Sight words: Shoin 

A foreign traveler asked on one occasion "What is Shoin (書院) ?" We were looking at an information board of a historical building. In the building there was several "Shoin" room. One "Shoin" room looked like a reception room wide enough, where many people seemed to gather there. Another "Shoin" room looked like a neat Japanese room that was consisted with 2 small tatami-rooms. If I were the owner, I would use this one as "den" or "tea ceremony room."

I couldn't explain the difference of the same name rooms, so, I searched a description paper of the building. The former example is explained as "space for official audiences." The latter example is explained as "soothing space." Then, why these quite different rooms were named same name, "Shoin (書院)" ?

Because "Shoin (書院)" was a style. There was no functional meaning in the name of the room. If the style meets the requirements, the room can be called "Shoin (書院)." However, how these rooms were called was according to the owner's opinion or somebody's decision. 

"Shoin (書院)" is the room with "Alcove for display (床の間), Staggered shelves (違い棚), Writing stall (付書院), Ornamental doors (帳台構)." I don't know the exact definition, but, if there isn't "Alcove (床の間)," the room wouldn't be called "Shoin (書院)." Other decorative parts aren't necessary, I suppose. If "Shoin (書院)" is for official audiences, it will be required to equipt full decorations. But if another "Shoin (書院)" is only for the owner's soothing, minimum decorations will need for the space.

Originally, "Shoin (書院)" was invented by samurai as kind of "den" during the Muromachi (室町) era (about 6 hundreds years ago). This style of the room was developed as personal space especially for high-status people. At that time, samurai's status rose in position, and sometimes his "Shoin (書院)" was used when he decided kind of political decisions. Accordingly, "Shoin (書院)" came to be used as space for official audiences. After the Muromachi era, when the Azuchi-Momoyama era (1573-1598) came, "Shoin (書院)" was initiatively made in the residences of castle lords. "Shoin (書院)" was used as main meeting room or official audience room. Because the wide "Shoin (書院)" equipped full decorations represented the dignity of the castle lords. 

In the sightseeing places all around Japan, there are many historical buildings made during the Azuchi-Momoyama (安土桃山) era or imitations of the buildings at that time. We have many chances to encounter "Shoin (書院)." When you see the word "Shoin (書院)," please remember this small info.

Sight words: Cuisine

Mackerel sushi

We would like to write a experience when we visited a certain famous Zen-temple in Kyoto.

There was a Soba restaurant which building made by exposed concrete at the corner of the crossing near the main entrance of the temple. The reason we entered it was that we intended to eat at unusual place. 

Stood in front of the main door. Inside was dark. So, we were afraid that it was closed today. Opening a heavy door, we saw a lady clerk welcomed us. Oops! Soon we noticed that it would be a very expensive restaurant. Ground floor had only an entrance and stairs. She said that we could go up. We walked up the stairs.
 

Soba

 
There were 10 counter seats, 3 tables for a couple. Only 16 seats. Small shop. A group of elderly women, another group of three young women, a woman travelling alone. And the most impressive group were there. They were two gentlemen around 70 years and two middle-aged women. Supposed they were ladies of a bar and often users. The gentlemen might invite ladies to eat lunch. For strangers, this scene seemed so Kyoto, putting on airs.


Being afraid of insufficient, ordered a set of 'Soba and Mackerel sushi.' 17 dollars for each. Only at a time like today.

Beside us, a woman travelling alone was sitting. And one clerk began a conversation between who were in the know.
'Well, this soba is "Ju-wari"?'
'We are afraid we use 4 percent "Tsunagi".'
'I know. But, even though it's delicious.'

And, we were talking very common like 'It's difficult to eat because it was torn off compared to usual one.'
 

Mackerel sushi

Before soba, mackerel sushi was already served. Only two pieces. It was served importantly. It was very delicious. Fleshy mackerel was tightly resting upon vinegared rice and the top was 'Konbu.' Sorry we are not having enough skill to express the charm in English. 

After lunch, we found a small souvenir pack of mackerel sushi on a shelf of the entrance. Surprised at the price, 23 dollars each.

This shop was very useful for 70-year-old gentlemen enjoy eating with middle-aged bar ladies. Three young women were enjoying their afternoon chat which was kind of travelling abroad or purchasing expensive brand goods. Two elderly women were also enjoying their conversation even though cuisine didn't suit their age. They used gauze aprons for little children so that they didn't stain their expensive kimono. This place was the best expression of life in Kyoto. Very good experience. Please try it!

