Kan (unit)

The kan (貫) is a traditional Japanese unit of weight and, less frequently, a unit of currency. Its historical value varied slightly over time and depending on the specific commodity being measured.

Weight: As a unit of weight, the kan is equivalent to 1000 monme (匁). In modern terms, standardized to the metric system, 1 kan is defined as exactly 3.75 kilograms. It was historically used for measuring the weight of various goods, including metals, agricultural products, and other commodities.

Currency: Historically, the kan also functioned as a unit of currency, particularly referring to strings of coins. The value of a kan of currency varied based on the type of coin and the prevailing economic conditions. This usage is now obsolete.

Historical Significance: The kan played a significant role in pre-modern Japanese commerce and agriculture. Its standardization in the Meiji period helped to integrate Japan into the international trading system. While no longer in common use for everyday measurements, the kan remains relevant in historical contexts and certain specialized industries.