Edo period census

The Edo period census was a government effort in Japan (1603-1868) to systematically record the population for administrative and tax purposes. It involved counting residents, their occupations, and property holdings, often through local officials and registries. This data helped authorities understand demographic trends, manage resources, and organize military conscription or taxation. The census contributed to social stability and effective governance by providing a detailed snapshot of the population's distribution and social structure during Japan’s Edo era.