For Daimyo Smugglers; It All Started with Silver (4)

     Now that Japan became able to complete whole operations in silver production, some daimyo warlords and merchants started trying to trade with their silver in their hands.

     For example, in 1538, 225 kilograms of silver was brought to Joseon by a mission who claimed to be an envoy from Sir. Shoni.  Who was Shoni then?

     Muto Sukeyori (1160-1228) moved from Musashi Province in Eastern Japan to Kyushu in March, 1195, as a vassal of Minamoto Yoritomo (1147-1199), who opened the Kamakura Shogunate.  Sukeyori was appointed “Dazai shoni” of Dazai-fu in October, 1226.  Dazai-fu used to be an ancient regional government in Kyushu which was also responsible for the diplomacy of Ancient Japan.  The chief executive officer of Dazai-fu was called “Dazai sochi.”  The position later became an honorary post for central aristocrats.  The subordinate but practical executive officer was called “Dazai daini,” which only central noblemen could be appointed to be.  Sometimes, a local subordinate officer, “Dazai shoni,” had the practical executive power of the regional government.  Anybody without a central aristocratic order could be appointed “shoni,” so it was the highest rank in Dazai-fu samurais could normally acquire.  After 1226, the Muto Family called themselves Shoni.