EDO Gofunai Temples 28 and 29

https://gokurakuparadies.blogspot.jp/2017/01/gofunai-temples-28-and-29.html
.

Gofunai temples 28 and 29

[ . BACK to DARUMA　MUSEUM　TOP . ]
. Gofunai 御府内八十八ヶ所霊場 88 Henro Temples in Edo .
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Nr. 28 - Reiunji 霊雲寺 Reiun-Ji

- 宝林山 Horinzan　大悲心院 Daihishin-In　霊雲寺 Reiun-Ji
文京区湯島2-21-6 / 2 Chome-21-6 Yushima, Bunkyō ward / 湯島霊雲寺 Yushima Reiun-Ji
Shingon Sect : 霊雲寺派



This temple was founded in 1691 by 覚彦浄厳律師 Kakugen Jogon (1639 - 1702), who was a protegee of the influential Shogunate advisor, 柳沢吉保 Yanagizawa Yoshiyasu.



The main statue is 胎蔵界・金剛界大日如来 Dainichi Nyorai of both Mandalas.

To find their protector deity, a person blindfolded would stand on the Mandala and throw a paper flower in the air. It landed on the deity in question. This ritual called 結縁灌頂 Kechien Kanjo was propagated by Kakugen.

Reiun-Ji was built on request of the 5th Shogun, 徳川綱吉 Tokugawa Tsunayoshi, as 永代祈願所 a temple to pray for the Tokugawa shogunate. It was located in the North-East direction of Edo castle, a direction of the kimon 鬼門 to "keep away the Demons".
It is the main temple of the Shingon Risshu Sect 真言律宗 and has more than 46 sub-tempels.


Tsunayoshi painted 不動明王 Fudo Myo-O and Daigensui 大元帥明王 Taigen (Atavaka) for the temple, but the Daigensui painting together with other important treasures, was lost in the fires of war.

The temple was destroyed during the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923. After rebuilding, it burned again at the end of the Second World War.
The Main Hall was built in 1976. There are other halls in the compound, including one for Daigensui, the 大元堂 Daigen-Do.

The temple treasures include Important National Cultural Properties:
Juroku rakan 十六羅漢十六幅 and 諸尊集會圖 Shison shukai.

The temple is mentioned in the Edo Meisho Zue 江戸名所図会:


.......................................................................

- ご詠歌 - chant of the temple 大日寺 Dainichi-Ji in Shikoku :
つゆ霜と罪を照らせる大日寺　などか歩みを運ばざらまし
Tsuyushimo to tsumi o teraseru Dainichiji nado ka ayumi o hakobazaramashi

.......................................................................

- 朱印 - stamp of the temple :


- Homepage of the temple
- source : reiunji.or.jp


. Introduction of Dainichi Nyorai .

境内稲荷寶幢閣

.......................................................................



..............................................................................................................................................

- - - - - #edohistory - - - - -

. 徳川綱吉 Tokugawa Tsunayoshi . - (1646 - 1709) Fifth Shogun
Inu-Kubō　犬公方　Inu Kubo, the Dog Shogun

. 柳澤吉保 Yanagizawa Yoshiyasu . - (1658 - 1714)

. Fudō Myō-ō, Fudoo Myoo-Oo 不動明王 Fudo Myo-O
Acala Vidyârâja – Vidyaraja – Fudo Myoo .


::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


Nr. 29 - Nanzooin 南蔵院 Nanzo-In

- 大鏡山 Daikyozan　南蔵院 Nanzo-In　薬師寺 Yakushi-Ji
豊島区高田1-19-16 / 1 Chome-19-16 Takada, Toshima ward
Shingon Sect : 豊山派

In front of the temple is a large pond, Kagami-ike 鏡池 "pond like a mirror", hence the tame Daikyozan, Large Mirror Temple.



This temple was founded in the Muromachi period by Enjoo Biku 円成比丘 the Nun Enjo (? - 1376).
She had meandered on a pilgrimage in Japan and finally settled here in a small hermitage. She had gotten the statue of Yakushin Nyorai from Hidehira in legendary circumstances.
The main statue is 薬師如来 Yakushi Nyorai, from the time of Prince Shotoku Taishi. It had been in the possession of 藤原秀衡 Fujiwara Hidehira from Hiraizumi.

A stone memorial is dedicated to the League to Demonstrate Righteousness.
Also connected to 三遊亭円朝 Sanyutei Encho and his work 怪談乳房榎　"Kaidan Chibusa Enoki" - Ghost of Chibusa Enoki.
In the compound are the graves of famous sumo wrestler elders :
音羽山 Otowayama, 粂川 Kumegawa, 花籠 Hanakago, 片男波 Kataonami and 二子山 Futagoyama.

In the compound are various buildings and memorial stone.

The temple is in the following pilgrimages:
豊島八十八ヶ所霊場 Toshima Henro Pilgrimage - Nr. 41
東京三十三観音霊場 33 Kannon temples in Tokyo - Nr. 21


The temple is mentioned in the Edo Meisho Zue 江戸名所図会 of Takada:


.......................................................................

- ご詠歌 - chant of the temple 国分寺 Kokubun-Ji in Shikoku :
国を分け宝を積みて建つ寺の　末の世までの利益のこせり Japanese
Kuni o wake takara o tsumite tatsu tera no sue no yo made no riyaku no koseri

.......................................................................

- 朱印 - stamp of the temple :


- Homepage of the temple
- source : www.tesshow.jp/shinjuku


. Introduction of Yakushi Nyorai .

.......................................................................



..............................................................................................................................................

- - - - - #edohistory - - - - -

Sanyuutei Enchoo, San'yūtei Enchō 三遊亭圓朝 Sanyutei Encho (1839 - 1900)
born Jirokichi Izubuchi (出淵 次郎吉 Izubuchi Jirokichi)) April 1, 1839 – August 11, 1900 was a Japanese author and rakugo performer of the late Edo and early Meiji eras. Notable works include Japanese horror classics, Kaidan botan dōrō (based on Botan Dōrō (牡丹灯籠 The Peony Lantern?), and Kaidan Kasane ga Fuchi (on which many Japanese horror films are based).


CLICK for more photos !

- The Ghost of Chibusa Enoki
A painter leaves his family to paint the homes of his rich clients. A lonely, ruthless samurai falls in love with the painter's wife and rapes her. He continues on to murder the painter and his servants. From the afterlife, the painter seeks revenge on the samurai and saves his wife and newborn child.
- - - More in the WIKIPEDIA !

