Merchants were ranked the lowest in feudal Japan.
1. warrior
2. farmers
3. craftsman
4. MERCHANT
However, the merchants played a great role in society since they hold great economic power. It was not untill the Meiji Era when Commander Perry sailed his black steam ships in that the merchants really became wealthy and started international business. This was not only because Japan opened up its country to foreign business but also because Japan reformed itself and gave business more importance hoping to catch up with the west.
The merchants were self entities and did not cooperate or rely on others. This is a tradition that is keeping modern day Japan from experiencing growth in world shares, which have been stagnant at about 4-6%.
五個荘の近江の町
Gokasho Ohmi Village
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