the one that influenced the japanese belief that merchants did not contribute much to society is : Confucianism
Confucianism pretty much condemn materialistic behavior and believe that money is root of evil.
Since merchants main goal is to gain profit, Confucianism tend to see merchant in a negative way.
Explanation: Since Confucianism basically meant money is the rude of all evil, the belief was merchants were negative because all they cared about was profit.
