Social, Political, Religious structure

Social Structure overview

A Peasant LifeThe life of a peasant is heavily influenced by the rigid social hierarchy and strict governance of the Council of elders. Here's an overview of what life is like for peasants during this time:

Agrarian Society: The majority of the population are peasants who live in rural areas and work as farmers. Agriculture is the backbone of the economy, and peasants are responsible for cultivating rice, the staple food of the nation, as well as other crops such as barley, wheat, and vegetables.

Feudal Obligations: Peasants are bound by hereditary ties to the land and are obligated to provide labor and taxes to their local lord, who can be a daimyo (feudal lord) or a samurai retainer. The system of land tenure, known as "shinōkōshō," allocates land to peasants based on their social status and obligations to the lord.

Heavy Taxation: Peasants are subjected to heavy taxation, often in the form of rice, which is collected by the local authorities to support the feudal system and maintain the lifestyle of the ruling elite. High taxes can sometimes lead to economic hardship and famine among peasant communities.

Social Hierarchy: Peasants occupy the lowest rung of the social hierarchy, below samurai, artisans, and merchants. They have limited social mobility and are often discriminated against by those in higher social classes. Peasant communities are tightly knit, with strong bonds formed through shared labor and communal rituals.

Living Conditions: Peasant dwellings are typically simple, thatched-roof houses made of wood and mud, with few amenities. Families live in multigenerational households, and living spaces are often cramped. Access to healthcare and education is limited, leading to high rates of infant mortality and illiteracy.

Natural Disasters: Peasant life is frequently disrupted by natural disasters such as floods, droughts, and earthquakes, which can devastate crops and lead to widespread poverty and starvation. Peasants rely on communal cooperation and resilience to overcome these challenges.

Cultural Practices: Despite the hardships they face, peasants preserve their cultural traditions and folk customs, including festivals, rituals, and performing arts such as folk music and dance. These cultural practices provide a sense of identity and community cohesion within peasant villages.

Isolation: The council implements policies of isolationism, known as "sakoku," which restrict foreign trade and travel. Peasants are largely isolated from the outside world and have limited contact with foreigners or external influences.

Desperate measures: In dire economic circumstances, peasant families resort to selling their daughters into servitude, marriage or worst to alleviate financial burdens. Extra younger sons not necessary to take care of the farm are also taken in by criminal gangs in exchange of compensation. Those practices, while not universal, highlights the desperate measures taken by peasants to survive in times of hardship.

Overall, life for peasants is characterized by hard work, poverty, and a strong sense of community solidarity. Despite their low social status and the challenges they face, peasants play a vital role in sustaining the agrarian economy and preserving the cultural heritage of Tengoku.

A merchant and artisan life
Artisans and merchants occupy a significant position in society, albeit below the samurai and religious figures in the social hierarchy. Here's an overview of their lives:

Craftsmanship and Artistry: Artisans, known as "shokunin," are skilled craftsmen who specialize in various trades such as carpentry, ceramics, textiles, metalwork, and woodworking. They hone their craft through years of apprenticeship and dedication, producing high-quality goods prized for their craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Merchant Guilds: Merchants, or "chonin," form a distinct class within society. They are involved in trade, commerce, and finance, operating businesses ranging from small shops to large trading houses. Merchant guilds, known as "za," play a crucial role in regulating trade and protecting the interests of their members.

Urban Centers: Artisans and merchants primarily reside in urban centers where commercial activities thrive. These cities serve as bustling hubs of trade, culture, and innovation, attracting artisans and merchants from across the country.

Lifestyle and Wealth: Successful artisans and merchants enjoy a comfortable lifestyle and accumulate wealth through their businesses. They live in well-appointed homes, adorned with fine furnishings and decorations, and enjoy luxuries such as fine clothing, entertainment, and leisure activities.

Social Status: While artisans and merchants are wealthier than peasants, they are still considered part of the commoner class, below the samurai and religious personalities in the social hierarchy. Despite their economic success, they are subject to certain restrictions and societal norms that dictate their behavior and interactions with other classes.

Education and Culture: Artisans and merchants value education and culture, with many aspiring to provide their children with opportunities for learning and advancement. Some artisans study traditional arts such as tea ceremony, calligraphy, and flower arranging, while merchants pursue business-related skills and knowledge.

