Question

This road, known as the Tokaido , is the busiest thoroughfare in all of Japan. It is used not only by merchants and local villagers, but also by many pilgrims making the long trip from their homes in Edo to the most important temples and shrines in western Japan...The Shogun -- the military leader who rules Japan -- does his best to ensure that free travel is maintained throughout the country. However, although even the poorest peasant is allowed to travel about the country freely, all of the main roads in and out of Edo are guarded by seki (barriers), where guards stop all travelers to search for troublemakers and check everyone for weapons...All travelers who pass through a seki are stopped and questioned in detail by the commander of the guards. This way, the guards are able to collect a great deal of information which helps the government maintain its firm control over the country...The guards at the seki carefully check people for swords or other weapons. The only people who are allowed to enter Edo with weapons are samurai and a few others who have special permission to wear a sword... Adapted from the writings of Furukawa Kosho, 1750s.

The image and passage above about the seki indicate that:

Answer 1

The passage indicates that the Tokaido road, despite being a vital route for various travelers, is subject to strict control by the Shogun's guards at seki, where thorough inspections are conducted to maintain order and prevent potential troublemakers. Only certain individuals, like samurai, are permitted to carry weapons into Edo.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Tokaido road serves as a crucial artery for trade, pilgrimage, and general travel in Japan. However, the government, under the Shogun's rule, enforces control through strategically placed seki or barriers on main roads. These barriers are intended to regulate the movement of people and collect information that aids in maintaining the government's authority. By stopping and questioning all travelers, the guards at the seki play a pivotal role in gathering detailed information about those passing through. This not only helps in preventing potential threats but also allows the government to keep a close eye on the activities and individuals moving across the country.

One primary focus of the guards at the seki is to ensure that individuals entering Edo are not carrying weapons without proper authorization. This reflects the hierarchical structure of Japanese society during that time, where only certain classes, such as the samurai, were granted the privilege of bearing arms. The meticulous checks for swords or other weapons highlight the government's desire to maintain a monopoly on force and restrict the possession of weapons to specific classes. This control over weaponry contributes to the overall strategy of ensuring stability and order in the country, aligning with the Shogun's efforts to govern Japan effectively.