Matsudaira Sadanobu (1759–1829) as head of the government for the child shogun, Ienari, carried through the Kansei Reforms. Strict sumptuary laws were enacted; restrictions were imposed on commercial activity; financial retrenchment at the center was pursued; and efforts were made to bolster the sagging prestige of the samurai class. At this time, imperial opposition to Edo became apparent in Kyoto and the bakufu became aware of the rapidly expanding European powers. (See Japan, 1793–1914)
