In 1946, after Japanese defeat in WWII, large tracts of imperial-owned land were again sold off. The various disadvantaged peoples who settled this land were collectively called "the new poor" (新窮民 "shin-kyuumin"). They performed heavy agricultural labour day and night, living in straw huts without electricity or running water. Settlers who could not endure this harsh environment left; those who remained were able to make a living off of land purchased from deserters.