.......................................................................

In the temple compound is
彰義隊九士の首塚 the head mound of 9 samurai of the Shogitai group



- quote -
The Shôgitai was a pro-shogunate military unit formed in 1868 to combat anti-shogunate forces.
The group was originally formed in 1868/2, by
Hitotsubashi branch retainer Shibusawa Seiichirô, Hatamoto Amano Hachirô and 67 pro-Bakufu comrades who gathered at that time in Zôshigaya. They were first stationed at a temple in Asakusa, then moved to Kan'ei-ji in Ueno to serve as the guards of Shogun Tokugawa Yoshinobu.
The Shôgitai was destroyed by imperial troops in the 5/15 Battle of Ueno.
Some members then joined other pro-Bakufu troops in the North, while other members demobilized and returned to Edo.

A tomb for the Shôgitai can be found today in Ueno Park. The smaller of the two main tombstones was erected in 1869 by a priest of Kan'ei-ji, while the larger was erected in 1874 by Ogawa Okisato, a surviving member of the group. The site was cared for by the Ogawa family for around 120 years, before it was named an important cultural asset of Tokyo's Taitô-ku (Taitô Ward) in 1990.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government took over responsibility for the site in 2003.
- source : wiki.samurai-archives.com -

.......................................................................

. Fujiwara no Hidehira 藤原秀衡 (1122 - 1187) .


::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

- reference : 御府内八十八 霊雲寺 -
- reference : 御府内八十八 南蔵院 -

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

- Koya San in Wakayama 和歌山　高野山　-

- Kobo Daishi Kukai 弘法大師　空海 (774 - 835) -

. Gyoki Bosatsu 行基菩薩 (668 - 749) Saint Gyōki .

. Shikoku Henro Temple List 四国遍路　 .

. Gofunai 御府内八十八ヶ所霊場 Pilgrimage to 88 Henro Temples in Edo .
- Introduction -

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::



. Join the Updates of Facebook ! .

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

. Japan - Shrines and Temples - ABC .

. Welcome to Edo 江戸 ! – The Edopedia .

[ . BACK to DARUMA　MUSEUM　. TOP . ]
[ . BACK to WORLDKIGO . TOP . ]
- - - - - @edopilgrims #edohenro #Nanzoin # reiunji- - - - -
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

EDO - Gofunai temples 30 and 31

[ . BACK to DARUMA　MUSEUM　TOP . ]
. Gofunai 御府内八十八ヶ所霊場 88 Henro Temples in Edo .
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Nr. 30 - Hoojooji, Hōjōji 放生寺 Hojo-Ji

- 光松山 Koshozan　威盛院 Ijo-In　放生寺 Hojo-Ji
新宿区西早稲田2-1-14 / 2 Chome-1-14 Nishiwaseda, Shinjuku ward
Shingon Sect : 真言宗



This temple was founded in 1641 by Ryooshoo shoonin 良昌上人 Saint Ryosho Shonin, the founder of Shrine Ana Hachimangu.
威盛院権大僧都法印良昌上人
The main statue is 聖観世音菩薩 Kannon Bosatsu.
It is also known as Mushifuuji Kanzeon 虫封観世音 Mushifuji "Kannon to ward off "insects"

The temple is part of three Kannon pilgrimages:
江戸三十三観音 - Edo Nr. 15
山の手三十三観音霊場 - Yamanote Nr 16
東京三十三観音霊場 - Tokyo Nr. 22

. Introduction of Kannon Bosatsu .

. mushifuuji 虫封 to ward off insects causing illness .
- - - - - for children, the three MUSHI are
kan no mushi 疳の虫 / 癇 insect of nervousness, short-temperdness
nakimushi 泣き虫 insect of crying too much
hara no mushi 腹の虫 insect causing diarrhea

.......................................................................


Saint Ryosho had a 霊夢 sacred dream vision of the birth of the third Shogun, 徳川家光 Tokugawa Iemitsu, and 徳川秀忠 Tokugawa Hidetada, the Father-to-be, bestowed the land to him to pray for his son-to-be-born. The land was the estate of 松平新五左衛門 Matsudaira Shingozaemon from Kyoto.


The temple was also allowed to use the family crest of the Tokugawa clan, 葵の紋 Aoi no Mon.

.......................................................................

In the compound is a stone arrangement to step on the sacred sand of Shikoku:



. o-sunafumi, osunafumi お砂踏み stepping on sacred sand .

.......................................................................

- ご詠歌 - chant of the temple 善楽寺 Zenraku-Ji in Shikoku :
人多くたち集まれる一ノ宮 昔も今も栄えぬるかな
hito ooku tachiatsumareru ichinomiya mukashi mo ima mo chikaeneru kana

. 百々山 Dodozan　東明院 Tomyo-In 善楽寺 Zenraku-Ji / Shikoku .

.......................................................................

- 朱印 - stamp of the temple :


.......................................................................

ichiyoo raifuku 一陽来福
a pun with "luck coming back"



At the temple Hojo-ji, there is a large stone memorial with these words in the compounds.

At the shrine Ana Hachimangu in Tokyo people come at the day of the winter solstice to buy this amulet. It is good for business and to make money, when they put it into the auspicious direction of the new year (ehoo　恵方).　They also hang it outside on the last day of the year and for the Setsubun rituals in February. The letters of the amulet have to face the auspicious direction.
Just as shadow receedes to new light, bad fortune will not receede and good luck is bound to come.

. Winter solstice, tooji 冬至 .
ichiyoo raifuku 一陽来復"sun comes back" -- The 21st of December.

.......................................................................



- Homepage of the temple - (Hoshoji)
- source : houjou.or.jp

Closely related to the shrine 穴八幡宮 Ana Hachimangu / 高田八幡 Takada Hachiman, see below.

.......................................................................

放生寺神変大菩薩堂 Jinhen Daibosatsu Hall (Jimpen Daibosatsu)



. Jinpen Daibosatsu, Jimpen Daibosatsu 神変大菩薩 .
En-no-Gyôja 役行者 Jimpen Dai-Bosatsu, En no Gyoja

Since En no Gyoja was walking the remote mountains of Japan, people come here to pray for healing of their legs.

.......................................................................



..............................................................................................................................................

