The Development of Small Mines in Nakatsugawa Village, Chichibu, in the Edo Period

Abstract

This study historically examines regional factors of small mines of Nakatsugawa in Chichibu in the Edo period through analyses of the developers, techniques, labor force, developmental funds, and the villagers' involvement in the exploitation.Mines in Nakatsugawa were exploited in different periods when the national demand for mine resources was large. Notable developments were concentrated in the late 18th century and in the late Edo era (1825-1859).The exploitation of the mines in the late 18th century was carried out as a joint business by various individuals. Most of them were influential Chichibu farmers and Edo merchants without mining skills. Technical experts and workers were supplied from other mines, and were already available through the diffusion of techniques by the mid-18th century. When developers were short of funds, they sought a few wealthy capitalists who could support their projects. Most capitalists as well as developers were from Edo. Some influential farmers became administrative staff of the mine busiess. Other villagers also played major roles in the mine developments by selling lumber or dirt and leasing land for exploitation.Capitalists began to develop their own mines in 1825. Technical experts and workers were from other mines as before. Capitalists in the late Edo period were merchants who also managed other mines. They sometimes brought experts and workers from one of those mines. In this period, the yield of minerals was stable. Then profit from mines increased and bacame important for villagers. On the other hand, the villagers thought that they did not receive a reasonable share, even though the capitalists made much profit from the expansion of the exploitation, which caused the devastation of the villagers' woodland.The strong relation of Nakatsugawa Village to Edo was one of the important factors of the exploitation of small mines. The role of villagers in the development was also important. The villagers' involvement in the mines included their participation in the administration and supplying of labor, land, and goods.