Community and Networking: Artisans and merchants form tight-knit communities within their respective guilds and neighborhoods, where they share information, resources, and support. Networking and building relationships are essential for business success, and merchants often engage in social activities and gatherings to cultivate connections.

Innovation and Adaptation: Artisans and merchants are innovative and adaptive, constantly seeking new techniques, products, and markets to stay competitive. They play a crucial role in the commercialization and dissemination of goods and ideas, contributing to the economic growth and cultural vibrancy of the empire.

Overall, artisans and merchants lead dynamic and prosperous lives, contributing to the flourishing economy and cultural landscape of urban centers. While they are not part of the ruling elite, their influence and contributions are instrumental in shaping the society and economy of the empire.

A samurai lifeDuring times of peace, the average life of a samurai is characterized by a combination of military training, administrative duties, and adherence to a strict code of conduct. Here's an overview of their daily life and responsibilities:

Training and Discipline: Despite the absence of active warfare, samurai maintain rigorous training regimens to hone their martial skills. This includes daily practice in swordsmanship (kenjutsu), archery (kyujutsu), horseback riding, and hand-to-hand combat. Training sessions are often conducted in dedicated dojos or training grounds under the guidance of skilled instructors.

Administrative Duties: In addition to their martial training, samurai are expected to fulfill administrative roles within their lord's domain. This may involve managing estates, overseeing land cultivation, collecting taxes, and enforcing local laws. Samurai also serve as advisors to their lords, providing counsel on matters of governance and strategy.

Cultural Pursuits: Samurai are patrons of the arts and culture, with a keen appreciation for literature, poetry, tea ceremony (chanoyu), calligraphy, and traditional theater (Noh and Kabuki). Engaging in cultural pursuits is not only a form of leisure but also a means of cultivating refinement and intellectual development.

Etiquette and Protocol: Samurai adhere to a strict code of conduct known as bushido, which emphasizes virtues such as loyalty, honor, integrity, and self-discipline. They conduct themselves with dignity and respect, observing proper etiquette and protocol in all social interactions. Maintaining personal integrity and upholding the honor of their family and lord are paramount.

Family and Social Life: Samurai place great importance on family and social connections. They often reside in fortified compounds known as "buke yashiki," where multiple generations of the family live together. Family gatherings, ceremonies, and rituals play a central role in samurai life, reinforcing bonds of kinship and duty.

Spiritual Practices: Many samurai adhere to Zen Bodhisarism or other forms of spirituality such as Jinseism, seeking inner peace and enlightenment through meditation and contemplation. They may also participate in religious ceremonies and rituals to honor their ancestors and seek divine protection.

Preparation for Conflict: Despite the prevailing peace, samurai remain ever vigilant and prepared for the possibility of conflict. They regularly maintain their weapons and armor, participate in military drills and exercises, and stay informed about geopolitical developments that may impact their lord's domain.

Overall, the average life of a samurai during times of peace is a blend of martial discipline, administrative responsibilities, cultural refinement, and adherence to a strict code of honor. While the absence of war may provide moments of respite, the duties and obligations of samurai endure, shaping their daily lives and defining their identity as warriors and noble retainers.

A Daimyo lifeThe average life of a daimyo, or feudal lord, is marked by a complex blend of military obligations, administrative duties, cultural pursuits, and social responsibilities. Here's an overview of their daily life and roles:

Administrative Duties: Daimyo are responsible for governing their domains, which can range from small territories to vast provinces. They oversee a wide range of administrative tasks, including land management, taxation, justice, and infrastructure development. Daimyo maintain bureaucratic systems to govern efficiently, employing officials and advisors to assist in governance.

Military Obligations: While the Edo period is characterized by relative peace, daimyo are expected to maintain military readiness and provide military support to the Emperor when called upon. They train and equip their samurai retainers, organize local militias, and fortify their castles and defenses in preparation for potential conflicts.

Cultural Patronage: Daimyo are patrons of the arts and culture, fostering artistic and intellectual endeavors within their domains. They support traditional arts such as tea ceremony, calligraphy, Noh and Kabuki theater, and haiku poetry. Daimyo may also commission works of art, sponsor scholars, and host cultural events to showcase their wealth and sophistication.

Social Obligations: Daimyo are expected to uphold their status as elite members of society and maintain social connections with other daimyo, samurai, and prominent figures. They participate in formal social gatherings, ceremonies, and rituals, which serve to reinforce alliances, negotiate marriages, and demonstrate loyalty to the Emperor.

