5.2 Social and economic reforms

Toyotomi Hideyoshi's land reforms reshaped Japan's economy and society. The Taiko Kenchi survey standardized land valuation and taxation, boosting agricultural productivity and centralizing control.

These changes fueled urbanization and the rise of the merchant class. The four-class system was reinforced, but social mobility increased as economic power shifted, setting the stage for future transformations.

Land and Economic Reforms in Azuchi-Momoyama Japan

Land survey and tax reforms

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• Taiko Kenchi initiated by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1582 launched comprehensive nationwide land survey measured and recorded land productivity
• Land survey accurately assessed land productivity established uniform taxation system standardized land valuation across regions
• Kokudaka system measured land value based on rice production potential 1 koku equaled amount of rice to feed one person for one year (150 kg)
• Revised tax collection methods implemented direct collection from farmers eliminated intermediate tax collectors reduced corruption increased revenue
• Sword Hunt edict of 1588 confiscated weapons from non-samurai classes reinforced social hierarchy centralized control over military power

Impact on agricultural productivity

• Agricultural productivity increased due to efficient land use accurate assessments incentivized farmers to improve yields adopt new techniques (crop rotation)
• Standardization of land measurement and taxation reduced regional disparities facilitated trade economic planning enabled fair resource allocation
• Centralized economic control enabled better resource allocation supported large-scale infrastructure projects (castle construction, road networks)
• Monetization of economy shifted from rice-based to coin-based transactions stimulated commerce urban development expanded market economy
• Agricultural surplus supported population growth allowed for diversification of labor crafts led to specialization in various industries (textiles, ceramics)

Social hierarchy and merchant class

• Four-class system reinforced:
  1. Samurai (warriors)
  2. Farmers
  3. Artisans
  4. Merchants
• Urbanization and castle-town development created new economic centers attracted merchants artisans fostered cultural exchange
• Merchant class rose in prominence benefited from increased trade commerce began accumulating wealth influence challenged traditional social order
• Samurai role transitioned from rural landholders to urban bureaucrats increasing reliance on stipends rather than land income altered power dynamics
• Wealthy farmers (gōnō) emerged benefited from agricultural surplus engaged in money-lending local commerce gained economic influence
• Social mobility increased with limited opportunities for class movement some merchants adopted samurai lifestyles values blurred class distinctions