- - - - - #edohistory - - - - -

Ana Hachimangu 穴八幡宮 / Takada Hachiman 高田八幡
東京都新宿区西早稲田2-1-11 / Tokyo, Shinjuku, Nishiwaseda, 2−1−11



- quote -
... the superb Ana Hachiman-gū Shrine (穴八幡宮),
located between the university and Toyama Park, at the Babashitachō crossing (junction of Waseda Avenue and Suwa Street).
Legend places its foundation in 1062, although documented evidence of the shrine only dates back to the early 17th century. Its Buddha image was donated by Tokugawa Iemitsu in 1649. It is an interesting example of fusion between Buddhist and Shintō beliefs. The shrine's main gate has a clear Buddhist influence in its architecture.
The shrine is famous for the annual Yabusame　流鏑馬 ritual horse-riding competition.
Furthermore, the Hōjō-ji Temple (放生寺) of the Shingon school of Buddhism is located on the same grounds. The shrine was recently renovated with lavish red lanterns and torii gates. Built on a wooded hill, it offers a bit peace and relaxation in the middle of the urban jungle of Shinjuku.
- source : wa-pedia.com/japan-guide -

- reference : ana hachimangu -

..............................................................................................................................................

. Tokugawa Iemitsu 徳川家光 (1604 – 1651) - Third Shogun .

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


Nr. 31 - Tamonin 多聞院 Tamon-In

- 照臨山 / 照林山 Shorinzan　多聞院 Tamon-In
新宿区弁天町100 - 100 Bentenchō, Shinjuku ward
Shingon Sect : 豊山派 Shingon-shu Buzan-ha

. 多聞院 Tamon-In - Introduction .


::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

- reference : 御府内八十八 放生寺 -
- reference : 御府内八十八 多聞院 -

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

- Koya San in Wakayama 和歌山　高野山　-

- Kobo Daishi Kukai 弘法大師　空海 (774 - 835) -

. Gyoki Bosatsu 行基菩薩 (668 - 749) Saint Gyōki .

. Shikoku Henro Temple List 四国遍路　 .

. Gofunai 御府内八十八ヶ所霊場 Pilgrimage to 88 Henro Temples in Edo .
- Introduction -

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::



. Join the Updates of Facebook ! .

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

. Japan - Shrines and Temples - ABC .

. Welcome to Edo 江戸 ! – The Edopedia .

[ . BACK to DARUMA　MUSEUM　. TOP . ]
[ . BACK to WORLDKIGO . TOP . ]
- - - - - @edopilgrims #edohenro #tamonin #hoshoji - - - - -
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

--
Posted By Gabi Greve to Gokuraku - Jigoku on 1/22/2017 01:40:00 pm

EDO - ninsoku yoseba Hasegawa Heizo

https://edoflourishing.blogspot.jp/2017/02/ninsoku-yoseba-hasegawa-heizo.html

ninsoku yoseba Hasegawa Heizo

[ . BACK to DARUMA　MUSEUM　TOP . ]
. Edo bakufu 江戸幕府 The Edo Government .
. Persons and People of Edo - Personen .
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

ninsoku yoseba 人足寄場 rehabilitation facility for criminals
Hasegawa Heizoo, Hasegawa Heizô 長谷川平蔵　Hasegawwa Heizo / 鬼平 Onihei　



Yoseba bugyoo 寄場奉行 - Yoseba Bugyo Magistrate for the Yoseba
. bugyoo, bugyō 奉行 Bugyo officials in the Edo government .

The first Yoseba was constructed at Ishikawajima 石川島 Ishikawa Island in 1790.



- quote
PUNISHMENT — BOTH CRUEL AND ENLIGHTENED
What was the prevailing attitude regarding the purpose of punishment during the Edo period?
According to the noted legal historian Ishii Ryôsuke, "The penal philosophy of the Edo shogunate was unquestionably preventive. At the beginning, the philosophy of general prevention dominated, but after the adoption of the Osadame-gaki, it was increasingly concerned with particular prevention."

This focus on particular prevention was especially apparent in the ninsoku yoseba, a special facility for criminals regarded as capable of rehabilitation. The ninsoku yoseba was opened in 1790 at the recommendation of hitsuke tôzoku aratemekata chief Hasegawa Heizô — who was also its first director — and the approval of rôjû Matsudaira Sadanobu. Its inmates were those convicted of minor crimes, as well as mushuku, people whose names had been removed from the family register and were excluded from lawful social activities (including people who had been banished for earlier crimes).
At the ninsoku yoseba, these people received lessons in ethics and vocational training of various types. Moreover, the inmates were actually paid for the products of their labors, a practice virtually unheard of at the time.
- - - - - more about
Law Enforcement in the Edo Period
- source : japanecho.com/sum/2004



According to their performance, inmates were allowed to wear robes with less and less white dots, as they reached the time limit to go free.
They were helped to find work in the line they had been trained at the Yoseba.


石川島人足寄場

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


石川島灯台（人足寄場跡）
The Ishikawa Lighthouse memorial at the remains of the Yoseba, now in 佃公園 Tsukuda Park.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Hasegawa Heizoo, Hasegawa Heizô 長谷川平蔵　Hasegawwa Heizo / 鬼平 Onihei　
長谷川 宣以 Hasegawa Nobutame (1745 - 1795) )
Childhood names: 銕三郎 Tetsusaburo, 銕次郎 Tetsujiro - Tettchan
Hitsuke Toosoku Aratameyaku 火付盗賊改役 chef of the police force for arson and theft




長谷川平蔵 ― その生涯と人足寄場
江戸の中間管理職 長谷川平蔵―働きざかりに贈る
滝川政次郎

- reference : books about Hasegawa Heizo -

..............................................................................................................................................

- quote -
Onihei Hankachō 鬼平犯科帳 Onihei Hankacho
is a popular series of stories and television jidaigeki in Japan. It has been based on a novel by 池波正太郎　Shōtarō Ikenami which started in the December 1967 issue of the light novel magazine "All Yomimono (ja)" published by Bungei Shunjū which published the first hard cover the following year. Onihei Hankachō developed into a series, and adaptations into TV programs, a film and theater followed.
A TV anime adaption aired in 2017.
The title character is Hasegawa Heizō, who started as a chartered libertine before succeeding his father as an heir and was appointed the head of the special police who had jurisdiction over arson-robberies in Edo. Nicknamed by the villain "Onihei," meaning "Heizō the demon," he led a band of samurai police and cultivated reformed criminals as informants to solve difficult crimes. Later, he was titled "Hitsuke tōzoku aratamekata" (police force for arson and theft), and opened an office at his official resident.
- - - More in the WIKIPEDIA !



