Quote Originally Posted by ;
Was it to not monitor the worth of rice?
Ok... Here goes and it will be your resposibility to pass this on the ones that come after you.
The Inception of a futures contract was developed quite soon after the developement of CandleStick Charting. in truth, probably simulteaneously
The two occured in Japan in the 18th century available to other opinions

Ever watched the Movie Last Samuri?
18th Century. 1701 - 1799
Japanese Warlords were compensated out of the sale of this Rice Crop of this year.
Additionally they desired all that pretty, yet practical, Armour.
Warlord says to craftsman...
Make me a few armour in an agreed price and I will cover you when the crop comes in. ie, later on. Let us say they agreed on two Bushels of Rice presently selling for 1 Yen/Bushel Sold 2 @ 1.0
Bumper Crop, Rice price is reduced 0.5 Yen/Bushel and Warlord pays Realatively Lower Price to Craftsman two Bushels of Rice are equivelent to 1 Bushel when he traded them so he gets his armour for 1/2 price [1 Yen true price ]
Blighted crop and Rice is at 20 Yen/Bushel, Warlord pays Craftsman two Bushels of Rice and his armour cost him two Bushels, 40 Yen.

So... the answer is Yes. It was to monitor the creation of Rice However, who would you believe was more privvy to the crop report? The Craftsman or the Warlord?
Edited to look at the math from adifferent pespective. hopefully clearer.