Online dictionary of history and traditions in Japan: Shoen

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French version

Shoen

荘園
alternative words: Manor, Shouen
keywords: office , war lord
related topics: Taika reform , Ritsuryo system , Heian period , Samurai , Onin war , Jito
related web sites: http://www.tamagawa.ac.jp/sisetu/kyouken/kamakura/syouen/
explanation: After Taika reform, the private land ownership had been ban (Ritsuryo system) but it was gradually vacated under a pressure of powerful aristocrats and great temples: first, it was admitted to own new exploitation. Less powerful landowners contributed their lands to more powerful owners to get their aid while they recruited samurai to protect their lands. So at the end of Heian period, virtually all the Japanese lands had become Shoen (manors) and this situation continued until Onin war.