::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

- reference : edo ninsoku yoseba -

Edo and Paris: Urban Life and the State in the Early Modern Era:
Another institution in Edo connected with the maintenance of public order was a group of workhouses (ninsoku yoseba)

Men of Uncertainty: The Social Organization of Day Laborers in Edo:
The Ninsoku Yoseba of 1790

Punishment and Power in the Making of Modern Japan:
Hiramatsu Yoshiro, "Ninsoku yoseba no Seiritsu"


Rōya-bugyō 牢屋奉行 – Commissioners of the shogunal prison
- reference : wikipedia -

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::



- - - To join me on facebook, click the image !

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

. Edo bakufu 江戸幕府 The Edo Government .

. Famous Places and Powerspots of Edo　江戸の名所 .

. Doing Business in Edo - 商売　- Introduction .

. shokunin 職人 craftsman, craftsmen, artisan, Handwerker .

. senryu, senryū 川柳　Senryu poems in Edo .

. Legends and Tales from Japan　伝説 - Introduction .


[ . BACK to DARUMA　MUSEUM　TOP . ]
[ . BACK to WORLDKIGO . TOP . ]
- - - - - #ninsoku #yoseba #ninsokuyoseba #hasegawaheizo #onihei - - - -
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

MINGEI - Noboribetsu Hokkaido Demons

https://omamorifromjapan.blogspot.jp/2017/02/noboribetsu-oni-demons.html

Noboribetsu Oni Demons

[ . BACK to DARUMA　MUSEUM　TOP . ]
. Oni 鬼 demon, ogre, monster - Introduction .
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Oni 登別の鬼　The Demons of Noboribetsu

quote
Noboribetsu in southwestern Hokkaido is the location of the Noboribetsu, Karurusu, kaminoboritbetsu hot springs, and has a rich variety of scenery including forests, lakes and marshes. It has been designated a part of Shikotsu-Toya National Park.
The Noboribetsu hot spring is one of Hokkaido's best-known hot springs, and is surrounded by a virgin forest 200 meters above sea level. It has 9 different kinds of water, containing minerals such as sulfur, salt, and iron. The quality of these minerals results in the spa being ranked among the world's most exceptional hot springs.

In the northeastern part of the hot spring grow many sorts of broad-leafed trees, including oaks, and a bamboo grass called 'kuma-zasa.' The area is called Noboribetsu Primeval Forest, and has been designated as a natural monument. To the east is Mt. Shihorei, from which you can view Lake Kuttara, with its clear water said to be the second most transparent in Japan.



The most impressive scene at the hot spring is the 地獄の谷 Jigoku Valley (hell valley), where yellowy gray volcanic gas seeps from the surface of the rocks. This makes the whole place smell strongly of sulfur, and gives it an image like that of hell. The valley is a 450-meter-diameter mouth of a volcano, which produces 3,000 liters of hot water per minute.
source : jnto.go.jp/eng/regional/hokkaido

登別の湯を守る湯鬼神（ゆきじん）。登別温泉の様々なイベントに現われ人々の幸せを願い厄払いをしてくれます。　夏の間だけ繰り広げられる「地獄の谷の鬼花火」では、赤鬼と青鬼が地獄谷を舞台に道内では珍しい手筒花火を打ち上げ、太鼓の音色とともに舞い踊ります。

..............................................................................................................................................

- quote -
Meet the Demons (Oni) of Hell Valley in Noboribetsu Onsen
Every year in summer, you can experience the fable of Hell Valley (Jigokudani) unfold before your eyes.


----- JR Noboribetsu Station Welcome Demon 登別駅前　歓迎鬼像

The Demon's Fireworks (鬼花火 Onihanabi) burst into life at 8:30pm on Thursdays and Fridays from June 1 through to August 7 at the Hell Valley Observatory. The Yukijin (the demons who protect the hot springs in Noboribetsu) carry large burning torches in the shape of kanabo clubs shooting fireworks like volcanic eruptions along the path into Hell Valley, lighting up the night.
However,
before you enjoy this exciting event, you should first meet the many legendary inhabitants of Hell Valley to help you fully appreciate the festivities.
There are 11 demon spots in Noboribetsu and each of them is unique.

Yukijin 湯鬼神 Demon Guardian of the Hot Springs
The Yukijin are the stars of the show at the Onihanabi fireworks festival. At this time of the year they show up at festivals and events to drive away evil spirits and bring happiness to people.

You'll see them carrying two symbolic weapons for these dual roles: a sword to protect people from evil spirits, and kagura bells to alert everyone of their arrival as they walk through the streets and drive away bad luck. Away from the festival, most of the demons you encounter carry a large spiked club called a kanabo – making the strong even stronger – and not someone you'd like to meet on a dark night.


----- Romance Demon 恋愛成就




Demon of Business Prosperity シンボル鬼　商売繁盛鬼像
Noboribetsu-Higashi Interchange Demon 登別東高速IC前
Parent and Child Demons 歓迎親子鬼像
Praying Demon Shrine (Onizo Nembutsu) 鬼祠 -念佛鬼像
Sengen Park Demon 泉源公園の鬼っこ
Study Demon シンボル鬼　合格祈願
Yukake Hot Water Demon 湯かけ鬼蔵
- - - - - King Enma Shrine - King of Hell 閻魔堂

If you want to learn more about things to see and do in Noboribetsu Onsen, take a look at the Noboribetsu Tourist Onsen homepage.
- source : takimotokan.co.jp/english/news -

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Noboribetsu Jigoku Festival　登別地獄祭り　




Noboribetsu Onsen Festival　登別地獄祭り



- quote -
The festival is for appreciating the powerful water and various quality of "hot water," and wishing for future prosperity and sound health. Various events are held, such as splashing buckets of hot water and mochi rice cake pounding dance for children.
- source : nihon-kankou.or.jp -


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

wasabi from Noboribetsu
登別のわさび
This has started about 100 years ago, when the local doctor found a spring with very good and plentiful fresh water. He introduced the wasabi fields and used the wasabi as a kind of medicine for the villagers, to prevent food poisoning in the hot summer days. Now in the 4th generation, they keep these fields in good order and provide wasabi dishes of all kinds.

. Food from Hokkaido 北海道 .

