History of Tsūkō Tegata wooden passport 通行手形
Japan's "Tsūkō Tegata" (通行手形) was a type of travel permit issued during the Edo period (1603–1868) by the Tokugawa shogunate or local feudal lords (daimyō). It served as an official document to control the movement of people or travelers—especially samurai, merchants, and farmers—within the country. This system was an important tool used by the shogunate to strengthen its rule and maintain social order.
The main purposes of the Tsūkō Tegata included:
- Proof of permission to pass through checkpoints (sekisho, 関所)
- Preventing people from escaping, eloping, or illegally traveling
- Tracking spies or criminals
- Controlling the freedom of movement of women, lower-ranked samurai, and farmers
In the early Edo period
Especially at a time when literacy rates were low and paper was expensive or difficult to preserve, wooden tags (mokufuda, 木札) were a practical material for travel permits.
Some important or frequently used Tsūkō Tegata were made into wooden plaques, often issued to officials, merchants, or people who traveled regularly (such as couriers or messengers traveling for official duties).
These wooden tags were usually long, thin wooden boards with ink-written or engraved characters, often stamped with an official seal.
Why use wood?
- Durability: Wood is sturdy and doesn’t tear easily, making it ideal for long journeys.
- Easy identification and carrying: It could be worn at the waist, attached to a bag, or shown quickly at checkpoints.
- Symbol of authority: Wooden tegata issued by the shogunate or feudal lords symbolized official power.
After the Meiji Restoration (from 1868 onward)
With the collapse of the feudal system, the checkpoint and Tsūkō Tegata system was abolished.
As Japan modernized, this aspect of history came to be viewed as part of the "cultural heritage of the feudal past."
The earliest modern souvenir versions of the Tsūkō Tegata
These appeared around the late Shōwa to early Heisei period (1970s to 1990s). At the time, Japan saw a surge in historical tourism. In response, local governments and museums began designing and selling Edo-style Tsūkō Tegata as souvenir items to promote cultural tourism.
The motivations behind this included:
- Promoting cultural tourism: Letting visitors experience a taste of "traveling through Edo."
- Revitalizing local economies: Selling souvenirs helped build regional brands.
- Combining education and entertainment: Allowing people to learn history in an enjoyable way.
This movement was also influenced by the popularity of other themed souvenirs at the time, such as "Ninja certificates," "Samurai licenses," and "Castle lord name plaques," which helped make the Tsūkō Tegata a popular tourist item.
In particular, wooden tag-style Tsūkō Tegata became very popular and are often hung on walls near the entrance of homes or by the doorway.
They are believed to symbolize:
- Safe passage
- The traveler’s return
- Good fortune and protection