When we think of feudal Japan, it’s often the image of samurai, castles, and great battles that comes to mind. But beyond the armored warriors and shifting power struggles, daily life for most people unfolded quietly in the fields, towns, and alleyways far from the shogun’s court. Farmers, artisans, and merchants made up the foundation of society, living lives shaped more by the seasons than by swords. Discover how was the life outside the castle walls. Farmers For farmers, life centered around the rice fields. Though considered part of the respected working class, they carried the burden of feeding the country and paying heavy taxes in rice. Their days began […]