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

. . . CLICK here for Photos !
. Reference .

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

- - - - - Haiku and Senryu - - - - -

雪山に噴く湯ゆたかに登別
yukiyama ni fuku yu yutaka ni Noboribetsu

in the snow mountains
hot water sprouts plentiful -
Noboribetsu

清水寥人 Shimizu Ryojin (1920 - 1994)
Famous novelist



:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


. Join the MINGEI group on facebook ! .  


.

MINGEI - imono metal art

[ . BACK to DARUMA　MUSEUM　TOP . ]
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

imono　鋳物 ironware, cast iron, metal art
chuukin 鋳金 Chukin, metal casting

quote
Having had its foundation laid in antiquity, metal craft using both precious and non-precious materials has achieved a high degree of refinement in Japan. Despite its superb quality, metalwork does not enjoy the renown of other Japanese crafts.
source : japan-brand.jnto.go.jp/category/crafts/metal

..............................................................................................................................................


. hoochoo 包丁 Hocho knives .
- waboochoo 和包丁 Wabocho Japanese knives

. tetsubin　鉄瓶 iron kettles .
Iwate Nanbu Tekki

. tsuiki 鎚起, tsuikin 鎚金 hammered metal ware, metalware .
tankin　緞金 beating gold
Also called tanzoo 緞造, uchimono 打物, tsuikin 鎚金 and kaji 鍛冶
Tsubame Tsuiki Dooki 燕鎚起銅器　Tsuiki Doki : hammered metal ware from Tsubame town, Niigata


..............................................................................................................................................
- - - - - quotes from JAANUS - - - - -

chuukin　鋳金 - chukin
Metal casting. A technique used in metalwork to produce vessels or sculptures by melting down metal and pouring it into a mould. Metals used for casting include gold, silver, copper, iron, tin, lead, aluminium, and a variety of alloys. Bronze makes a particularly good casting metal and is highly resistant to corrosion. The casting process can be divided into three stages: i) making the mould, ii) pouring in the molten metal, iii) the finishing stage. Stages ii) and iii) are common to all cast-metal works, but stage i) varies, as there are a great many materials and methods which can be used to make the casting mould igata 鋳型. The best-known methods include:
1　
Stone mould casting *ishigata 石型, which was used to make bronze objects such as the Yayoi period halberd and doutaku 銅鐸 (bell-shaped bronze). Molten bronze was poured into a mould carved into a block of sandstone.
2　
Lost-wax casting *rougata 蝋型 roogata, rogata, was the method used for all bronze sculptures produced from the sixth to the twelfth centuries. A clay model of the images was made as a core, and this was then covered with a layer of beeswax, on which surface features of the image were modelled. Then another layer of clay was added to make an outer shell. Pins were inserted connecting the inner and outer shell, and the entire mould was fired. The wax melted and ran out, leaving an empty space, which was filled with molten bronze. When the bronze cooled and hardened the outer shell and inner core were removed. The surface of the statue was then finished with a chisel, and often gilded with an amalgam of gold and mercury.
3
*Sougata 総型 soogata, sogata, was a casting technique where the surface pattern was engraved on the inside of a clay mould and an inner core *nakago 中型, also made of clay but reduced in size according to the desired thickness of the metal object, was enclosed. After firing, melted metal was poured into the space between the outer mould and the inner core. An adaptation of sougata was kezuri-nakago-chuuzou 削り中型鋳造 (casting with a scraped-off mould). A clay core was covered by a second layer of clay which formed the outer mould. The outer mould was then removed from the core, and the surface of the core was scraped away, according to the desired thickness of the object. The outer mould was then replaced and molten metal poured into the space created by the scraping, between the outer mould and inner core.
4　
Replica casting *fumigaeshi 踏返 was a method used to produce a copy of a flat, simple metal object, for example a mirror. The original object was covered with clay to make a mould. The copy was then made by casting in the clay mould. The dimensions of the duplicate were slightly smaller, and the design less clear than that of the original.
5　
Another technique known as *komegata 込型　(sealed mould), or warikomegata 割込型 (sectioned sealed mould) used a clay mould applied directly over a wood, clay, or stone model of the statue. After firing or simply drying, the mould was divided into pieces and reassembled for casting. This method permitted fine details to be reproduced on the mould, and also had the advantage that it was possible to preserve the original model undamaged.
6　
The simplest casting method used in Japan, suitable for objects like coins or mirrors was the sand mould *sunagata 砂型. Sand was contained in a wooden or metal frame. A raw clay model of the desired object was pressed into the sand. Molten metal was then poured into the hollow impressed in the sand. This method began to be used in the Edo period. The earliest metal casting in Asia began in ancient China for making ceremonial bronze vessels, and later the technique was highly developed for the production of mirrors and Buddhist statues. In Japan important uses included Buddhist statues and implements,temple bells, mirrors, and the iron kettle used in the tea ceremony.

.......................................................................

kigata imono 木型鋳物
A method of metal casting using a wooden model. The wooden model was called kigata 木型.
The kigata was carved first, and over this a clay mould (sometimes called *megata 雌型) was made, which was then used for casting. Recent research suggests that the kigata imono method was used in the production of all gilt bronze images during and after the Late Heian period.

.......................................................................

rougata 蝋型 rogata
Also rougata chuuzou 蝋型鋳造, rougata imono 蝋型鋳物. A method of metal casting known as the lost-wax technique. Frequently used in Japan for casting bronze statues, which were often gilded. See *kondou 金銅. First, a basic model of the desired vessel or statue was made in clay or plaster. This was then covered with a layer of beeswax mixed with pine resin, which was moulded to the required shape and engraved with surface details. An outer layer of soft clay or plaster was then applied over the wax. The outer clay mould and the inner model were secured from the sides, or at the front and back, using fragments of metal *katamochi 型持 or metal pins *kougai 笄. The entire construction was then fired, causing the mould to harden and the wax to melt and run out. Melted metal was poured into the gap left by the wax, between the outer mould and the inner core. When the metal had cooled and hardened the statue was removed from the inner and outer moulds, and the marks left by the pins were repaired. See *ikake 鋳掛.
Solid metal statues were produced from a model made directly from wax without an inner core. This model was then covered, fired and cast.
The lost-wax method allowed free modelling, as the wax surface was very easy to work, and was suitable for casting complex forms and intricate detail. It produced a beautifully smooth, sculptural surface in bronze.
In Japan the lost-wax method was used from the 6c, beginning with small gilt-bronze statues of the Asuka and Nara periods such as the Shoukannonzou 聖観音像 in Yakushiji 薬師寺, Nara. Most of Japan's early bronze statues are believed to have been made by this method. Its use continued during and after the Heian period, and the same technique was used to make small decorative carvings *netsuke 根付 in the Edo period.

