Shogunate Japan was divided into ‘Han’ (feudal domains) and within these were the ‘Daimyoden’ (large, private realms of mighty feudal lords known as ‘Daimyo’). Castles/towns were governed by the commanders of a Daimyo’s ‘Buke-Jo’ (garrison). Villages were governed from within the lesser domains of ‘Goshi’ (country gentleman/stewards - feudal lords of the manor). There would be one or more villages within the domain of a Goshi, the village hierarchy would have been dictated by their own village family traditions and most importantly the will of their Goshi. Villages had a primary function, to produce, harvest, collect and portage rice in quantities known as ‘Koku’ (originally a measure defined as enough rice to feed one man for one year (150 kilograms, 330 pounds). Each lesser domain had its quota of koku to provide, the responsibility for this was put upon the ‘Kumi’ (heads of local important families) within the ‘Goningumi’ (a collective/council of village elders). Usually there were five Kumi, with each family not too closely related by blood to each other, so in effect five local village family factions. Goningumi were the most important among their community, answerable even on pain of death to their Damiyo, via the offices of his appointed Goshi. They had a senior member of their village council known as the ‘Nanushi’ (Head Man). These village elders would sort problems and settle village disputes, for lesser members of the community their word was law, their will was paramount. This lowland ‘Minka’ (vernacular built) dwelling is made from ‘Kyoro-Gumi’ wooden post-framing, with both partial plastered bamboo panels and timber boarded panels. Internally there is the lower 'Doma' of ‘Doza’ (padded earth) where many household jobs are done. Due to the village elders’ status he has an integral stable. Next to the Doma is the 'Hiroma' of 'Taka-Yuka' raised timber flooring, where the family eat and where the majority of the family lives, although the Elder and his wife live in a separate bedroom with its own ‘Shoji’ door. There are two doorways to the house, the main door being 'Shoji' panelled. On the outside of the main door is another door, the ‘Amado’ (rain/security) door. This cottage has two ‘Hi-en Engawa’ (full length verandas), one each side, both with ‘Naga-ita’ (wood planking) roofing. The house itself has a ‘Buki’ (thatched) ‘Kirizuma’ roof, the ‘Mune-jimai’ (ridge cover) is the relatively common ‘Oki-chi’. 28mm Scale models supplied unassembled. Miniatures not included.