We will explain a little about "Ju-wari" and "Tsunagi".


Dengaku

The Inuyama castle is one of national treasures. And it located in Aichi prefecture. It's famous as the oldest castle main tower still remained. But it's not so big compared with other remained castles.
By the way, Inuyama district is famous as a rural cuisine, "Dengaku." When Japanese people say "Dengaku", sometimes it means a kind of festival. But this time, we will explain another one. It is one of cuisine. At the entrance of the Inuyama castle site, many shops and restaurants are located along the main road. There are several restaurants where we can eat "Dengaku." 

This time we don't intend to describe about these shops. There is a famous soba restaurant where you turn aside from the main road. When we visited this castle, we went there. But in front of that restaurant, we happened to think that it was nothing special.

Dengaku

Was any attractive cuisine around here? There was! We walked a little farther, and found a newly-created "Dengaku" restaurant. Its facade looked like a kind of Japanese style tearoom. Many female customers were on the target of this restaurant. Maybe, its interior was unified along with preference of females. 

Lunch menu was the "Tamatebako" set only. However, it's wonderful. When you open "Tamatebako", there are several dishes and "Dengaku". Moreover, other dishes, rice and Miso soup, and desert and coffee are all excellent. When you visit the Inuyama castle, visit this restaurant. We think you will be satisfied. We aren't agent provocateurs of this restaurant, though!

We will explain a little about "Dengaku" and "Tamatebako".


"Ju-wari"
Typical meaning of this word except Soba is "a unit means a hundred percent". The word "Ichi-wari" means ten percent. And, ten times ten percent equal a hundred percent. However, when you choose this word in connection with Soba, it means "Tsunagi" free.
When you use the word "Tsunagi" relating to Soba, it means "wheat flour." So, Soba made of a hundred percent "Soba flour" is called "Ju-wari soba".

"Tsunagi"
"Tsunagi" is the noun form of "Tsunagu". "Tunagu" is a verb means "connect". Typical meaning of "Tunagi" is a wear called overall. Overalls are clothes connected lower part and upper part, so, Japanese call these kind of clothes Tsunagi. 

However, when you use this word in related to Soba, it means "powder for gluing Soba flour. Specifically, it is "wheat flour". Gluten contained in wheat flour do duty as powder for gluing.

"Dengaku"
A dish called "Dengaku" is barbecued "Toufu" which is pierced with skewers and added "Misodare" sauces. As the ingredient  Toufu is used, but sometimes eggplants and other vegetables are used.


Tamatebako

"Tamatebako"
"Urasima Taro" is a famous children's story. And, "Tamatebako" appeared in this story. Almost all Japanese know the "Urasima Taro" story. The main character gets a treasure box in this story. And it is called "Tamatebako". So, "Tamatebako" reminds most Japanese people of a treasure box.

In the story, a strange incident happens when the main character opens the box. So, Japanese people also expect something surprising would happen when they "Tamatebako". The cook well understands customers' expectation, he offers the better-than-expected. 

Sight words: Iga city

The following "sight words" we found at "Iga city" might be obsolete words for young Japanese. However, these are connected with Japanese history deeply, so, no loss in your knowing them.

fig.1 A-da-u-chi

We found this word at "Kagiya-no-tsuji" in Iga city. If you are a big fan of Japan's period dramas, you already understand what we want to say.

"A-da-u-chi" means a revenge killing of an enemy. If you expected killing an enemy who killed your lord or nearest relations, it had been permitted in the samurai society during the Edo period. And, it was banned after the end of the samurai society (in 1873).

In the old time, revenge killings were also accepted not only in Japan but also among other foreign countries. On the contrary, modern people can't accept this custom that typical murders are admitted legally. So, no nation admits the revenge murder any more.

Adauchi battle happened here

Furthermore, knowing a concept of "Joi-uchi" is important to understand Adauchi of the Edo period. "Joi-uchi" meant Adauchi ordered by his lord. In the samurai society, the lord's order was absolute, because their society was based on the lord and vassal relationship.

One more thing, sense of value in doing Adauchi was widely accepted among the whole society at that time. And even a little before now, ordinary Japanese people considered the sense of Adauchi acceptable. Even though they also understood it was a murder and illegal. 