Economic Management: Daimyo oversee economic activities within their domains, including agriculture, industry, trade, and finance. They promote economic growth by investing in infrastructure projects, supporting local industries, and implementing policies to stimulate commerce and prosperity.

Family Affairs: Daimyo manage the affairs of their households, which often include multiple wives, concubines, children, and extended family members. They arrange marriages for their children to forge political alliances and secure their family's status and influence.

Spiritual Practices: Many daimyo adhere to religious beliefs such as Bodhisarism or Jinseism and participate in religious rituals and ceremonies. They may build and maintain temples, shrines, and other religious structures within their domains and support the clergy as a means of ensuring divine favor and spiritual guidance.

Political Maneuvering: Daimyo navigate the complex political landscape of the Empire, balancing their loyalty to the Emperor with their own ambitions and interests. They engage in diplomacy, negotiation, and sometimes intrigue to advance their positions and protect their domains from rival daimyo and external threats.

Overall, the average life of a daimyo is characterized by a delicate balance of military, administrative, cultural, and social responsibilities, all of which contribute to their status and influence within the feudal hierarchy. Despite the challenges and complexities they face, daimyo wield significant power and authority within their domains, shaping the political, economic, and cultural landscape of the empire.

A monk lifeThe life of a monk is characterized by spiritual devotion, discipline, and service to both the Bodhisarism faith and the community. Here's an overview of the life of a monk during this time:

Monastic Training: Monks undergo rigorous training in Bodhisarism philosophy, meditation, scripture study, and ritual practice from a young age. They may enter monastic life as novices and gradually progress through different stages of ordination, culminating in full monkhood. Some are training in martial art, but with a spiritual purpose and rarely would ever use it for violence.

Temple Life: Monks reside in Bodhisarism temples, which serve as centers of worship, education, and community life. Temples vary in size and significance, ranging from small rural shrines to grand urban complexes. Monks participate in daily rituals, ceremonies, and services, both alone and with the congregation.

Spiritual Practice: Central to a monk's life is the practice of meditation (zazen), which cultivates mindfulness, concentration, and insight. Monks devote hours each day to meditation, often sitting in silent contemplation or engaging in walking meditation (kinhin) to deepen their spiritual awareness.

Scripture Study: Monks study Buddhist scriptures, texts, and teachings, delving into the vast body of Buddhist literature to deepen their understanding of the dharma (teachings) and its application to daily life. They may engage in formal study sessions, lectures, and discussions with fellow monks and teachers.

Service and Outreach: Monks serve their communities through various forms of outreach, including offering spiritual guidance, counseling, and support to those in need. They may also engage in charitable activities such as providing food, shelter, and medical care to the impoverished and disadvantaged.

Ceremonial Duties: Monks perform ceremonial duties within the temple and broader community, including leading rituals, conducting funeral services, and presiding over special occasions such as weddings, births, and festivals. They act as spiritual advisors and guides, offering blessings and prayers for the well-being of individuals and society.

Asceticism and Simplicity: Monks embrace a life of simplicity, renouncing material possessions and worldly attachments in pursuit of spiritual awakening. They may live frugally, following strict rules of conduct and observing periods of fasting and austerity as part of their spiritual discipline.

Continued Learning and Growth: Throughout their lives, monks continue to deepen their spiritual practice and understanding, seeking enlightenment and liberation from the cycle of suffering (samsara). They may undertake pilgrimages to sacred sites, engage in advanced study with esteemed teachers, and participate in intensive meditation retreats to further their spiritual development.

Community Life: Monks live in close-knit communities with fellow practitioners, forming bonds of friendship, camaraderie, and mutual support. They share meals, chores, and responsibilities within the temple, fostering a sense of unity and harmony among the sangha (monastic community).

Overall, the life of a monk is one of dedication, discipline, and devotion to the path of awakening. Through their practice and service, monks embody the timeless values of compassion, wisdom, and inner peace, inspiring others to walk the path of spiritual transformation.

A shrine maiden lifeShrine maidens, also known as "miko," played significant roles in Jinsei rituals, ceremonies, and the maintenance of shrines. Here's an overview of the average life of a shrine maiden during this time:

Spiritual Training: Shrine maidens undergo spiritual training and education from a young age, often beginning their apprenticeship in childhood. They learn traditional Jinsei rituals, prayers, and chants, as well as the proper etiquette and conduct expected within sacred spaces.

