The Tokugawa Period has also been called the Edo Period because its capital was Edo (today Tokyo)

Tokugawa Ieyasu was the most powerful man in Japan after  Hideyoshi had died in 1598. Against his promises he did not respect Hideyoshi's successor Hideyori because he wanted to become the absolute ruler of Japan.

In 1600, Ieyasu defeated the Hideyori loyalists. He achieved almost unlimited power and wealth. In 1603, Ieyasu was appointed   Shogun by the emperor and established his government in Edo (Tokyo).

The Tokugawa shoguns continued to rule Japan for a remarkable 250 years.