Review: Daily Life and Demographics in Ancient Japan

[JLBadgley]

Review: William Wayne Farris's Daily Life and Demographics in Ancient Japan

Interested in the population trends of the Nara through Heian periods? Than this small monograph is for you. Of course, if a long discussion about the vagaries of historical documents and the historiography thereof isn't your cup of tea, I hate to say that this particular pamphelet may not be up your alley.

That isn't to say it is a poor buy. For serious students interested in the discussion of population trends and what it means about the life of the Japanese people, this is a great resource. Farris not only condences the most recent scholarship on the issue, but also explores the history of the discussion, starting with the pre-war authors.

This small work, which builds on Farris's previous books on population, famine, and pestilence in early Japan, starts specifically with population estimates from 700-1150. It continues with the variables that contributed to mortality during that period as well as various background factors.

I don't see any great new groundbreaking concepts, but the consolidation of the information will be of assistance to those interested in the study of this early period. There are plenty of tables, and some appendices of possible interest. Farris includes a discussion of the Wamyo sho and the Shugai sho, two of the primary sources, including a chart of the totals of arable land provided in each.

This isn't a large work--only a little more than 100 pages, so it is a quick read for anyone interested in the topic. It is also #63 of the Michigan Monograph Series in Japanese Studies, a good line to check out in general.

For interesting books and titles, remember to check out the S-A Bookstore, where proceeds from the sale of books will go to help keep the lights on here at the Samurai Archives Japanese History Page and Forums!

-Josh

[leakbrewergator]

Sounds like a great "prequel" to Japan's Medieval Population, which is one of my favorites. Farris makes the study of demographics, which usually puts me to sleep, very interesting. I'll have to check this out.
_________________
A person who knows but a little will put on an air of knowledge. This is a matter of inexperience. When someone knows something well, it will not be seen in his manner. This person is genteel.
- Yamamoto Tsunetomo

[Tatsunoshi]

Farris also has a long essay in the new "Heian Japan: Centers & Peripheries" (a great book with essays by many of the leading names in pre-modern Japanese history) that covers much the same ground. In fact, the medieval population book, the book being reviewed here, the essay, and his newest book, "Japan to 1600: A Social and Economic History" all borrow extensively from each other-so much so that it's almost Turnbullian. The newest book (Japan To 1600) is supposed to be a general survey of Japanese history, but doesn't really deliver the goods on that front (although it does a good job of continuing his work in the demographics field). In addition, it has some really glaring errors I'm surprised that such a well respected scholar would make-such as stating Hideyoshi took a Chinese Princess as his consort during the Bunroku No Eki, declared himself winner of the conflict, and withdrew all his troops (and then tried again in 1597).

[leakbrewergator]

I really like Farris' work, but I do agree that he sometimes makes statements that make you scratch your head. Remember the whole Fukuro Mochi discussion? I do like the way he presents his research, though.
_________________
A person who knows but a little will put on an air of knowledge. This is a matter of inexperience. When someone knows something well, it will not be seen in his manner. This person is genteel.
- Yamamoto Tsunetomo

[Mr No-Dachi]

Well this thread seems as good as any to ask about Farris' Heavenly Warriors book about the evolution of japanese armeis 500-1300. Is it a good/accurate read? Especially when compared to Karl F Fridays' works on similar subject matter (I ask because with Farris I can buy one big book instead several smaller Friday ones)

[leakbrewergator]

[Tsubame1]

[Mr No-Dachi]

[Date Onigiri]

Farris is a wussy. His scholarship is sliding, he's an arrogant man living in a cracked ivory tower and his ego is bigger than a pile of all the sammyrai history books written by Stephen Turdball.

Enough said.

And yes, the Rice Ball Sammyrai is BAAAACK!