History of Asia

Another reason why the officials turned to Mr. Taira

Not very good family Taira Is Daijo-daijin Embezzlement of regents Did you get antipathy because you did it? I talked about it before (see Go-Shirakawa-in and Taira no Kiyomori), but at the same time, Heiji rebellion Shinsai There was one case (what happened to the Heiji rebellion?), So the aristocrats at that time had something like an air where the family was no longer an absolute society . It seems that.

Moreover, Kiyomori who is carrying the force .. Even those who would not be able to raise Mr. Taira blatantly, such as the Shishigatani conspiracy case (although there are various theories), have appeared, so overthrowing Taira will lead to some benefit. Or lose the disadvantage It is natural to think that.

What are the advantages and disadvantages ...? but.

Japan's oldest Wadokaichin Bronze coin I think you learned that was used, but in fact this "copper coin" is Mr. Anti-Taira It is said that it was connected to. This time, why bronze coins led to the overthrow of Mr. Taira Let's take a look.

* Although there are coins before Wadokaichin, Wadokaichin is the oldest currency in Japan that has been distributed in a wide range.

Copper usage and economic conditions at that time

Wadokaichin Was established as a currency in 708, but in Japan, where metallurgical technology was scarce, there was a shortage of copper, and the quality and size of the currency became smaller, and people lost their credibility. A turn from the monetary economy and a return to the goods economy have become.

Especially during the continuous disasters of the 10th century and the political turmoil of the 11th century, mappo thought spreads. Buddhism has come to seek salvation, and copper is used to make the butsugu . This caused a further serious copper shortage . It is.

In addition, the improvement of agricultural productivity and the widening and development of the economy will make it inconvenient to exchange goods just by exchanging goods.

Taira no Kiyomori pays attention to "copper"

Banknotes are already born in China (Song) at that time was doing. Bronze coin Than banknotes Bronze coins because the exchange of coins was lighter and easier to carry, so it was useful. Was in a situation where it was possible to purchase cheaper than before.

What I noticed here is Japan-Song Trade Taira no Kiyomori is.

Japan-Song Trade Bronze coins purchased cheaply at Will be sold at a high price in Japan. Butsugu There was also a use to melt it to make, but there was another use to use it as money. Kiyomori Worked on the imperial court to cancel the exchange of goods such as silk, which was already becoming inconvenient. I let him do it.

What is money in the first place? ??

"Money" is made up of trust. If you don't have credit for the current 10,000 yen note, it's just a piece of paper. Copper coin In the case of the value of copper itself is credible Because of this (a situation where copper is needed to make Buddhist altars), it has come to be widely used for settlement of transactions.

Kiyomori Was undertaking the import of bronze coins at once That's why Heike played a role like what is now called a central bank. Naturally, the assets that Heike has are enormous.

Bronze coin Will increase imports as it becomes widely used. That bronze coin It seems that the amount of imports of copper was higher than expected, and as a result the value of copper becomes low have become. inflation Caused.

However, it is a foreign land that makes money. Because I relied on the import, I couldn't do so many transactions and I couldn't help. I couldn't issue the money myself, so I couldn't take appropriate action at the right time.

What did the aristocrats think in this situation?

Originally, the exchanges of aristocrats were basically silk-centered exchanges. Since he was also the lord of the manor, he also has plenty of rice. It is the spread of bronze coins and inflation, which reduces the value of silk and rice and causes great economic damage . Received. This is the same for the imperial court.

It can be said that this is another reason why the Kuge clan went to the Taira clan. Rather, it seems that the financial damage is greater than the pride of family traits.

What is the richer place other than Mr. Taira?

It is the power of temples and shrines that has become economically rich due to the spread of bronze coins other than the Taira clan.

Of course, the reason why it became rich was because it had a large amount of copper, such as melting Song dynasty and making Buddhist altars. It is said that he was making unsecured usury by taking advantage of such characteristics. The first name I often hear is Enryakuji .. Go-Shirakawa-in And Enryakuji There seems to be a reason why the relationship was bad.