Service to the Kami: Shrine maidens serve as intermediaries between humans and the kami (spirits or deities) revered in Jinseism. They perform purification rituals, offer prayers and offerings to the kami, and participate in ceremonies to honor and appease the divine forces believed to inhabit shrines and natural phenomena.

Ceremonial Duties: Shrine maidens assist Jinsei priests in conducting various ceremonies and rituals throughout the year, including seasonal festivals, harvest celebrations, and rites of passage such as weddings and child blessings. They may perform dances, recite prayers, and play musical instruments to accompany the rituals.

Caretakers of Sacred Spaces: Shrine maidens are responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of shrine grounds, including cleaning, decorating, and preserving the sacred environment. They tend to shrine gardens, offer incense, and arrange ritual implements and offerings with meticulous care to ensure the purity and sanctity of the shrine.

Community Engagement: Shrine maidens engage with the local community, welcoming visitors to the shrine, offering guidance and assistance to worshippers, and participating in outreach activities such as community festivals, parades, and charitable events. They serve as ambassadors of the shrine, fostering connections and fostering a sense of belonging among worshippers.

Costumes and Attire: Shrine maidens wear distinctive attire consisting of white kimono adorned with colorful sashes (obi) and ceremonial accessories such as bells, ribbons, and headdresses. Their attire reflects traditional Jinsei aesthetics and symbolism, symbolizing purity, reverence, and connection to the divine.

Continued Learning and Growth: Throughout their lives, shrine maidens continue to deepen their knowledge and understanding of Jinsei traditions, mythology, and rituals. They may receive guidance and mentorship from senior shrine maidens or priests, attend training seminars, and participate in advanced studies to refine their skills and expertise.

Spiritual Significance: Shrine maidens hold spiritual significance as conduits of divine energy and guardians of sacred spaces. They embody the values of purity, devotion, and harmony with nature, serving as embodiments of Jinsei principles and fostering a sense of reverence and awe among worshippers.

Overall, the life of a shrine maiden is one of dedication, service, and spiritual connection to the kami and the natural world. Through their rituals, ceremonies, and community engagement, shrine maidens play vital roles in preserving and perpetuating the rich cultural heritage of Jinseism in the empire.

Etiquette and protocol
Here's some basic rules of etiquette. If you don't follow those you will be considered rude and in some particular case it could result in shame for you and your family.

- The "-sama" suffix is used to address someone of higher rank, commoners will always address samurai or equivalent with "-sama" suffix.

- The honorific "-Tono" is used to address his lord or master. The honorific "-san" is often used between samurai or shugenja of same ranks.

- The "-kun" or "-chan" is used for direct family, traditionally children and sometimes loved ones.

- If a samurai has clearly identifiable family symbol or has introduced himself, its an insult to not address him by his family name followed by "-sama" or "-san", unless he has expressed permission to use his chosen name.

- Bow to your colleagues, bow lower to your superiors, and kneel to your lord. Its appropriate to touch your head to the floor when before a daimyo, or the Imperial family.

- You do not wear armor or carry weapons of war within a lord's lands without permission to do so. This excludes the daisho (katana, wakizashi), which represents a samurai's honor and soul. Simple weapons are not weapon of war, but armor are.

- Carrying a katana regardless of gender implies you are a warrior and are capable of defending your own honor.

- It is inappropriate for women to reveal skin, except hands, neck, face and feet in summer.

- Its considered scandalous for an unmarried woman to be alone with a man inside. A handmaiden or chaperon is recommended to preserve a lady's honor.

- Protocol dictates a gift must be refused twice so the giver can assure his sincerity.

- Touching dead flesh is impure and a stain on your honor, this include leather. For this eta perform the duty of touching the dead.

- Cleanliness is extremely important to samurai, nobles, and religious folks. Samurai are known to sometimes bath daily because of this.

- If you have been so greatly dishonored that you bring shame to your family, you may restore your honor through seppuku. This can only be done through permission from one's lord. For non-bushi women, they may similarly perform jigai.

- Samurai do not engage in commerce, it is considered beneath them as money should mean nothing to them. However, for some samurai it is a necessity while others may have more creative means to avoid physically exchanging currency.

- It is extremely inappropriate to physically touch others in public which includes, but is not limited to: holding hands, hugging and kissing.

- It is disrespectful to address a samurai by his given name (firstname) without permission.

