I wouldn't go so far as calling pre-Edo era Japanese culture tyrannical. Tumultuous would be a weak word to describe the times they lived in, with centuries of constant war -- cold or otherwise. Entire regions were often overrun by bandits if it were not for the firm, sometimes adamantine grip of various warlords. Which is why Tokogawa Ieyasu / Toranaga was famous for finally bringing an end to war and bringing about peace that would last until the Meiji Restoration, more than 200 years later. What's fascinating about the Tokugawa clan is that it's still very much alive. Iehiro Tokugawa is the clan's current head, and an accomplished writer, translator, and statesman. The Emperor of Japan, Naruhito, is also descended from both Tokugawa Ieyasu and the emperors of old, a line which has stood since the 6th century.
I wouldn't go so far as calling pre-Edo era Japanese culture tyrannical. Tumultuous would be a weak word to describe the times they lived in, with centuries of constant war -- cold or otherwise. Entire regions were often overrun by bandits if it were not for the firm, sometimes adamantine grip of various warlords. Which is why Tokogawa Ieyasu / Toranaga was famous for finally bringing an end to war and bringing about peace that would last until the Meiji Restoration, more than 200 years later.
What's fascinating about the Tokugawa clan is that it's still very much alive. Iehiro Tokugawa is the clan's current head, and an accomplished writer, translator, and statesman. The Emperor of Japan, Naruhito, is also descended from both Tokugawa Ieyasu and the emperors of old, a line which has stood since the 6th century.