Farmers in Japan held a privileged position just below that of a Samurai because they were responsible for the production of rice, the most important commodity in Japan and a basic food for the country. Although they held an important position, they had difficult lives. They were not allowed leave their lands or village, and how they should dress was dictated to them.
There were two groups of farmers. The honbyakusho were principal farmers, who controlled specific land plots, sometimes owned their own homes, and often held supervisory positions in the village. The hyakusho were ordinary tenant farmers, who were forced to work, yet could own nothing.
Your task is to create an 8-10 slide power point presentation that clearly demonstrates the role of the farmer in Japanese society during the Edo period. To complement your information, include images representing farming in Japan. (Google search images: Rice planting Japan) Your presentation should answer the following questions:
1. How did the way farmers were treated affect their worldview?
2. Was the work of a farmer valued in Japan? Why?
3. How was farming a result of the evolution of social classes?
4. How did taxes that farmers were forced to pay affect their livelihood?
5. What types of crops were harvested in Japan?
6. How did the farmer’s role change during isolation?
7. Farmers of Japan were granted a social standing just below the samurai class, yet the government made their lives oppressive and wretched. Why would this have occurred?
Resources
http://www.syngenta.com/en/day_in_life/japan.aspx
http://www.asianresearch.org/articles/2317.html
http://www.pbs.org/empires/japan/enteredo_5.html
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