We want to introduce one typical Adauchi story named "Iga-goe-no-Adauchi." It registered as the three famous Adauchi in Japan. From this naming, we can understand Adauchi was considered as a virtue until a certain age.   

Small museum is there

Then, we investigate the whole story according to a time table. First incident happened around 1630. 1630 was the year of 15 years after the Osaka-no-jin war, when the Toyotomi family had died out, and the Tokugawa shogunate had begun to rule Japan.

One murder case happened at Okayama city where was far from Iga. The murderer was certain Kawai (19) and the victim was certain Watanabe (17). Both of them were the Okayama-han's retainers. And the cause of the murder was a triffing fight. The lord of Okayama-han got upset because his favorite retainer had killed. So, he ordered Watanabe's elder brother to murder certain Kawai as Adauchi. When Adauchi was ordered by the lord, it became Joi-uchi, kind of obligation. It is assuredly that the person who commanded Joi-uchi had to complete the task as long as he lived. 

He also prohibited to return home until completion of the Joi-uchi. That was a rule of Joi-uchi. (Even this single custom, the Edo era was an outrageous period.) He would be mournful about his brother's death, but whether he truly hoped the Adauchi or not?

We explain what happened more detailedly. His lord ordered him the Joi-uchi of his brother 2 years after the incident. There were 2 years after the murder of his younger brother. And after 2 more years, he searched for Kawai, and he finally found the revenge in Iga district.  
 
4 people belonging his side and 11 people opposite side dueled at Kagiya-no-tsuji in Iga district. His side won and he killed Kawai as the revenge. This incident was called "Iga-goe-no-Adauchi" or "the duel at Kagiya-no-tsuji".

Japan's period dramas based on this incident were made so many times a little before now. If you compare with western period dramas, you might mention "Gunfight at O.K. Corral" as a contrast.


fig.2 Ha-i-se-i

This word is written in a signboard in front of the octagon building in a corner of Iga-ueno castle. This unique building is called "Hai-sei-den."

"Hai-sei" means a Haiku poetry master. More particularly, this newly coined word points Matsuo Basho who made Haiku poetry for the first time. 

He was born in Iga at 1644,approximately 380 years ago. He learned "Haikai" poetry and became a master of "Haikai" with many apprentices. And he made a group of Haikai poetry. (However, Haikai poetry isn't famous nowadays.)


As a matter of fact, "Haiku" poetry was made by Masaoka Shiki at the Meiji era, approximately 150 years ago. So, Matsuo Basho didn't make "Haiku" exactly. Masaoka Shiki cut out the beginning part of "Haikai" and claimed that it was very impressive. On the contrary, Batsuo's poetries already had the essence in them.

Minomushi-an

Many apprentices of Matsuo Basyo lived in Iga-ueno city, because he lived in his younger days and had many acquaintances there. There is a famous survived villa which made by one of his apprentices in the downtown. It's named "Minomushi-an" or the bagworm villa. Strange name!

Why a professional Haikai group was made in Iga district?
It's because there was a genius person of Haikai, Matsuo Basho. Then, why he was born there? It's difficult to find the answer. 

Learning about his life, we found one thing that he had learned Haikai poetry with strong will and had dedicated his life to Haikai poetry. It would be the answer why Matsuo Basho became famous.


fig.3 I-ga-ya-ki

In mountainous district, north of Iga city, some "Iga-yaki" factories exist. Iga city and "Shigaraki" town near Kouka city are famous potteries producing areas.

The word "Yaki" is used to describe some foods barbecued usually. But, in this case, the word "Yaki" means potteries.

Iga-yai was born approximately 1300 years ago. At the end of the Sengoku era, it became famous again, because they were used for tea ceremonies. And it revivaled again recently.

Factory of Pottery

Villege of Pottery

The mountains surround Iga basin have high quality potter's clay. What's more it was relatively close to big cities, Kyoto and Nara. Famous potter's works are expensive to buy. However, we hope to get them in the future.  

Sight words: Okazaki city

In the previous article, we wrote about "Ieyasu-Gyoretsu" or the festival of Okazaki city. We wrote incident which happened in the festival only.

So, we would like to describe stories about "Iga-Hachimangu" shrine where the parade started and "Okazaki-jo park" where the parade finally arrived. And we also talk about several of sight words of Okazaki city.



Iga Hachimangu's entrance 

"Iga-Hachimangu" is the shrine where Tokugawa Ieyasu's ancestor of his five generations before established about 550 years ago. So, this shrine has a long and honorable history. It was chosen as the place that "Ieyasu-Gyoretsu" started.  

