Changes

The rebellion grew out of a situation in which [[Matsumae han]], granted by the [[Tokugawa shogunate]] authority and responsibility over Ezo, superimposed its political and economic structures over those of the indigenous Ainu, employing Ainu chiefs and networks of authority to effect Matsumae (Japanese) power. Traditional Ainu means of resolving conflicts, arranging alliances, and so forth were not suppressed, but rather were used by the Matsumae.

The rebellion grew out of a situation in which [[Matsumae han]], granted by the [[Tokugawa shogunate]] authority and responsibility over Ezo, superimposed its political and economic structures over those of the indigenous Ainu, employing Ainu chiefs and networks of authority to effect Matsumae (Japanese) power. Traditional Ainu means of resolving conflicts, arranging alliances, and so forth were not suppressed, but rather were used by the Matsumae.

By [[1788]], however, Matsumae control over at least some regions began to unravel. The Ainu rebellion the following year emerged out of worker protests at one of the many fisheries on the island which was run by Japanese, and employed mainly Ainu workers. Hidaya Kyûbei opened his fishery in 1788, but the following year, many of his workers refused to return to work, citing low wages. This led to some Japanese in Hidaya's employ attempting to poison the Ainu; after an Ainu chief died (whether from poisoning or not is unclear), some one hundred and thirty Ainu from eighteen different communities united to attack Japanese workers at Hidaya's fishery. Some initial reports suggested the [[Russia]]ns played some role in inciting the violence, but this seems unlikely.

By [[1788]], however, Matsumae control over at least some regions began to unravel. The Ainu rebellion the following year emerged out of worker protests at one of the many fisheries on the island which was run by Japanese, and employed mainly Ainu workers. Hidaya Kyûbei opened his fishery in 1788, but the following year, many of his workers refused to return to work, citing low wages. This led to some Japanese in Hidaya's employ attempting to poison the Ainu; after an Ainu chief died (whether from poisoning or not is unclear), some one hundred and thirty Ainu from eighteen different communities united to attack Japanese workers at Hidaya's fishery. Some initial reports suggested the [[Russia]]ns played some role in inciting the violence, but this seems unlikely. Some 71 Wajin (Japanese) were killed.<ref>Gallery labels, Hokkaido Museum.[https://www.flickr.com/photos/toranosuke/52225725867/sizes/l/]</ref>

The Matsumae samurai authorities sent troops to quell the violence; they took quick action, and beheaded thirty-seven Ainu. In the end, Matsumae authorities had to rely on Chieftain Tsukinoe of Kunashiri (father of one of the rebel leaders) and other powerful Ainu elites for help in suppressing the revolt; that this was the case complicates somewhat the standard narrative of Ainu history overall, which is typically characterized entirely by discussions of exploitation, oppression, and subjugation.

The Matsumae samurai authorities sent troops to quell the violence. In the end, Matsumae authorities had to rely on Chieftain Tsukinoe of Kunashiri (father of one of the rebel leaders) and other powerful Ainu elites for help in suppressing the revolt; they encouraged those responsible to turn themselves in, and ultimately Matsumae had 37 Ainu executed. Historian David Howell suggests that the role of Ainu elites themselves in helping end the revolt complicates somewhat the standard narrative of Ainu history overall, which is typically characterized entirely by discussions of exploitation, oppression, and subjugation.

Hidaya was stripped of his fisheries, but the Tokugawa shogunate saw Matsumae as having failed to keep the peace. Ten years later, Matsumae authority over the Ainu was reduced somewhat, and Tokugawa officials were dispatched to Ezo. Whereas the Matsumae worked ''with'' the Ainu in certain respects, Ainu chiefs were now granted less power and agency as they came more directly under Tokugawa authority.

Hidaya was stripped of his fisheries, but the Tokugawa shogunate saw Matsumae as having failed to keep the peace. Ten years later, Matsumae authority over the Ainu was reduced somewhat, and Tokugawa officials were dispatched to Ezo. Whereas the Matsumae worked ''with'' the Ainu in certain respects, Ainu chiefs were now granted less power and agency as they came more directly under Tokugawa authority.

==References==

==References==

*David Howell, "Is Ainu History Japanese History?," in ann-elise lewallen, Mark Hudson, Mark Watson (eds.), ''Beyond Ainu Studies'', University of Hawaii Press (2015), 111-112.

*David Howell, "Is Ainu History Japanese History?," in ann-elise lewallen, Mark Hudson, Mark Watson (eds.), ''Beyond Ainu Studies'', University of Hawaii Press (2015), 111-112.

[[Category:Events and Incidents]]

[[Category:Events and Incidents]]

[[Category:Edo Period]]

[[Category:Edo Period]]