.......................................................................

chuuzou 鋳造 chuuzoo, chuzo - - - Also imono 鋳物.
Casting. A technique used to make cast sculptural forms. The base material was heated and melted down to a liquid, which was poured into a mould, igata 鋳型. This was then left to harden and the mould removed to leave a solid form. Metal, plaster, clay or glass could be cast in this way. The term chuuzoubutsu 鋳造仏 refers to cast Buddhist images. *Chuukin 鋳金 refers specifically to metal casting, but since metal was the material most commonly associated with cast images, the terms chuuzou and imono are often used interchangeably with chuukin.


kondou 金銅 kondoo, kondo - gilt bronze
- source : JAANUS : imono -

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

- ABC - List of metal work from the Prefectures
..............................................................................................................................................


................................................................................ Ishikawa 石川県 　

. kinpaku 金沢金箔 gold foil, gold leaf foil .
Kanazawa haku 金沢箔 leaf foil of gold, silver or platinum


................................................................................ Kanagawa 神奈川県 　

. Odawara imono 小田原 鋳物 Odawara casting .


................................................................................ Kumamoto 熊本県　 　

. Higo zoogan 肥後象嵌　Higo Zogan inlay .


................................................................................ Niigata　新潟県 　

. roogata chuukin 蝋型鋳金 wax casting .
Sado Island

. tsuiki 鎚起, tsuikin 鎚金 hammered metal ware, metalware .
Tsubame town　燕

..............................................................................................................................................


................................................................................ Osaka 大阪　 　

Osaka suzuki 大阪錫器　Osaka tin ware



6 Chome-6-15 Tanabe, Higashisumiyoshi Ward, Osaka / 大阪錫器 company
- reference source : osakasuzuki.co.jp -

- quote -
Osaka Naniwa tin ware
There are many kinds of drinking cups around the world. While the West offers various types of glassware, and Asia has a preference for ceramic cups, in Japan a tin cup style known as suzu-ki (tinware) can also be found in production.

Used since prehistoric times, tin was introduced to Japan by Kenzuishi, a Japanese envoy to Sui Dynasty China, and Kentoshi, a Japanese envoy to Tang Dynasty China, between the seventh and ninth centuries. Thereafter, tin began to be produced in Japan as well. But at the time, it was a material valued like gold and silver are today, so it was only used in limited settings, including the imperial court.

In the Edo Period (1603-1868), tinware became popular among the general public in the form of drinking cups and Japanese tea sets. By the middle of the period, the manufacture and sale of tinware began to center on parts of Osaka, with strong distribution channels in areas such as Shinsaibashi and Tenjinbashi. This heralded the beginning of Osaka Naniwa tinware.



While Naniwa tinware quickly evolved into a full-fledged industry, the start of World War 2 led many craftsmen to be drafted, and material procurement became difficult, plunging the technique into crisis. Following the war, craftsmen from around Osaka gathered to maintain the tradition of Osaka Naniwa tinware, and the industry was reborn. It was recognized by the Japanese government as a traditional craft in 1983.

Tinware is used for a wide variety of products due to its combination of practicality and aesthetic appeal. It is characterized by strong ion properties that have purifying effects on liquids, particularly removing zatsumi (unfavorable taste) from saké to make it smooth and delicious. Tin is also reputed for moisture protection, and is said to help maintain the freshness of tea leaves, making it suited for drinking cups, pots and teacups. Also, given its beautiful, clean color, it's used for various products including cassolettes, cinnabar seal ink cases, Buddhist or Shinto religious instruments, and decorations.

Osaka Naniwa tinware boasts a tin percentage of more than 97 percent, and this high degree of purity truly brings out the benefits of tin.
- source : japan-brand.jnto.go.jp/crafts/metal -

..............................................................................................................................................


................................................................................ Toyama　富山県 　

Takaoka imono 高岡鋳物 Takaoka metal ware



- quote -
Takaoka Casting
Each area in Japan is rooted with its own unique metal industry, and in Takaoka, Toyama Prefecture, a wide range of metal casting techniques such as bronze, alloy and tin have been developed. Bronze in particular accounts for 95% of the production nationwide.

Takaoka-Imono emerged from a town called Kanaya machi located along the Senbogawa river in Takaoka city, Toyama Prefecture. In 1609, Maeda Toshinaga, the second head of Kaga Domain and builder of a castle in Takaoka, invited seven Imoji artisans in hope of revitalizing the local industry.

The production of Imono using copper alloy became particularly popular around the 18th century. In 1873, at the Weltausstellung 1873 Wien, Kanamori Soshichi, who ran his own Imono production factory and exported his products, was awarded a prize, which led to more artisans in the country receiving awards, and Imono establishing its status globally. In 1975, it was certified as a Traditional Craftwork by the national government, and has since been used for the creation of a wide variety of products, with new crafting techniques constantly emerging.


source : 4travel.jp/travelogue
- 藤子不二雄 - まんが道 Manga Road in Takaoka -

Takaoka-Imono
has recently been adopted for the production of bronze statues of popular manga characters, which have then been placed in various parts of Japan. For the past few years, local municipalities and people in shopping arcades in the metropolitan area have begun to place bronze statues of popular manga characters as part of their plan to revitalize their communities. In March, 2010, 11 statues of characters from the popular manga most commonly known as Kochikame were placed around the Kameari station in Katsushika Ward, Tokyo. In March, 2012, 12 statues of "family" characters from "Sazae-san", a ubiquitous manga/anime series that depicts the everyday life of one family, were put in place around the Sakura-shinmachi station of the Tokyu Denen-toshi line as part of the city's shopping arcade, "Sakura-shinmachi" shopping street in Setagaya Ward trying to enliven its community.
In March, 2013, a bronze statue of Ozora Tsubasa, the main character from the manga "Captain Tsubasa", was placed in Yotsugi-tsubasa park in Katsushika Ward, Tokyo. All statues are made of Takaoka-Imono. By collaborating with popular manga characters in the form of bronze statues, Takaoka Imono has made itself known to many around the country, which led to boosting the sale of its products as well.

