근세 막번체제 속의 쓰시마번

Pre-modern Bakuhan System and the Choice of Tsushima-han

Tsushima-han was the only han (藩) who was allowed to officially deal with international trade during the Edo (江戶) Period. Edo-Bakuhu granted Tsushima-han exclusive rights to trade with Joseon, the only country Edo had diplomatic relationship at that time, instead of appointing it as a diplomatic intermediary. To maintain the exclusive status, Tsushima-han went to as far as to adapt the credentials. Later, Tsushima-han made a request to send designated monks from ITeian(以酊菴) to Edo-Bakuhu to review and audit the documents sent/received between Joseon and Edo. It deems to be a means that Tsushima-han took to address Bakuhu s distrust against Tsushima. Among Rojus of Edo-Bakuhu, some were in charge of Joseon-related matters, and Tsushima-han reported such matters through Edo-estate. When there was any issue or problem, Tsushima asked the relevant Roju and handled it in accordance with the Roju s instructions. In case the Roju s seat was vacant, Edo-karo and Rusui of Tsushima-han made a request to the Bakuhu to fill the seat. The Edo-estate of Tsushima-han immediately responded to Rojus when they made a request or inquiry. However, the results were not always reported to the relevant Rojus. In fact, for matters that may put Tsushima-han in a difficult position, it asked an interview with the retainer of the Joseon-related Roju, and provided every detail to protect its own interest. Just like other hans under the Bakuhan System, Tsushima-han was not under unilateral control of Shogun, but not completely independent either. As it served as the sole intermediary for diplomatic and trade matters with Joseon, Tsushima-han had to choose to show its absolute respect for Shogun s command in its official stance so that it can maintain its privilege. However, its own interest was always at the top priority.