Abstract
There are two varieties of the arable land allocation of Jori, namely, the Nagachi (a long strip of land) type and the Haori (folded in half) type. The Nagachi type is a method of dividing one cho (120 yards) square of land in to ten strips, the size of each strip being 6 ken (12 yards) x60 ken. (120 yards). With the Haori type one cho square of land is divided similarly in to ten parts but the size of each part is 12 ken (24 yards) x30 ken (60 yards).
According to the studies published heretofore, it has been almost a fact that the Nagachi type preceded the Haori. Recently, however, a new theory has been presented by Professor TAKEUCHI of Kyushu University that the Haori type was prior to the Nagachi.
Professor TAKEUCHI looked for a guide to the solving of this problem in the historical literature of later ages because the direct data were lacking relating to the question.
For that very reason, however, the professor's theory remains to be carefully examined. We are to rely not only on literature but on the comparative studies in what is left of the Jori land allocation system.
From this standpoint, the remains of Toro paddy-fields that were recently unearthed are of significance.
For it was found that the land distribution plan seen on the Toro ricefields which is older than the Jori system rather approached the Haori type. It is possible therefore that the Toro paddy-fields will be regarded as an indirect datum in insisting again on the priority of the Haori to another type of the Jori land division.
