The influence of geographical factors of a han on efficient knowledge acquisition

An empirical research using network analysis and geographically weighted regression

Abstract

In Edo Japan, “hanko," schools in prefectures called “han," had an external knowledge network of academic disciplines in a hanko. This study focuses on “yugaku," a system of studying outside a han, and the change of a han president. It demonstrates that the geographical factors of a han influence the relationship between yugaku and the change of a han president and efficient knowledge acquisition positioning in a network. We employ statistical analyses and geographically weighted regression with spatial properties using 10 panel data for the period 1736-1835. The results indicate that the influence of the geographical factors of a han is different on efficient knowledge acquisition positioning with respect to yugaku, the change of a han president, and the era.