As for plateware, the gorgeous looks of cups and sauce-pouring containers using antibacterial tin make them popular as gifts for loved ones.

Nowadays many companies in Takaoka are shifting their production focus to the making of high-quality interior decoration. These combine modern tastes with the influence of Japanese design to create products you won't find anywhere else.
- source : japan-brand.jnto.go.jp/crafts -


Takaoka dooki　高岡銅器 bronze work






..............................................................................................................................................


................................................................................ Yamagata 山形県 　

. Yamagata imono　山形鋳物 ironware, cast iron, metal art - Yamagata Casting .


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::


. Join the MINGEI group on facebook ! .  



. Regional Folk Toys from Japan .

. Japan - Shrines and Temples .


. Tohoku after the BIG earthquake March 11, 2011

[ . BACK to WORLDKIGO . TOP . ]
[ . BACK to DARUMA　MUSEUM　TOP . ]
- - - #imono #casting #metalware #metalart - - - - -
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

--
Posted By Gabi Greve to Omamori - Japanese Amulets on 2/20/2017 10:08:00 am

EDO - Shiba port district

[ . BACK to DARUMA　MUSEUM　TOP . ]
. Famous Places and Powerspots of Edo　江戸の名所 .
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::　
　Shiba 芝　/ 柴村 Shiba mura / 芝町 Shiba machi 　

芝 shiba -- grass/lawn
柴 shiba -- brushwood
斯波氏 -- the Shiba clan



- quote -
Shiba (芝) is a district of Minato, Tokyo, Japan, located near Hamamatsucho and Tamachi Stations on the Yamanote Line and Mita Station on the Toei Mita Line.
Shiba was a ward of Tokyo City from 1878 to 1947, consisting of a number of districts including Hamamatsucho, Mita, Shiba, Shinbashi, Shirokane, Takanawa and Toranomon.
Shiba is the location of Zōjō-ji temple, the Great Main Temple of the Chinzai sect of Shingon Buddhism.
Shiba is also the location of the main Minato Ward office.
- source : wikipedia -

hon Shiba　本芝 "Main Shiba"
The beginning of the 東海道 Tokaido road was located at the beach of Shiba and 高輪 Takanawa.
Many fishermen lived in this district.
The beginning of the Tokaido road was later relocated to 日本橋 Nihonbashi.



The gate 芝口御門 Shibaguchi Gomon, an outpost of Edo castle, was erected in 1616, now the district South of 田町 Tamachi station.
This gate was jokingly called 日暮の門 Higurashi no mon, because people could sit there all day and enjoy the view over Edo bay to the distand mountains of Chiba.　
The gate was later relocated in 1710, as suggested by Arai Hakuseki, at the time of the 6th Shogun, 徳川家宣 Tokugawa Ienobu. It was built to show the grandeur and power of Japan to the frequent embassies from Korea. But the gate buildings burnt down 15 years later.

..............................................................................................................................................

The region to the south of Shiba is called

Shibaura 芝浦 Shiba-Ura("under Shiba")


source and photos : ndl.go.jp/landmarks/sights
竹芝浦　（たけしばうら）Take-Shibaura
袖ヶ浦　（そでがうら） Sodegaura

In 1486, there is a reference to an area called 芝ﾉ浦 Shiba no ura. This place name uses the "grass/lawn" kanji and not the "brushwood" kanji.
The area is noted for salt production and shipping

Shiba ebi 芝海老 Shiba shrimp
. Shibaura 芝浦 Shiba-Ura - Introduction .

The Shiba clan 斯波氏 Shiba-shi
The clan claimed descent from the Minamoto Yasuuji and the Seiwa-Genji.
- - - More in the WIKIPEDIA !

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

- quote -
Why is Shiba called Shiba?
芝 Shiba (grass/lawn)
The first theory I came across was one that said that the grass in this part of the Musashi Plain was particularly lush. A quick search for old art depicting any areas of the vast Musashi Plain will yield pictures of tall grasses. Search for plants of the Musashi Plain and all that you'll see are lush grasses. I don't see how an area next to the sea would be particularly more luxurious than any other area.

The second theory is that the 斯波氏 Shiba clan had a residence in the area. During the Ashikaga shōgunate, the Shiba were one the families that could hold the position of 管領 kanrei deputy shōgun (literally controller). While the family line came to an end in the mid 1500's, it's not impossible to imagine that some member of the Shiba family had a residence here. However, there doesn't seem to be any collaborating evidence for this theory.

Another theory is that in the early days, when there were many shallow inlets cutting in to what is now central Tōkyō (and this part of town was literally part of the bay, the area was characterized by brushwood used to grow and harvest 海苔 nori seaweed. The general word for brushwood is 柴 shiba*. As far back as the Sengoku Period, we know there to have been a 柴村 Shiba Mura Shiba Village in the area. In the early Edo Period, 柴町 Shiba Machi Shiba Town is attested. The name change reflects an area whose population had grown substantially.
In the early Edo Period we start to see an alternate writing as 芝町 Shiba Machi.
Over the course of the Edo Period, this new variation becomes the standard and the old variant dies out. Products developed in the area develop a widespread reputation as "Shiba Machi" products – like a brand name.

- read more on this link :
- source : japanthis.com/2013 -


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

- quote
Shiba - A Port District
Edo is criscrossed by rivers, moats and canals, laid out in a regular grid. In fact, the network of canals is much more organized than the narrow and rambling streets. For this reason, the most efficient means of transportation within the city, especially for heavy goods, is by boat. All of the major rivers and canals are bustling with boat traffic, and some people -- particularly fishermen and people who own barges (takase-bune) -- practically live on their boats. In fact, many people have referred to Edo as the "Venice of the East".

Edo can generally be divided into two main areas, a hilly plateau to the north and west, and a low-lying area crisscrossed by rivers and canals. Most of the daimyo and other nobles or government officials live on large estates in the hilly part of the city. This area is called the Yama-no-te (mountain's fingers), referring to the many lines of hills that run towards the coast. This area could be considered the "suburbs" of Edo, although many of these suburbs are quite close to the center of town.

On the other hand, the waterfront area of the city is where most of the common people live. This part of town is called shita-machi, which means "the lower town" or "downtown". About two-thirds of the population of Edo lives and works in the shita-machi area. Much of the land in this area was reclaimed from the bay, and rivers and canals break the area up into hundreds of separate neighborhoods, or "towns" (machi).

