Database: Commerce and Craft at Sakai
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Following the Onin Wars (1467-1477) that ravaged Kyoto, many artisans and merchants of the capital fled to Sakai. The addition of these artisans allowed Sakai to become the main market of the country, even eclipsing Hyogo (present-day Kobe). The city was administered by a merchant oligarchy who met in a council called the egoshu. During the 16th century, they purposefully avoided the struggles between daimyo for control of the region and tried to maintain the neutrality of the city while also welcoming those fleeing persecution. In 1536, Sakai once again welcomed persecuted merchants from Kyoto who were followers of the Lotus school (or Nichiren sect). The numbers who came to Sakai were sufficient that it became one of the strongholds of this Buddhist school, which attracted many bourgeoisie. When the Portuguese arrived in Japan, they referred to the city as the "republica do Sakai," which they compared to Venice.
By the mid-16th century, Sakai had become a flourishing city and the "safest place in the country" because the merchant oligarchy had spared it from the many conflicts at that time in Kinai, the heart of the country. Once again, peace attracted all those fleeing the incessant wars.
Sakai had become an important place of artisanal production. In particular, there were arsenals where firearms were manufactured. These weapons were much needed to wage war. However, the metallurgists also made other weapons, especially swords. Additionally, the artisans specializing in leatherwork made horse saddles and harnesses for the cavalry of the great lords. There were also many sake breweries in Sakai, which were like small banks, and workshops for making damask fabrics from silk.