Chubei

"From the time of opening, all staff, including Chubei himself, lived in the store. Not only apprentices called ‘koyaku,’ but also veteran employees left their families in their hometown of Omi and lived a communal life to dedicate themselves to work. They could only return home during summer and winter vacations, and only during the slow season in business could they finally go back to their family homes."

"At twenty-nine, in 1871 (Meiji 4), it was the year with the greatest changes for merchants like Chubei. In July, the abolition of the feudal domains and establishment of prefectures was implemented. The following year, 1872, the ban on permanent sale of farmland, set by the Edo shogunate, was abolished, which allowed land trading. Next, the yen was introduced as a new currency, and the postal system also began. Two years earlier, barriers (sekisho) were abolished, making overland transportation less cumbersome than during the Edo period."

"The teachings of Jodo Shinshu instilled ethical convictions in Chubei. His virtues of thrift, diligence, and sincerity were fostered by daily devotion to his faith as a follower."