Ema

In this shrine, we can dedicate a "Ema" or a formal wooden block in which we write something we dream. For example, when we have very difficult problems, we ask the shrine for favors of the divine grace. And in a new year's week, we dedicate our gratitude by visiting and worshipping.

By the way, we found this diagram at this shrine. This diagram is a result of a event named "Mushateki-sinji" or "divine event by a selected warrior".

According to the home page, this event has been continuing long time from the date Tokugawa Ieyasu lived. But, its origin isn't clear. And in this event, several concerns which are done kind of horoscopes, which are agriculture, commerce and industry. More specifically, for example, rice for staple food would be abundant or not, weather throughout the year would be nice or not. These problems are especially conclusive for the people at the date. And also they couldn't overcome these problems more than now.

As a result of a horoscope using bows and arrows, they asked these problems for the deity. We suppose this is like the oracles of Apollo in ancient Greece. 

They told the fortune

In the Iga-hachimangu shrine, people divine the fortune using bows and arrows at the beginning of every year. In this event, selected warriors shoot arrows toward targets. How each arrow hits the target is important. Comparing with predetermined shapes, they do horoscopes this year's fortune of several concerns.

This year's results were shown by Chinese characters in this diagram. We suppose this event is far-fetched for our sight-words. Thus, we introduce only its outline.

Okazaki-jo park

Then, we headed to "Okazaki-jo park" next. This park was the Okazaki castle once. However, its compound was completely changed at some stage in the past.

Original Okazaki castle was rebuilt on a large scale at the period of after the Battle of Sekigahara. It was made like a hira-jiro or a castle on a plain, and it was surrounded by many moats at that time. 

However, most of moats were disappeared now. Furthermore, it was located at a connecting point of two big rivers at that time, but the point was moved and the size of the rivers was changed in the past. So, we can't find the original compounds, ramparts, walls, and turrets now. Almost all were renovated not referring to the originals. There are a building like the main castle tower and several stone walls, however, this Okazaki-jo park isn't a castle any more.

After a short time at the beginning of the Meiji era, "Han" or the regional feudal government was denied. After "Han", "Ken" or the prefectural government was made. This new prefectural government was controlled by the central government. And the central government disliked existence of the fortresses. And ordered the destruction of all castles.

Most of castles were destroyed at this time. However, a few castles survived in several reason. And, during WW2, survived castles were destroyed by the damage from bombings and so on. But most of destruction of the castles were caused by the Meiji central government.

In the case of the Okazaki castle, new prefectural government dutifully obeyed the central government, then the area of the Okazaki castle changed into a park of citizens.

Reconstructed main tower

The building like the main tower was made in 1959. At that time, there was a boom of reconstruction of Japanese castles. People began to consider that they wanted to travel somewhere for their leisure. Many traveled around Japan. And they were fond of visiting castles. Many cities ausorities hoped to reconstruct their castle's main tower because most of them had been destroyed by the order of the Meiji central government.

The Okazaki castle main tower is exactly what every regional cities made. Its surface was designed after the original main tower, because the Okazaki city had a few old photos of it. But, inside is completely different from the original. Because they had no information of the inside and used their imagination. 

By the way, there are so many cherry trees inside the Okazaki-castle park. And there are so many viewing spots of cherry blossoms. In addition, there are a shrine, many refreshment shops, a playground, and so on.


Sight words of Okazaki city 

Now, we found these sight words, when we walked around Okazaki city.

fig.1; O-ha-ra-i

fig.2; Cha-ya

fig.3; Cha-shi-tsu

fig.4; Ta-ke-chi-yo

"O-ha-ra-i"
What is "Oharai"? We found this sign in front of a parking space of Iga-hachimangu shrine. To say precisely, "Kuruma no okiyome, oharai" is the correct writing of the sign.

Most of Japanese people believe both Deities and the Buddha. "Oharai" is related with Deities. When we pray to a deity of Japan, "Guuji" or the chief priest of the shrine help us how to behave in front of the deities. And, he chants "Norito" or the words of prayer of a Shinto shrine.
　
By the teachings of Shinto, we pile up "Kegare" or uncleanness bit by bit. If you live with a lot of uncleanness everyday, you may meet an unfortunate event suddenly. Therefore we should visit shrines and be refreshed our uncleanness many times.

