The clan's economic foundation relied on their exclusive trade with the Ainu people of Ezo, which set them apart from the agricultural-based governance principles of the Shogunate system.

[1][2][3] As per the historical account in the Matsumae domain's "Silla Records," Takeda Nobuhiro, believed to be a descendant of the Kai-Genji and Wakasa-Takeda clans, was the founder during the Muromachi period.

Under Kakizaki Toshihiro's leadership, with the lord Ando Shunsuke, peace was established with the Ainu of Chikomotain and Hashitain, strengthening control over Ezo.

Additionally, from 1719, becoming a feudal lord with a rank of 10,000 koku marked a significant development in the history of the Matsumae domain's governance over Ezo.

The black seal bestowed upon Matsumae Yoshihiro by Ieyasu in 1604 granted the clan exclusive trading rights with the Emishi (Ainu people.

The Matsumae clan implemented a policy of regulating trade between Ezo and Wajin, designating the southern Oshima Peninsula as Wajinchi and the remaining area as Ezochi.

In 1679, the Matsumae clan established an anajinya in Kusharukotan (Kusukei, Odomari-cho, Odomari-gun) in Sakhalin, initiating the development of the region as a fishing hub.

Fishing was the primary industry in Wajinchi, directly managed by the Matsumae clan, but due to dwindling herring catches, individuals began migrating to Ezo for employment opportunities.