The Tokugawa shogunate, also known as the Edo period, was a feudal regime in Japan that lasted from 1603 to 1868. Founded by Tokugawa Ieyasu, it marked a time of relative peace and stability after centuries of civil war. The shogunate centralized power, controlling the daimyōs (feudal lords) and promoting a strict social hierarchy. During the Edo period, Japan experienced significant cultural and economic growth. The government enforced isolationist policies, limiting foreign influence and trade. This era saw the rise of unique Japanese arts, such as ukiyo-e woodblock prints and kabuki theater, which flourished under the shogunate's patronage.