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Ton'ya
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Ton'ya (問屋), called toiya outside of Edo, were trade brokers in Japan, primarily wholesalers, warehouse managers, and shipment managers; the term applies equally to the traders themselves and to their shops or warehouses. First appearing as early as the 12th century, ton'ya came to serve a crucial role in the economy of the Edo period (1603–1867).
This article is about the Japanese trade brokers. For other uses, see Tonya (disambiguation).
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