarian, specializing in dogs). However, the cost of maintaining these shelters was enormous, placing a heavy financial burden on Edo and surrounding villages.

Abolition of the Edict

In 1709, after Tsunayoshi's death, his successor, Tokugawa Ienobu, abolished the "Edict of Compassion for Living Beings." The Nakano dog shelter was dismantled, and peach trees were planted on the site, turning it into a public park. Today, the name "Momoen" (Peach Garden) remains in Nakano Ward, preserving a trace of this history.

Tsunayoshi's Intentions and the Impact of His Policies

At the heart of Tsunayoshi's policies was a desire to promote respect for life and spread a spirit of benevolence throughout society. However, his excessive animal protection measures imposed hardships on the people and became a target of criticism.

Some argue that the policies ultimately led to a decrease in the number of stray dogs and an improvement in public safety in Edo. Additionally, several laws from the "Edict of Compassion for Living Beings" remained in place even after Tsunayoshi's death. Notably, regulations prohibiting child abandonment and ensuring care for the sick were highly valued, sparking significant social change. Given that Tsunayoshi lost his own young child to illness, these humanitarian policies may have reflected his true wish.

Conclusion

While Tokugawa Tsunayoshi's "Edict of Compassion for Living Beings" is recognized as a pioneering animal welfare policy, it was also criticized for placing excessive burdens on the common people and causing administrative rigidity. Nevertheless, his aspiration to instill respect for life had a lasting influence, shaping Japanese perspectives on animals and ethics for generations to come.