Social Class of Japan
Emperor- Although at the head of the class system and Japan's religious leader, the emperor had no real power. He spent his time studying and writing poetry. He was spied on and not permitted visitors without the Shogun's permission. The emperor was treated as a prisoner of the Shogun.
Shogun- Shogun protected the nation against foreigners. The Shogun was the power behind the throne. He ruled the country by creating the laws and rules of conduct. As the lawmaker, the Shogun was not subject to many of these laws.
Daimyos- Daimyos were landowners and were heavily regulated by the Shogun's laws. Without his approval, a Daimyo could not marry. The number of their laborers and the size of their castles also were determined by law. They were allowed to socialize only within their own district to prevent possible plotting. They were kept from becoming too wealthy and powerful by paying for the repairs of castles, roads, and forts. When the Americans arrived there were about 250 Daimyos and 35,000 samurai working as their knights.
Samurai- Samurai were warriors and a masters of farmers, artisans, and merchants. Samurai enjoyed cherry blossom viewing, poetry, and flower arranging. Many were excellent poets, painters, and men of learning. A samurai depended on his Daimyo for a meager salary.
Farmers- Farmers were 80 % of Japan's population at the time of Perry's arrival, most farmers lived below the poverty level. Their home and quality of life was determined by the amount of rice grown.
Artisans and Merchants- The artisans and merchants were one of the wealthiest classes. The craftsmanship of artisans let them get a great deal of money and food. If they appeared too wealthy, the government would confiscate their business. Merchants gradually broke out of the rules of their class as the Daimyos and samurai came to them for financial help. At the end of the 19th century merchants were becoming very powerful and may have influenced the Japanese decision to negotiate with Perry.
Emperor- Although at the head of the class system and Japan's religious leader, the emperor had no real power. He spent his time studying and writing poetry. He was spied on and not permitted visitors without the Shogun's permission. The emperor was treated as a prisoner of the Shogun.
Shogun- Shogun protected the nation against foreigners. The Shogun was the power behind the throne. He ruled the country by creating the laws and rules of conduct. As the lawmaker, the Shogun was not subject to many of these laws.
Daimyos- Daimyos were landowners and were heavily regulated by the Shogun's laws. Without his approval, a Daimyo could not marry. The number of their laborers and the size of their castles also were determined by law. They were allowed to socialize only within their own district to prevent possible plotting. They were kept from becoming too wealthy and powerful by paying for the repairs of castles, roads, and forts. When the Americans arrived there were about 250 Daimyos and 35,000 samurai working as their knights.
Samurai- Samurai were warriors and a masters of farmers, artisans, and merchants. Samurai enjoyed cherry blossom viewing, poetry, and flower arranging. Many were excellent poets, painters, and men of learning. A samurai depended on his Daimyo for a meager salary.
Farmers- Farmers were 80 % of Japan's population at the time of Perry's arrival, most farmers lived below the poverty level. Their home and quality of life was determined by the amount of rice grown.
Artisans and Merchants- The artisans and merchants were one of the wealthiest classes. The craftsmanship of artisans let them get a great deal of money and food. If they appeared too wealthy, the government would confiscate their business. Merchants gradually broke out of the rules of their class as the Daimyos and samurai came to them for financial help. At the end of the 19th century merchants were becoming very powerful and may have influenced the Japanese decision to negotiate with Perry.