Each of the towns is a largely self-contained community, with its own local government and local leaders. Each machi (town) is administered by a group of local leaders called the machi-toshiyori (town elders), who are selected by a democratic vote. Everyone who owns property in the district is allowed to vote. Although the lower-class people who rent their homes do not get a vote, this system provides a certain amount of democratic political power to the people of the city, at least those in the middle class.

Although the Kanto region is one of the most fertile areas in Japan, prior to 1600 it was only sparsely populated. The area where downtown Edo is now located was covered by tidal flats, marshes, and silty islands on the shores of Edo Bay. Apart from a few fishing villages along the shore, the land was not really suitable for habitation. However, when the first Shogun, Tokugawa Ieyasu, established his capital here, one of the first things he did was to reclaim this broad area of marshes, to serve as the site of a new city.

An army of workers dug canals and moats, and leveled a few small hills, using the excavated earth to fill in these mudflats. The flat, hard-packed land was in an ideal location for a commercial district. It was at the head of the bay, and straddled a major river (the Sumida river), providing for good transportation both by sea and to inland areas further upriver. The many canals provided a convenient transportation network within the city, while the ports along the shore allowed the Shogun to ship in materials and goods into Edo from all over the country. Before long, the mud flats had disappeared completely and in their place was a busy, bustling town.

One of the first large-scale canals built by the Tokugawa Shoguns after they established their capital in Edo was the Dosan-bori (Dosan canal), which runs from Edo bay through the Shiba district, and up to the forecourt of the Shogun's palace. This broad waterway was used to carry all the huge stones and other materials that were used to build Edo Castle, and it continues to serve as a main route for transporting goods to the Shogun's court. For this reason, the Shiba district remains one of the three main port districts in Edo. Although Shiba is not quite as busy as nearby Tsukiji, or the major port of Minato, near Nihonbashi, it nevertheless handles a large volume of ships carrying many of Edo's most essential goods and foodstuffs from all over Japan.

Edo has been the largest city in Japan since the late 1600s. The population has soared since it became the Shogun's capital city. However, before the Tokugawa Shoguns moved to Edo, the two main cities were Kyoto and Osaka, in western Japan. Even today, most commerce, farming and manufacturing activity is concentrated in the area of western Japan, around Kyoto, Nara and Osaka. Therefore, most of the high-quality goods and a fairly large portion of the food consumed in Edo is shipped to the city from Western Japan. Because of the tremendous demand created by the one million people living in Edo, thousands of ships are needed to ship in all of the goods that the city consumes.

The traders and wholesalers of Sakai (Osaka), who control most of the shipping in Japan, have become extremely wealthy from this trade. Although merchants are considered the lowest of the social classes, the leading Osaka merchants rank among the richest families in the country. Their wealth has made many of these traders very important people. To meet the tremendous demand from people living in Edo. the ships owned by the Osaka merchants are constantly sailing into and out of the ports, bringing goods from all areas of the country. The barges and ships that fill the city's waterways are the lifeblood of commerce. Therefore, major port districts like Shiba, are crowded and bustling places.

In the dock area, workers rush to and fro unloading a multitude of different goods from the boats tied up at the docks. Purchasing agents from the wholesale "companies" negotiate with the ship owners as they watch the dock workers and unload their cargoes. They keep careful accounts of the cargo unloaded. In most cases, money does not change hands when ships are unloaded. Instead, the seller and the buyer exchange lists of the cargo delivered. These lists are stamped with the hanko (ink stamp) of both parties, and serve as a formal contract. The seller can collect payment later, by simply showing the stamped list of the cargo they delivered.

Usually, the cargo unloaded at a major port like Shiba is immediately shipped to other parts of the city by cart or barge. For example, that group of workers over there is unloading a boatfull of melons. The fruit will be taken by barge to one of the wholesale markets in Edo and sold to smaller fruit vendors. These vendors will then carry the fruit to their shops and sell it to consumers, or they may carry it through the streets selling it to passers-by.

In addition to the cargo ships tied up at the docks, there are also many watashi-bune (ferries) and pleasure boats sailing to and fro, offering travelers a ride through the city canals. Some of these boats even serve food to passengers, sort of like "floating restaurants". I have a friend who works as a ferry boat pilot in this district. If you are interested, we can hitch a ride with him to his home village, on a small island in Edo bay.
- source : Edomatsu


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

Zoojooji, Zōjō-Ji 増上寺 Zojo-Ji


増上寺朝霧 Zojo-Ji in Morning Mist
歌川広重 Utagawa Hiroshige

- quote -
Zojoji was founded in 1393 as an orthodox and fundamental nembutsu seminary for Jodo shu in the Kanto (east Japan) region.
Zojoji was relocated to the present site in 1598 after Ieyasu Tokugawa, founder of the Tokugawa shogunate, entered Edo (present-day Tokyo) in 1590 to establish his provincial government. After the start of the Edo Period when the Tokugawa shogunate ruled Japan, Zojoji became the family temple of the Tokugawa family and an unparalleled grand cathedral was built....
..... as the Tokugawa shogunate came to an end and the Meiji Era started, an anti-Buddhist movement got under way. The cathedral, temples and the mausoleum of the Tokugawa family were burned down by air raids during World War II. Thus, Zojoji was profoundly affected by political and social circumstances.


..... Daiden (Hondo), which forms the core of the Buddhist structures of Zojoji, was rebuilt in 1974 by combining the traditional Buddhist temple architecture with a cream of modern architecture.

- HP of the temple :
4-7-35 Shibakoen Minato-ku, Tokyo
- source : zojoji.or.jp -

- Zojo-Ji - in the Darumapedia .
..............................................................................................................................................


:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::



- - - To join me on facebook, click the image !

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

. Famous Places and Powerspots of Edo　江戸の名所 .

. Doing Business in Edo - 商売　- Introduction .

. shokunin 職人 craftsman, craftsmen, artisan, Handwerker .

. senryu, senryū 川柳　Senryu poems in Edo .

. densetsu 伝説　Japanese Legends - Introduction .

. Japanese Architecture - Interior Design - The Japanese Home .


[ . BACK to DARUMA　MUSEUM　TOP . ]
[ . BACK to WORLDKIGO . TOP . ]- - - - - #shibaport #shiba #zojoji - - - -
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

--
Posted By Gabi Greve to Edo - the EDOPEDIA - on 10/18/2015 09:29:00 am