However, the lands of the Shōnai region were fertile and well-watered, and eminently suited for growing rice, which gave the Sakai clan actual revenues of more than 200,000 koku.

This revenue was further supplemented by the developed of Sakata port for the coastal kitamaebune trade, which gave the clan an actual income of closer to 300,000 koku.

The proposal sparked tremendous outrage in Shōnai domain, and a large number of commoners, merchants, samurai and officials descended upon Edo in 1840 to file protests and petitions in what came to be known as the Tenpo Gimin Jiken (天保義民事件).

The move was cancelled by the timely deaths of both Ienari and his son Matsudaira Narisada within weeks of each other in 1841 and Shōnai was "punished" by being assigned various public works projects.

Shōnai was regarded with caution by the Satchō Alliance, as it had deep financial resources, and had rearmed with modern weapons supplied by the Schnell brothers.

This move was strongly protested by the people of the domain, who raised 300,000 ryō as payment to the Meiji government, and obtained the support of Saigō Takamori to have the order rescinded.

During the Boshin War, the domain sided with the Ōuetsu Reppan Dōmei, for which it was punished by the Meiji government with the loss of 2500 koku.