- When entering an establishment such as a tea house or sake house, its general practice to leave your katana in the appropriate area at the front for safe keeping. Its a general courtesy and is enforced more often at sake houses so drunk, angry samurai don't draw their swords on other people.

- When staying at a samurai's home it is generally expected a samurai should leave his katana in his room, but is allowed to carry his wakizashi.

- It is extremely inappropriate to speak of Bloodspeakers (maho tsukai), Magic (Maho), Yokai (Ghosts, demons), Oni and the Taint in polite company.

- It is rude to approach a table uninvited at an establishment such as a sake house or tea house. Worse is to seat yourself without permission from the occupants of the table.

- Listening in on another person conversation is quite rude. Its common practice to ignore conversations if they are not directed towards themselves.

- It's a challenge to authority to watch a samurai or an elder in the eyes.

- It's not recommended to talk to a samurai or noble, unless they talk to you directly, unless you are a samurai yourself. If you really need to do so, make sure you bow in front of him properly and very low before speaking and don't look at him in the eyes.

Table Manners

You say "itadakimasu" ("I gratefully receive") before eating, and "gochisosama" ("Thank you for the meal") after finishing the meal.

It is not uncommon in private households and in certain restaurants (e.g. izakaya) to share several dishes of food at the table rather than serving each person an individual dish. When eating from shared dishes, move some food from the shared plates onto your own with the opposite end of your chopsticks or with serving chopsticks that may be provided for that purpose.

The proper usage of chopsticks is the most fundamental element of table manners, Chopsticks are used to eat most kinds of foods, with some exceptions. Some of the most important rules to remember are as follows:

Hold your chopsticks towards their end, not in the middle or the front third.

When you are not using your chopsticks, or have finished eating, lay them down in front of you with the tips to left.

Do not stick chopsticks into your food, especially not into rice. This is only done at funerals with rice that is put onto the altar.

Do not pass food directly from your set of chopsticks to another's. Again, this is a funeral tradition that involves the bones of a cremated body.

Do not spear food with your chopsticks.

Do not point with your chopsticks.

Do not wave your chopsticks around in the air or play with them.

Do not move plates or bowls around with your chopsticks.

To separate a piece of food in two, exert controlled pressure on the chopsticks while moving them apart from each other in order to tear the food. This takes some practice. With larger pieces of food such as tempura, it is also acceptable to pick up the entire piece with your chopsticks, and take a bite.

If you have already eaten with your chopsticks, use the opposite end to take food from a shared plate.

Blowing your nose in public, and especially at the table, is considered bad manners.

It is considered good manners to empty your dishes to the last grain of rice.

Talking about toilet related and similarly unappetizing topics during or before a meal is not appreciated by most people.

It is considered bad manners to burp.

After eating, try to move all your dishes back to the same position they were at the start of the meal. This includes replacing the lids on dishes and putting your chopsticks on the chopstick holder or back into their paper slip.


Drinking rules

When drinking alcoholic beverages, it is customary to serve each other, rather than pouring your own beverage. Periodically check your friends' cups and refill their drinks if their cups are getting empty. Likewise, if someone wants to serve you more alcohol, you should quickly empty your glass and hold it towards that person.

While dining formality with noble caste, it is considered bad manners to become obviously drunk.

Do not start drinking until everybody at the table is served and the glasses are raised for a drinking salute, which usually is "kampai". Avoid using "chin chin" when drinking a toast, since this expression refers to the male genitals.

How to eat...

About Rice:
Hold the rice bowl in one hand and the chopsticks in the other. Lift the bowl towards your mouth while eating. Do not pour soya sauce over white, cooked rice.


About Sushi:
Pour some soya sauce into the small dish provided. It is considered bad manners to waste soya sauce, so try not to pour more sauce than you will use.

You do not need to add wasabi into the soya sauce, because the sushi pieces may already contain it, or may be eaten plain. However, if you choose to add wasabi, use only a small amount so as not to offend the sushi chef. If you do not like wasabi, you can request that none is added into your sushi.

In general, you are supposed to eat a sushi piece in one bite. Attempts to separate a piece into two generally end in the destruction of the beautifully prepared sushi. Hands or chopsticks can be used to eat sushi.

In case of nigiri-zushi, dip the piece into the soya sauce upside-down so that the fish enters the sauce. A few kinds of nigiri-zushi, for example, marinated pieces, should not be dipped into soya sauce.

