I genuinely had no idea that fires were so common in the common Edo era of Japan. It’s unbelievable how vulnerable they were to fires given the extensive history we still have of Japan. It’s interesting that the furniture, like the sliding doors you mentioned, was a result of their homes being so flammable. I had no idea that sliding doors were created by the Japanese for this purpose, I honestly just thought because it saved space compared to having a door that pulls out as Japan’s spaces are usually so small (well currently in the modern world). I find it amazing how through the causes of fire shaped the buildings, from wooden based to the Ginza Brick down. I had no idea that it was due to fire that they changed their structures and honestly thought that the purpose was due to westernization and the influence of the western culture.

Very interesting what Proessor Willis mentioned about the challenges of public compliance in the Tokugawa period. It's always so interesting to get this picture of daily life on the ground and what governance looked like.

Here's the presentation that Prof. Wills shared during his discussion on Saturday, 10/3.

Please feel free to write to him at [email protected].