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Looking at the early modern society through the flow of people and goods

The study of merchants and the distribution of goods in early modern Japan has focused on the import and export of goods with the areas of production and the national markets as the starting point, as well as the wholesalers in Edo and Osaka which led it. However, to clarify the entire structure of distribution, we need to broaden our perspective to include consumers. Further, focusing only on well-known merchants and those referred to as "wealthy merchants" is not indicative of the characteristics of merchants of the time as a whole. Against this background, I am conducting a survey of historical materials on various merchants active in local cities. Using a variety of materials, including records related to management, we can not only enrich the history of commerce and distribution but also shed light on the actual state of society in early modern Japan.

List of Merchant Houses in Utsunomiya Castle Town

Omihachiman Townscape

Principal areas of interest

• Clothing Distribution Structure in Early Modern Japan
• Formation of Merchant Groups and Family Groups
• Merchants' Business Development in East Japan