房総の歴史と下総台地の開拓 : メコンデルタ開拓との比較から(2)[共同研究 : 千葉県成田市三里塚周辺地域の社会的・文化的特性に関する実証的研究]

The purpose of this paper, (the second part of an aricle first published in 2000), is to make clear the social characteristics of the area in and around Narita and Sakura (Shimousa), comparing "the opening process" with that of the Mekong delta. The writer discusses how the epoch-making development of the Shimousa plateau during the Meiji period came about due to its natural environment despite difficulties with land use and government settlement policies. The writer focuses principally on Tomisato, an area southeast of Inba lake near Narita and Sakura. In contrast with the Mekong delta, a large amount of archaeological and historical evidences tracing the process of deforestation has been discovered in this low land and plateau region. Based on historical documentation, the social structure of medieval (12th century) Tomisato is examined including that of Shimousakoku Intousyo Goujison Kyoumyo. The writer notes that Kenchi was undertaken in this area at the end of the 16th century and contrasts the Kenchi-cho with Dia ba of the 19th century Vietnam. The writer further evaluates the advanced policies of the Japanese authorities in their more direct control of land and people. In 1722 Edo Bakuhu advanced the so-called Kyoho-Kaikaku project to clear land and increase taxation. The writer notes that once local residents had finished completely opening low lands to rice cultivation in their village, they found that they could not clear the adjoining diluvial plateau due to serious troubles with its soil. This was despite the fact that the Edo government allowed cultivation of its public land, Makiba. At the beginning of Meiji period, the villages of Nanae and Tokura were established on the Tomisato plateau. This was part of a relocation project by the new government to help reduce social tentions in Tokyo where unemployment was becoming a problem. The writer details methods used to recruit laborers for the project, listing demographic information sucn as age, former occupation and influence on the area\u27s development. (continued