Database: Land Ownership in Medieval Japan

Under the undivided ownership system of feudal Japan, land was passed down from father to son. In the case of a person with influence, the younger siblings were obligated to assist the eldest with the family farm. While it was typical in places like Kanto for a second son to inherit cleared land, those who did not needed to leave to make their own life. Some became soldiers in the new seigneurial military with the hope of getting promoted, possibly becoming samurai as a reward for loyal service. However, this ceased to be an option for the 1600s. Landless young men could also become monks, or work on city and road construction as common laborers. Those aiming higher than unskilled labor might become traders or artisans. These cadets do not become a "social issue" as society had been expanding since the mid-16th century. This expansion became even more pronounced at the beginning of the 17th century under the Tokugawa with the success of Hideyoshi's reforms and the return of peace. The demographic surplus was absorbed without significant friction.