Socio-economic activities of former feudal lords in Meiji Japan

Abstract

In the early phase of Japan's industrialization after 1886, the upper class of ex-samurai, known as daimyo with huge assets, played an important role as pioneers in equity investments in modern industries. Furthermore, when their ex-retainers founded modern enterprises, daimyo often invested in their businesses. In addition, daimyo often created opportunities for the education of young people in their former fiefs. After explaining the daimyo in the Meiji period, this article first elucidates how daimyo promoted equity investments in modern industries. Second, this study analyses the socioeconomic activities of one of the main daimyo, Tsugaru Tsuguakira in Tsugaru region.