Working class in Shogunate Japan

Everyday Life of the Working Class in Shogunate Japan

Multiple Choice

Who are the working class?

• farmers and artisans

• merchants and emperors

• shoguns

• daimyo and ronin

Society

Shogunate Japan Feudal System

​The shoguns imposed a strict class system, with the samurai (warriors) at the top, followed by farmers, artisans, and merchants. These are the four main ones. Under the shoguns there were also lords with the title of daimyo, each of whom ruled a part of Japan.

​Ciara

Multiple Choice

How many main Social Classes are there?

• 4

• 8

• 5

• 7

Meals

What did they Eat?

​In medieval Japan, the working class, including farmers and laborers, relied heavily on rice as a staple food, which was often supplemented with seasonal vegetables such as daikon, cabbage, and various greens. Fish was a common source of protein, especially in coastal areas, while tofu provided an alternative protein source. Meat was less common due to cultural and religious practices, but when consumed, it typically came from domesticated animals like pigs or chickens. The diet was largely influenced by the agricultural calendar and regional availability of food, leading to a diet that was both practical and resourceful.

Edlyn

Multiple Choice

What was the staple food?

• rice

• tofu

• fish

• seaweed

How do Artisans Live

Daily Artisan Life

​The artisans, skilled craftspeople and farmers, were the people who produced goods, tools and objects for everyday use and for war. Many artisans gained fame through their skill in their particular field such as sword-smithing or pottery.

An

Multiple Select

Artisans Produced... (select 2)

• food

• tools

• goods for war

• beauty products

Place in society

Working Class Role

The working class such as farmers and artisans are not recognised as important and powerful, however their role in society is valued as farmers supply food, artisans make clothes, tools and object, they give things they make to the merchants who sell it but the artisans are the ones with the skills this is why they are highly required for life in japan.

Ciara

Multiple Choice

Is the working class need in society?

• no, because they are poor and are not powerful and important

• yes, because it is how japan is supplied with things

Conclusion

The Working class

In shogunate Japan, there are four main social classes, the two middle classes, farmers and artisans, are the working class. Their diet mainly consists of rice and fish. They are not powerful but they are still valuable otherwise japan would have no resources. The job of the working class for farmers is to grow crops and the artisans to make tools, clothes and objects.

Edlyn

Poll

Would you rather be a farmer or an artisan?

• Farmer

• Artisan