Japanese society of the Tokugawa period is influenced by Confucian principles of social order.

At the top of the hierarchy, but removed from political power, are the imperial court families at Kyoto.

The real political power holders are the samurai followed by the rest of society, in descending hierarchical order: farmers, who are organized into villages, artisans, and merchants.

Urban dwellers, often well-to-do merchants, are known as chonin (townspeople) and confined to special districts.

The individual has no legal rights in Tokugawa Japan.

The family is the smallest legal entity, and the maintenance of family status and privileges is of great importance at all levels of society.