Men averaged about 155cm and women about 143cm in Edo Japan, the shortest in two thousand years of Japanese history. Why they were so short, and how tall figures like Sakamoto Ryoma were.

From the Middle Ages to the early and middle Edo period, the average height of Japanese adult men generally hovered between **155 cm and 158 cm**, and adult women were around **143 cm to 146 cm**.

From the Jomon period BC to the Yayoi period, the average height of the Japanese did not fluctuate much, and stabilized at around 158cm, and then there was a rising trend, which once reached 162cm. However, in the Edo period, it quickly fell to a historical low.

Although these figures are indeed tall and majestic, most Japanese are skeptical, believing that these records are more to highlight their prowess in battle or the majesty of the feudal lord, rather than true height data.

Overall, the average height of a samurai was around 5 feet 7 inches, which was considered tall for the time period. However, height was not the only factor that determined a samurai’s skill and prowess on the battlefield.

In Japan, height has historically been associated with social status and privilege. During the Edo period (1603-1868), taller men were more likely to be appointed to higher positions within society.

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Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Edo_period&oldid=1367149516" Categories: Edo period 1603 establishments in Japan 17th century in Japan 1868 disestablishments in Japan 18th century in Japan

Japan was ruled by the Shogun (supreme military dictator), while the emperor remained a figurehead leader in Kyoto. Sworn to obey the shogun were daimyo (feudal lords deriving from the samurai), who in turn were supported by their samurai (retainers) of varying ranks.

The height of Japanese samurai varies from individual to individual, but overall, they are usually shorter. In historical documents and archaeological discoveries, the average height of warriors is roughly between 5 feet 3 inches (160 centimeters) and 5 feet 7 inches (170 centimeters).