The fifth shogun of the Edo Shogunate (r. 1680–1709), born the fourth son of Tokugawa Iemitsu and former lord of the Tatebayashi domain. He had deep interests in Confucianism and Buddhism, patronizing the reconstruction of the Yushima Seidō and sponsoring waka poetry and Noh theater. From 1685, he issued the "Edicts on Compassion for Living Things" (Shōrui Awaremi no Rei), severely prohibiting the killing of animals—especially dogs—earning him the nickname "Dog Shōgun." These edicts caused considerable hardship for Edo commoners, and many were punished for violations, making them notorious as bad laws. Recent scholarship, however, has begun to reassess them as an early expression of animal welfare and respect for life. His currency reforms stimulated the flourishing of Genroku culture but also triggered serious inflation. He died in 1709 at the age of 62.

Intellectually passionate—unusual for a shōgun, he personally lectured on Confucianism. Gentle by nature with deep compassion for living things, yet his forceful implementation of policies and favoritism toward close advisors drew criticism.

The Edicts on Compassion for Living Things remain debated but are discussed as Japan's earliest animal-protection legislation. His reign supported the material and intellectual flourishing of Genroku culture, and Yushima Seidō still stands as a historic site in Tokyo.