− | Abe Masahiro was a lord of [[Fukuyama han|Fukuyama domain]] and ''[[tairo|tairô]]'', known for his role in ending the [[Tokugawa shogunate|Tokugawa shogunate's]] policy of [[maritime restrictions]] and "opening" Japan to the West in the 1850s. | + | Abe Masahiro was the 7th [[Abe clan]] lord of [[Fukuyama han|Fukuyama domain]], and ''[[tairo|Tairô]]'', known for his role in ending the [[Tokugawa shogunate|Tokugawa shogunate's]] policy of [[maritime restrictions]] and "opening" Japan to the West in the 1850s. |
− | Abe served as Tairô from [[1845]] until [[1855]]. Initially, as Western encroachment expanded, and visits from Western ships became more frequent, Abe oversaw the strengthening of coastal defenses while simultaneously encouraging a somewhat conciliatory stance. After the so-called "Black Ships" of [[Commodore Perry]] arrived in [[1853]], he took the very controversial step of asking for the opinions or suggestions of the [[Imperial Court]], and of the various ''daimyô'', essentially abdicating the decision-making power (and, the appearance of competency and strength) of the shogunate. | + | Abe was first appointed to the ''[[roju|rôjû]]'' at the age of 25.<ref>Plaque on statue of Abe Masahiro, at Fukuyama castle.[https://www.flickr.com/photos/toranosuke/36240812453/sizes/l]</ref> He served as Tairô from [[1845]] until [[1855]]. Initially, as Western encroachment expanded, and visits from Western ships became more frequent, Abe oversaw the strengthening of coastal defenses while simultaneously encouraging a somewhat conciliatory stance. After the so-called "Black Ships" of [[Commodore Perry]] arrived in [[1853]], he took the very controversial step of asking for the opinions or suggestions of the [[Imperial Court]], and of the various ''daimyô'', essentially abdicating the decision-making power (and, the appearance of competency and strength) of the shogunate. |