Shōnin-Ikki

商人の一揆

If there is any power to rival the shōgun, it is the Shōnin-Ikki merchant alliance. The familiar red seahorse crest adorns the sails of most trading vessels in Ryūshima. Their emergence occurred as a response to the increasing disfavor towards the merchant class following the implementation of the Ishimatsu Shōgunate. Oda Ishimatsu placed merchants at the very bottom of the social order as, unlike farmers or craftsmen, they do not produce any goods. Despite this, thanks to the legitimization of the Shōnin-Ikki and the increasing consumption of goods, merchants have become increasingly powerful in spite of their social standing.
Over the last decade, the Shōnin-Ikki has gained immeasurable wealth and power through uniting the merchant class and profiting off of foreign trade with Caspia, the only nation that the shōgunate allows limited interaction with. This has put the shōgun in a tough place. The Shōnin-Ikki is close to surpassing the government itself in terms of wealth, and its power and influence is creeping up on that of Oda Ishimatsu. If Lord Ishimatsu cuts off trade with Caspia to stunt their growth, the merchants will rebel and the samurai class, which has benefitted from the luxuries they provide, will be demoralized. If he leaves the Shōnin-Ikki be, they'll soon overshadow him.
The situation is tense, with many foreseeing a rebellion, and possibly a war, on the horizon. Regardless, as things stand, the Shōnin-Ikki are quite content with continuing business as is from their stronghold city of Seiyo. For now, the urgency is to take action lies with the shōgunate, who have yet to do much to overtly halt the merchants' growth.

Founding Date

1088 PD

Type

Financial, Merchant League

Alternative Names

Merchant's Alliance, Merchant's Rebellion