Why was the ancient Feudal system of Japan important?
The Japanese feudal system was one of strict hierarchy, which in effect provided people with protection in return for their total loyalty. It was based on the “han”. A han was a very large estate, which was ruled over by its lord, the daimyo (the word can be translated as “great name”). The daimyo, his family and servants lived in a castle town, surrounded by the daimyo’s land. Similarly to European feudalism, the common people who lived and worked on the daimyo’s estates were considered to be his property. They provided the labour to produce food and all other goods. They were not allowed to travel outside the boundaries of their own han. The common people formed three classes: artisans (craftsmen), farmers and merchants. They were at the bottom of the heap, with the merchants right at the very bottom, below the farmers, who in turn were below the artisans!!~!