In case of gunkan-zushi, pour a small amount of soya sauce over the sushi piece rather than dipping it into the sauce.

About Sashimi:
Pour some soya sauce into the small dish provided. Put some wasabi on the sashimi piece, but be careful not to use too much as this will overpower the taste of the fish. Dip the sashimi pieces into the soya sauce. Some types of sashimi are enjoyed with ground ginger rather than wasabi.

About Miso Soup:
Drink the soup out of the bowl as if it were a cup, and fish out the solid food pieces with your chopsticks.

About Noodles:
Using your chopsticks lead the noodles into your mouth. You may want to try to copy the slurping sound of people around you. Rather than being bad manners as Westerners are often taught, slurping noodles is considered evidence of enjoying the meal.

In case of noodle soups, be careful of splashing the noodles back into the liquid. If a ceramic spoon is provided, use it to drink the soup, otherwise, lift the bowl to your mouth as if it were a cup.

About big pieces of food:
(e.g. prawn tempura, tofu)
Separate into bite sized pieces with your chopsticks (this takes some exercise), or just bite off a piece and put the rest back onto your plate.

Gender roles in TengokuThe game draws inspiration from a historical setting while weaving a fictional narrative. In a spirit of inclusivity, regardless of gender identity, citizens enjoy equal opportunities within their social class. Unlike feudal Japan, where gender roles were rigidly defined, women actively participate in politics, with some even holding positions as Daimyo. Additionally, many significant religious figures are women, illustrating their influential roles in society. While women samurai do exist, they are not as prevalent as their male counterparts.

Genders roles in Japan (1603-1868)

As a reference, here's a possible overview of how it looked like during the Edo period in Japan (1603-1868), gender roles were deeply entrenched in societal norms and expectations. Here's an overview of the roles of women and men during this time:

Roles of Women:

Domestic Duties: Women were primarily responsible for domestic tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and childcare within the household. They managed the day-to-day operations of the home, including budgeting, meal preparation, and caring for family members.

Family Life: Women played central roles in maintaining family harmony and cohesion. They supported their husbands and children emotionally and provided nurturing care and guidance to the family unit.

Education: While formal education for women was limited, some were educated in basic literacy, arithmetic, and domestic skills. Wealthier families might provide education for their daughters, including training in traditional arts such as tea ceremony, calligraphy, and flower arranging.

Economic Contributions: Women often contributed to the family's income through cottage industries such as weaving, sewing, and producing goods for sale. In rural areas, women participated in agricultural work alongside men, helping to plant, harvest, and process crops.

Marriage and Family Arrangements: Arranged marriages were common during the Edo period, with families playing a significant role in arranging matches for their daughters. Women were expected to marry and establish households at a young age, and their primary role was to support their husbands and raise children.

Social Restrictions: Women's social mobility was restricted by traditional gender norms and cultural expectations. They had limited opportunities for advancement in education, employment, or political participation, and their status was often tied to their roles within the family and household.

Roles of Men:

Breadwinners: Men were expected to provide for their families financially and assume the role of primary breadwinners. They held responsibility for earning income through employment or agricultural work to support their households.
Professional and Occupational Pursuits: Men pursued various professional and occupational roles, including careers in government service, military service, agriculture, trade, craftsmanship, and artisanal work. They held positions of authority and leadership in their respective fields.

Education and Training: Boys received formal education in literacy, arithmetic, and moral instruction, preparing them for roles as responsible citizens and productive members of society. Some pursued higher education in specialized fields such as Confucian philosophy, medicine, or the martial arts.

Military Service: Military service was an essential aspect of male identity during the Edo period. Men served in the samurai class as warriors, soldiers, and retainers, upholding the principles of loyalty, honor, and duty to their lords and the shogunate.

Political Participation: Men held positions of political power and influence in government, serving as officials, bureaucrats, and advisors to the ruling authorities. They played active roles in local administration, policymaking, and governance, shaping the socio-political landscape of Edo-period Japan.

Social Mobility: Men had greater social mobility and opportunities for advancement compared to women. They could pursue careers, receive education, and participate in public life more freely, allowing them to ascend the social hierarchy and achieve recognition and status within society.

Overall, the roles of women and men in Edo-period Japan were largely defined by traditional gender norms and societal expectations, with women primarily responsible for domestic duties and men assuming roles as providers, professionals, and leaders in various spheres of life.