The Shinokosho class system of the Edo period (consisting of warrior-rulers, peasants, artisans, and merchants) placed merchants in the lowest ranks; however, this rank was reversed due to the economic liberalization in the Meiji period.
士農工商と江戸時代には最下層とされた商人の立場が、明治時代の経済の自由化とともに逆転する。