The market
The market is a vital source of supplies and money for your village. Several of the crops you can grow are cash crops; you can grow and sell these in times of plenty to bring in money for buying staple food during times of need, as well as using the money to pay for workers and specialists and providing a more varied diet for the people.
There are several things you need to know about how prices work on the market if you’re not to get burned. Always try to buy when prices are low and sell when they’re high!
- For edible supplies, prices vary with the season. They’re cheapest during autumn and winter and most expensive during spring and summer as stocks run low.
- Market prices overall are dependant on the quality of the local harvest over the short term, which, in turn, is dependant on the weather. Good weather means low prices at the market and vice versa. This effect can be extreme, so if the weather is turning, stock up on supplies before it’s too late!
- Your own interaction with the market will affect prices. Selling large amounts of a given store will lower the price, whereas buying large quantities will raise it. (You can use this effect to try to play the market, if you’re so inclined.)
- Prices increase steadily as the years roll by, due to the high inflation experienced throughout the Edo period.
- Various events can affect market prices for specific commodities.
Being well aware of the foibles of the market will make a big difference to how well you can look after the people, so keep a close eye on it at all times. Be warned, however - it can be very tempting to sell large quantities of rice or other crops when you have them, and exchange them for more valuable luxuries such as tea and sake. Always try to keep plenty of basic foodstuffs in stock though.
Play the game
Game info & tips
Learn more about The Rice Harvest »
Edo period Japan
Explore Japan during the Edo period »
About rice
Learn more about rice farming »
Contact, etc.
Contact, mailing list, etc.