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Initially, trade between Macao and Japan was under the monopoly of the Captain-Major of Portugal. However, a contract was subsequently established between the Portuguese residents of Macao and the Captain-Major, whereby each resident came to enjoy a certain quota of raw silk to transport to Japan. Moreover, the Jesuits enjoyed 50 piculs. According to the present research, the term "armação," both in the Portuguese Royal Decree and in the document by Father Manuel Dias4 of 1610, refers to a shipping contract, rather than to a commercial body or company. The aforementioned document records the specific system of silk trade between Macao and Nagasaki, evidencing the importance of the Senate of the Chamber in the development of commercial relations between Macao and Japan.