When we finish prayer, we can feel refreshed. If one of the destinations of the travel is a shrine, we are sure to pray there. For Japanese people, visiting shrines and praying is one of musts.  

Generally speaking, "Kuruma no okiyome, oharai" is in the same frame of the Shinto teachings. New cars are also suffered "Kegare" as long as they are driving. For the drivers and new cars, "Okiyome" or refreshment ceremony is important. And also "Oharai" or cleaning ceremony is good for the driver and the new car.

If you happen to have a traffic accident, you can escape a serious situation. It may depend on the number of "Kegare".
Do you have such kind of cleansing ceremony in your custom?


"Cha-ya" and "Cha-shi-tsu"
Next, we think what are "Chaya" and "chashitsu" together. These are facilities of Okazaki-castle park too.

Chaya in Okazaki-castle park

We took some pictures of Chaya. These are like souvenir shops. By contrast, we didn't take a picture of Chashitsu, because it was surrounded by hedges. We have some pictures of Chashitsu located in other places. From these pictures, we can get the feeling of the profound ambience. Consequently, you might taste formal Japanese tea. 

Cyashitsu

In literal meaning, "Chaya" is a little shop offer tea. We have a feeling of this word that it's for ordinary people. Travelers of citizen class visited and ate Dango or rice puddings and drank a cup of tea in front of these shops, if they were in the Edo era.



Another chaya in okazaki-castle park

On the other hand, "Chashitsu" is a formal space where some high class people taste tea and play kind of tea ceremony. We suppose that these facilities were in a corner of handsome houses, if they were in the Edo era. In these facilities, people taste "Omatcha".
Do you remember these words?


"Ta-ke-chi-yo"
"Takechiyo" is a boy's name. Usually, the name "Takechiyo" was associated with the childhood name of Tokugawa Ieyasu. However, that isn't the only thing we want to explain. 

A son who succeed feudal lord was same as a prince of a country. His followers hanged hope on him. People knew the name "Takechiyo" was same as childhood name of Tokugawa Ieyasu who had become the ruler of Japan. So, many feudal lords named his son "Takechiyo" hoping his son's glory.

The reason this name was loved was not only it meant a ruler's  childhood name but also words used in it were considered lucky. "Take" means bamboo. And, bamboo grows straight rapidly. So, it's a good sign for boys, especially successor's boys. "Chiyo" means millenary. So, people imagined longtime prosperity from this word.

To think of girl's name of feudal lords, there comes "Tsuru-hime". "Tsuru" means a crane. Japanese people have a very good impression for a crane, because a crane is a symbol of long life. "Hime" means princess. So, she will be a very lucky girl because of her lucky name.

Sight words: Hikone castle

Have you ever paid your attention to some typical signboard written by Japanese? If so, don't you think you can catch the exact meaning? Moreover, you want to make your travel wonderful? Then this topic will help you. Let's try to extend your knowledge of Japanese and tell it to your friends. They will be moved very much.

The statue of Ii Naomasa

Japanese people have been learning many words and expressions by custom. The words that we describe below are understood at a first glance. However, international travelers, we suppose, may feel difficulties to understand them. The reason is simply because they don't make their livings in Japan. It's difficult to gain the comprehension in such cases.

So, let's start to investigate some typical Japanese words and expressions. We want to explain that kind of information come up with, which Japanese people happen to look at these words and expressions they easily understand.

If you know the meanings of these words before visiting the sightseeing spots. These words below must be 'Sight words' for the travelers to Japan. For a starter we will search around 'Hikone castle'!


fig 1; O-za-shi-ki

fig 2; A-ma-za-ke

fig 3; O-mat-cha

fig 4; To-u-ku-ba-ko

fig 5; Ha-na-no-syo-u-ga-i

fig 6; U-mo-re-gi-no-ya

'O-za-shi-ki'
What is the Japanese word 'O-za-shi-ki'?
 This sign is on a wall of the second floor of a station side restaurant.

If you analyse 'O-za-shi-ki', you will find 'o' is one of 'polite language' and 'za-shi-ki' is an original. The owner of the restaurant may appeal that 'there are tatami-mat-eating-rooms'. 'Za-shi-ki' usually means a Japanese room where the tatami mats were covered. And sometimes it means 'the main Japanese room'. But these are used differently depending on the context.

Even more the owner wants to express 'Even your group is large, you can eat comfortably because there is a large Japanese style eating space' and 'If you want to have some banquet, there is a suitable space here'.

