Abstract

Japanese political history from the 14th to the 16th century was a difficult and turbulent period. This was the period when the power of the Emperor was increasingly neutralized by the power of the bakufu, moving towards complete neutralization. And it was also a period of wars between feudal lords competing for power, making Japan extremely chaotic. However, in contrast to the gloomy political picture, the economic situation in Japan during this period was very prosperous, especially the trade economy. The article clarifies the major changes of the Japanese commercial economy in the 14th - 16th centuries in the following aspects: The development of wholesale trade; The development of ports and the birth of new cities; The monetary economy develops strongly and extensively; The outstanding development of foreign trade.