noun
Edo-period census; population survey
Historical term for the population registration system used during the Edo period to record households and individuals, often for taxation and religious affiliation checks.
江戸時代には、人別改が毎年行われた。
During the Edo period, a census was conducted every year.
Compound of 人別 (にんべつ, 'per person' or 'individual') and 改 (あらため, 'inspection' or 'revision'), referring to the periodic inspection of population registers.