townsman's spirit; mercantile spirit
Refers to the independent, pragmatic, and sometimes profit-oriented mindset historically associated with Edo-period townspeople (chōnin). Often carries a nuance of shrewdness or a focus on practical gain.
His business savvy is exactly the mercantile spirit.
江戸時代の町人根性が、現代の大阪商人にも受け継がれていると言われる。
It is said that the Edo-period townsman's spirit has been passed down to modern Osaka merchants.