Honhyakusyo sounds like an interesting evolution. The multi-generation Japanese home became an ideal, like the Nuclear Family in America. 20 People working for a patriarch seems like a big family.
The early Edo period was one of the few times in the world when farmers were able to become self-reliant. However, as Japan's economy developed and the gap between rich and poor became more pronounced, many honhyakusyo fell back into the position of servants.
Honhyakusyo sounds like an interesting evolution. The multi-generation Japanese home became an ideal, like the Nuclear Family in America.
20 People working for a patriarch seems like a big family.
The early Edo period was one of the few times in the world when farmers were able to become self-reliant. However, as Japan's economy developed and the gap between rich and poor became more pronounced, many honhyakusyo fell back into the position of servants.