The Edicts on Compassion for Living Things
Many years ago, there was an ordinance of animal protection in Japan. It was called 'Shorui-Awaremi-no-rei'; the Edicts on Compassion for Living Things. It was ruled in 1685 by the fifth Shogun, Tsunayoshi Tokugawa (1646-1709), who was born in the Year of the Dog. He is known as the dog Shogun. For Japanese people, he exudes an image of a slightly mentally deteriorated person who treated dogs so generously and crazily as if the dogs come before people. Actually the edicts were not only for the dogs but the all living things. People who violated the edicts by abusing animals were punished, and it is said Tsunayoshi invited the people's indignation, because it was escalated.
However, it's a controversial matter. There are many theories around as to these edicts and himself. Always only his craziness for dogs is emphasized in the history books, but some historians have reviewed the facts themselves.
The difference now from ancient times is that we live in a society based on the common understanding the preciousness of human/animal life. Even though they were extreme edicts, I think it might be one of triggers to think of the value of life for Japanese people at that time.
However, it's a controversial matter. There are many theories around as to these edicts and himself. Always only his craziness for dogs is emphasized in the history books, but some historians have reviewed the facts themselves.
The difference now from ancient times is that we live in a society based on the common understanding the preciousness of human/animal life. Even though they were extreme edicts, I think it might be one of triggers to think of the value of life for Japanese people at that time.
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| Source; Wikipedia |
