According to Japan’s Industrious Revolution Economic and Social Transformations in the Early Modern Period by Akira Hayami What is Shōen system

The Shōen system was a system of land ownership and management in Japan during the early modern period. Under this system, large tracts of land were owned by powerful landowners, who leased smaller parcels of land to tenant farmers. The tenant farmers were responsible for working the land and paying rent to the landowner, while the landowner provided protection and other services. This system was characterized by a lack of centralized control and a high degree of local autonomy, and it played an important role in shaping Japan's economy and society during this period.