Bezaisen
The Bezaisen or Benzaisen was a large wooden sailing ship that was widely used for domestic shipping in Japan through the Edo and Meiji periods.
Name
Several theories exist regarding the origin of the name Benzai-sen. Folklorists Kunio Yanagita and Tarō Wakamori proposed that it derives from the Bensai-shi, officials engaged in the management of maritime transport and delivery. Another theory from the Edo period held that “Bezai” derived from Heizai, meaning “stable presence,” referring to the ship’s good balance and seaworthiness. A further explanation suggests it evolved from Hezaizen, meaning “a ship with a prow.”However, since the term was originally written as “Bezai,” the Bensai-shi theory is doubtful, and the “Heizai” interpretation does not match changes in the vessel’s actual design.
Although the ship type originated in the Seto Inland Sea, the kanji form “弁才船” was first used on the Sea of Japan coast. Sailors serving aboard Benzai-sen were called Benzaishu or Benzaisha.
Origin
Originally, Benzai-sen were small- to medium-sized vessels used within the Seto Inland Sea. In the early modern period, they ranged in capacity from 110 to 960 seki. Standard capacity was about 250 seki. From the late 17th century, hulls were enlarged to 350 seki and beyond, with ships over 1,000 seki appearing by the late Edo period.As Benzai-sen became dominant and replaced other vessel types, the term Kaisen came to refer to them specifically. The colloquial name Sengokubune originally described cargo capacity, but became synonymous with the Benzai-sen as 1,000-seki vessels grew common.
The early Benzai-sen did not differ greatly from Ise-bune or Nikaigata-sen, though its bow was thicker like that of a Sekibune, improving speed and seaworthiness. This advantage led to its dominance in coastal trade.
Improvements
Edo-period developments
In 1635, the Tokugawa shogunate prohibited the construction of ships over 500 seki, but ocean-going vessels were exempt. Three years later, merchant ships were again permitted, and with the adoption of the isolation policy, coastal navigation became the primary use of the Benzai-sen.By the mid-18th century, rationalization made Benzai-sen more efficient. Earlier Kaisen had combined sailing and rowing, but as the economy expanded, competition encouraged full sail propulsion and smaller crews. This innovation helped expand domestic shipping.
; Hull structure
; Sails
; Rigging
; Rudder
; Winch
Meiji-period developments
During the Meiji period, the government termed traditional Japanese sailboats such as Benzai-sen “Yamato-type ships” to distinguish them from Western designs.Despite the introduction of Western vessels, Benzai-sen remained important for domestic trade due to their economy and simplicity. They incorporated Western elements such as ribbed framing, Western-style rudders, jibs, spankers, and schooner-type rigs. The type remained in service until replaced by motor sailers in the early Shōwa period.
Performance
Benzai-sen were designed for coastal transport rather than open-sea voyages and were smaller than visiting foreign ships.Contrary to popular belief, the Tokugawa shogunate did not ban decks, keels, or multiple sails. The flat keels, single masts, and simple rigging reduced crew size. Some vessels carried auxiliary sails, and while deckless designs increased cargo capacity, they also made ships more prone to wrecks.
Efforts to improve safety included partial decking and removable side walls or awnings to protect cargo.