Growth of Peasantrial Enterprises and Peasantry Movement (Kosaku-Sogi)

Abstract

Japanese agriculture under the landownership in Japan (Jinushi-sei) developed rapidly its commodity production since the end of Meiji-period. This was based on the growth of the productive capacity in agiculture and on the progress of capitalism. H. Kurihara and many others proved that the outburst of Kosaku-sogi since the latter half of Taisho-period based on the enlargement of the commodity production in agriculture. This was illustrated by the following research in various districts; chief leaders in the peasantry movement were the upper class of Kosaku-no (half-dependent farmers) that had the outstanding characteristics of the commodity producer in that stage. In order to confirm these basic facts, in this report, I tried to analyse "Sanjogome-jiken" in Niigata Prefecture which had a decisive effects on the Kosaku-sogi after that. Moreover in this report, I verified the following facts. (I) This affair uprised in Taisho-period and spread over the districts, involving most of peasants. (2) The strength of alienation of large landlord, which was led by Senchobu-Jinushi, delayed the settlement of that affair. In that while, tenants unity got loose, and released in Showa-period. (3) Commodity-producing tenants, like "Hanmai-konkyu (Rice-buyer)" tenants, were exploited by landlords at high-rate "Kosakuryo(Rent)". The first was consisted of the upper class of Kosaku-no and Jikosaku-no. The latter was consisted of the lower class of Kosaku-no. But concerning the way of reproduction there was a great difference between them. Behind the peasants' disruption in this affair, there was the dissolution into two stratum-types of "Kosaku-no" So, in order to find the reason why Kosaku-sogi in the range of the village changed its character from Taisho-period, we must analyse the changes in Kosaku strata as well as the pressure by the authority and the disruption of the peasantry union.