The Tenpō Reforms, in banning most forms…

The Tenpō Reforms, in banning most forms of entertainment and displays of wealth, are an attempt to stabilize the Japanese economy, through a return to the frugality, simplicity and discipline that had been characteristic of the early Edo period.

The Reforms have proved extremely unpopular with the commoners.

Another part of the Reform includes the Agechi-rei, which is to have daimyō in the vicinity of Edo and Ōsaka surrender their holdings for equal amounts of land elsewhere, thereby consolidating Tokugawa control over these strategically vital areas.

However, this is also greatly unpopular among daimyō of all ranks and income levels.

The Reforms had been largely instituted by Mizuno Tadakuni, chief senior councilor (Rōjū) to the Tokugawa Shogunate, but the general failure of the Reforms has caused Tadakuni to lose favor.

To complicate his situation future, in May 1844, Edo Castle had burned down.

The restrictions on entertainment have been enforced solely by him, and these had ended on February 22, 1845, when Tadakuni had been relieved of his position in the government.

On September 2, 1845 he is exiled to Yamagata Domain in Dewa Province, where he will remain in exile until his death.

He is succeeded by his son Mizuno Tadakiyo, who is also an important figure in the late Tokugawa shogunate.