'A-ma-za-ke'
What is the Japanese word 'A-ma-za-ke'?
This word is on a banner-flag. And the banner-flag is in a refreshment shop of a halfway point toward the central area of Hikone castle.

'A-ma-za-ke' means sweet liquor literally. But Japanese don't use this word when they call sweet liquor. When they use the word 'A-ma-za-ke', it's not liquor but traditional beverage which children can drink. Furthermore, they expect this beverage is sweet and hot. Then you purchase and drink it, you can feel relaxed. So, it's a suitable drink for a short break.

The letter 'A-ma-za-ke' has a kanji-character means liquor even though it has no alcohol. Japanese people learn this kind of knowledge by having experience to drink 'A-ma-za-ke' in a local festival or so.

What's more, it's written in an impressive red banner-flag. The refreshment shop's owner wants to express 'This beverage is special so you cannot taste in another place'.

'O-mat-cha'
What is the Japanese word 'O-mat-cha'?
 This sign is on the wall of another refreshment shop in the Hikone castle.

To tell the truth, we don't know the accurate meaning of this word. Because this word means one of Japanese tea, and there are so many styles of Japanese tea. Broadly speaking, you can drink special Japanese tea which was drunk by Sengoku warriors and Sa-do experts of tea ceremony. We also imagine you can drink a little expensive and classy style of it in the refreshment shop.




Japanese apricot in Hikone castle

'To-u-ku-ba-ko'
What is the Japanese word 'To-u-ku-ba-ko'?
This box is placed in an entrance to the Genkyu-en garden.

If you don't have any hint, it's difficult to solve the question even you are Japanese. First hint is that this box is placed in an entrance of the Genkyu-en garden. Second hint is its explanation. You will read the word on this box carefully and find the word 'Kanko-haiku-toukubako'. 'Kanko' means 'sightseeing'. 'Haiku' means 'Japanese style very short poem'. Then,'toukubako' means 'a box for submitting Haiku poems which you made here'.

If you were deeply impressed by this garden, how about making 'Haiku'? We have no doubt about your knowledge as Japan experts. If you submit your works of your native language actually, city clerks in charge will be confused. But, there are so many international tourists, then some of city clerks will understand English. So, if you submit your works in English, they may be filled with emotion seeing them.
 
'Ha-na-no-syo-u-ga-i'
What is the Japanese word 'Ha-na-no-syo-u-ga-i'?
This stone monument is placed in a park of surrounding area of Hikone castle.

In this context, 'ha-na-no' means 'flower-like' but this flower is not real flower. This word means 'magnificent like many full-blown flowers'. English word, 'flourish' also means 'become prosperous'. Each of them is the same ideas.
Furthermore, 'Ha-na-no-syo-u-ga-i' means the famous person's life who was born in Hikone, and his name is 'Ii Naosuke'. In addition, it's also the title of a famous novel featured 'Ii Naosuke'.
This story aired as a Ta-i-ga drama, a long-running historical drama of NHK in 1963. Then, people who watched this drama series know the meaning of it very well.

However this broadcast was approximately 50 years ago, so young Japanese have no idea what 'Ha-na-no-syo-u-ga-i' is.

Ii Naosuke
Ta-i-ga drama
NHK; Japan Broadcasting Corporation

'U-mo-re-gi-no-ya'
What is the Japanese word 'U-mo-re-gi-no-ya'?
This sign board is put up in front of a small sightseeing spot which is located in the southern area of the castle. 

'Umoregi' means a wood buried in the ground. If the wood is buried in the ground, it isn't noticed even hough it has a good talent.
To understand this word we need some historical knowledge.
First, this sightseeing spot was a house where Ii Naosuke lived on his youthful days. Second, Ii Naosuke wasn't a lord when he became a man. And long after becoming an adult, he became a sensible feudal lord of Hikone domain. He was a man who had tasted the bitters of life.

He named his house 'U-mo-re-gi-no-ya'. Because, even though he was one of lord's sons and heir, he understood he would not become the next feudal lord.
This sign board was an expression of his view of life. And the change of his situation was happened. He became one of a famous person in Japan's history.
If you don't know the background you cannot understand the charm of the word 'U-mo-re-gi-no-ya'

Hikone castle main tower

Did you enjoy this article?

Too maniac?
Then it's must for you, deep inside travelers!