Kyoto-Minted Kan'ei Tsūhō — The Hidden Brilliance of the Capital Intertwined with the Court and Samurai

In Kan'ei 13 (1636), under the rule of Tokugawa Iemitsu, the minting of Kan'ei Tsūhō began in Kyoto. At this time, the Edo shogunate prioritized establishing a nationwide currency system. The Kyoto mint was established around Saga and Fushimi, employing numerous craftsmen for minting. Under shogunate orders, primarily copper Kan'ei Tsūhō was minted here and circulated nationwide. This currency introduction aimed to stabilize society by linking the samurai and kuge economies. Kyoto, while retaining its Heian era legacy, functioned as a political and economic center. Especially popular among the kuge, Kan'ei Tsūhō minted here was widely used in the trade of traditional industries like Nishijin textiles and Kiyomizu pottery. The introduction of Kan'ei Tsūhō invigorated economic activities, providing new business opportunities for merchants. This policy, following the introduction of silver coins in Genna 3 (1617), accelerated the establishment of a currency economy. The Kan'ei Tsūhō, with its background, is closely tied to Kyoto's history.

The coinage of Kan'ei Tsūhō at the Saga and Fushimi mints represented the technological standard of the time. The mints utilized casting methods where copper was melted at high temperatures and poured into molds. These molds were made from wood patterns engraved with intricate designs, with craftsmen striving for precision and durability. The coin's surface had the inscription '寛永通宝,' while the reverse was stamped with seals indicating the minting location. Kyoto-made coins utilized diverse script styles, requiring expertise for identification. Styles like 'comb shape' and 'octagonal' indicated production at different mints. Numerous craftsmen engaged in this work, their skill highly valued. Cutting-edge technology of the time ensured the quality of Kan'ei Tsūhō, with copper sourced from local mines like Tanba and Tajima, selected for meeting strict standards. This maintained coin durability and reliability, facilitating economic activities. Alongside technological advances, minting efficiency was improved, making Kyoto mints a core of Japan’s currency system. The Saga and Fushimi mints operated intermittently until the end of the Edo period, undergoing various trials and improvements. Techniques and operations evolved with the times, as craftsmen continually honed their skills to adapt to changes.

Kan'ei Tsūhō circulated not only in Kyoto but nationwide, forming the foundation of the Edo period economy. In Kyoto particularly, it became indispensable for merchants trading in unique industries like Nishijin textiles and Kiyomizu pottery. Nishijin textiles, known for their luxurious silk fabrics, were a key Kyoto industry since the Sengoku period, using large amounts of Kan'ei Tsūhō in trade. Similarly, Kiyomizu pottery developed throughout the Edo period, with growing domestic and international demand. Kan'ei Tsūhō stabilized prices and invigorated economic activity, such as purchasing a bale of rice for a kanmon of Kan'ei Tsūhō, enabling smoother transactions. Merchants used the coins to enhance capital fluidity and expand market areas. For common people, Kan'ei Tsūhō was widely accepted in daily life, aiding their economic endeavors. Market transactions with Kan'ei Tsūhō improved economic efficiency, contributing to local social development in Kyoto. The Kyoto mint, established around Saga and Fushimi, operated intermittently until the end of the Edo period, with records showing its diverse script needing specialized knowledge for Kyoto-specific identification. The currency economy's penetration directly impacted the populace's lives, enhancing their purchasing power. Thus, Kan'ei Tsūhō functioned as a nexus between imperial and samurai economies, profoundly affecting Kyoto's socio-economic landscape.

Until the end of the Edo period, Kyoto’s mints continued coining, producing numerous Kan'ei Tsūhō. Located around Saga and Fushimi, these mints operated intermittently throughout the Edo period. Particularly significant were Kan'ei Tsūhō minted in Kyoto, serving as points of contact between imperial and samurai economies and playing crucial roles in commerce. This coin was essential in trading traditional Kyoto industries like Nishijin textiles and Kiyomizu pottery. During the Meiji Restoration, the currency system reached a turning point. The new government introduced Western-style currency, leading to the gradual obsolescence of old coins. However, due to its historic value, Kan'ei Tsūhō continues to be highly regarded among collectors and researchers. Today, its diverse script styles and minting locations acknowledge its rarity, making it a popular collectible. Especially those minted in Kyoto receive individual evaluations for their script and minting technology differences. Kyoto-made Kan'ei Tsūhō require specialized knowledge due to each mint's unique script. Kan'ei Tsūhō’s influence on subsequent currency system organization places it importantly in Japan's monetary history. Despite many being recast, existing varieties are valuable research subjects for their diversity. When reflecting on Japan's currency past, Kan'ei Tsūhō remains an essential element, its historical significance widely recognized.