Abstract
This study examines the characteristics of Japanese falconry culture within the East Asian world of the late 16th century. In Japan, falconry has been practiced since ancient times, but it underwent great transformation in the 16th century. One noteworthy characteristic is the transmission and traditionalization of techniques for capturing cranes (tsuru) using falcons. The Toyotomi administration marked the breakthrough period, which greatly changed the relationship between people and nature. I discuss the following four points in this study. First, Toyotomi Hideyoshi's interests shifted from tea ceremonies to falconry. Second, a system was developed for Hideyoshi to gather falcons from all over Japan, as well as northern goshawks from Korea. Third, when Hideyoshi began to practice falconry, crane-capturing falcons were desired, and the great falcon hunt from the eleventh to the twelfth month of 1591 caused significant human disturbance to the local ecosystems from Tokai to Kinai and the neighboring provinces. Fourth, in order to help nature recover, the Provincial Rifle Firing Edict was proclaimed and hawking ordinances were issued as a way to protect wildlife on Toyotomi hawking grounds. Last, the aspects of the Toyotomi administration period of Japanese falconry have been ignored in the previous research. I would like to suggest that we need to rebuild our current image of the socio-cultural, political, and environmental impact of this culture.