With the power of bakufu gradually declining, influential temples/shrines (Shokoku-ji Temple, Sanjusangendo Temple etc) or influential shugo-daimyo (territorial lords as provincial constables) (the Hosokawa clan, the Ouchi clan etc.) became the shipowners and traded in corporation with merchants in Hakata and Sakai as well as sailors in the towns located in the coastal region of Seto Inland Sea.
幕府の力がしだいに弱まるようになると有力寺社（相国寺、三十三間堂など）や有力守護大名（細川氏、大内氏など）が船主となり、これに博多や堺の商人、瀬戸内海の町、水夫が結びついて貿易を行った。