Japanese Castes of Ritsuryō

Ryômin (良民) and senmin (賤民) was the two principal castes of the system of caste of the medieval Japan.

The system of the Ritsuryō, founded in Japan at the end of the 7th century was based on a division into two of the company, as in the China of the Tang.

Subdivisions in the caste of the ryômin

The ryômin (litt. good citizens ) were the highest social class. They were divided into 4 groups.

kanjin (官人)
komin (公民)
shinabe (品部)
zakko (雑戸)

Senmin

The senmin (litt. low citizens ) represented the low class of the system of caste.

ryôko (陵戸), guards of the imperial family
kanko (官戸),
kenin (家人), slaves of the families of high-row
kunuhi (公奴婢), slaves of the court
shinuhi (私奴婢), slaves of the families

This system of castes ceased at the end of the 10th century.

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