Database: Independence and Culture at Sakai

In addition to being an international port and artisanal center, Sakai was also a major cultural hub during the 16th century. The wealthy merchants of Sakai, many of whom had made their fortunes in the arms trade, developed a keen interest in tea, a notably peaceful activity.

Within their residences, or sometimes in their gardens, they built a tea house, or a room dedicated to the preparation of this beverage, where they would gather informally to discuss around tea utensils, from which the price kept increasing. Thus, cha no yu, literally 'the hot water of tea,' which we have come to translate as 'tea ceremony,' was established around an aesthetic of simplicity and austerity.

In 1569, tensions escalated between Oda Nobunaga, who sought to seize the city's wealth by imposing a war contribution, and the international port town. However, the great tea master, Imai Sokyū, who was one of Sakai's most influential merchants, successfully negotiated a settlement with Nobunaga. Sakai had avoided destruction but was now under Nobunaga's control. its autonomy was over. He cemented his hold on the city by placing Imai Sōkyū in charge of Sakai's administration and making him his personal tea master. Sakai's political autonomy under the merchant oligarchy was effectively over.