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A Career That Lasted Just One Year, A Life That Ended at 19. Yet Her Story Has Been Told for 300 Years.
In Nihonbashi Hakozaki-cho, there's a peculiar shrine that enshrines human remains. The bones are said to belong to "Takao Tayu," but according to various theories, they likely aren't hers... Yet for 300 years, people have continued to visit and pay their respects. ★The Orphan Who Sold Leaf Stones During the Edo period, in Shiobara Village, Shimotsuke Province. A girl named "Miyo," who had lost her parents, spent her days picking stones from riverbeds and selling them to hot spring inns. One day, she approached a wealthy couple staying at an inn. This couple was the owner of "Miuraya," the largest brothel in Yoshiwara. Captivated by her appearance, they took her to Edo as their adopted daughter. She began intensive education in arts and academics, not to become a courtesan, but to become the future proprietress. ★A Decision to Repay Her Debt In 1657, the Great Fire of Meireki burned down Yoshiwara. Miuraya was rebuilt with borrowed money, but customers stayed away and debt collectors came daily. Watching this, Miyo said: "Please let me become a courtesan." The owner opposed it, but yielded to her determination. ★An Exceptional Debut Normally, courtesans spent years as apprentices before becoming full-fledged. Only a handful ever reached the highest rank of "Tayu." But Miyo debuted as "Second Generation Takao Tayu" with zero apprenticeship. Praised as "beautiful as if she stepped out of a painting," she became the talk of Yoshiwara overnight. Miuraya prospered instantly. ★And Then Her peak lasted just one year. At 18, she developed tuberculosis and died at 19. The owner held a grand funeral and built a grave for her—an exceptional treatment for a courtesan. ★A Legend Was Born Her brilliant but brief life inspired various legends. "She refused the marriage proposal of the Lord of Sendai and was brutally murdered on the Sumida River." According to various theories, this isn't historical fact... Yet this story created a shrine, and 300 years later, people still visit. ★And Now, in the Reiwa Era This shrine recently reopened after renovation. Reborn with an urban, sophisticated design, the Edo legend now blends into the Reiwa cityscape. An orphan who sold leaf stones. A one-year peak. Dead at 19. Yet her name continues to live on, in a new form.
Correspondent Recommended InformationHundred Views of Chuo-kuHistory, cultureAround NingyochoTake-chan
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Would you like to become a volunteer guide in Chuo-ku?
★In the fall of 2021, we are in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. "I want more opportunities to speak English," I found a local sightseeing guide volunteer in Chuo-ku from my desire. It is a type that takes action before thinking. I immediately applied for the Chuo-ku Tourism Test. During the winter vacation, 300 questions are solved every night, and during the daytime, you can walk all the tourist attractions in the city on your own feet. The result is...Pass! In addition, we received the title of “Chuo-ku Tourism Association Correspondent” given only to the top successful applicants. ★Step 1: Pass the Chuo-ku Tourism Test ✅ Step 2: Take the training once a month about 6 times ✅ Step 3: Certified as a “sightseeing hospitality staff” in sunny days! After that, we continue activities to convey the charm of Chuo-ku, such as volunteer guides (Japanese and English) and support for sightseeing events. ★Recommended for those who want to make use of English and other languages, rediscover the charm of Chuo-ku, those who like to talk to people, those who want to participate in a new community, those who are interested in volunteer activities, not only Japanese tourists but also foreigners can share the wonderfulness of Chuo-ku! ★Announcement of 2026 Chuo-ku Tourism Test Date: January Saturday, January 31, 2026 Application starts: Monday, October 20, 2025 - Click here for details: https://www.chuoku-kentei.jp/points/index.php ★Finally, through this activity, I met many friends, learned the deep history and culture of Chuo-ku, and above all, I realized that my life has changed. Why don't you join together to convey the charm of Chuo-ku?
Correspondent Recommended InformationEvent InformationOthersAround Nihonbashi and KyobashiAround GinzaAround Tsukiji and HatchoboriAround NingyochoAround Tsukishima and HarumiOthersTake-chan
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Avant-garde book to enjoy in Harumi ~ Let's enjoy "drawing" with a brush ~ October 20 (Mon) at Art Harumi Art and Crafts Room!
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[A must-see event] Symposium “Daisuki Buddhism” commemorating the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the Buddhist Mission Association
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Tsukiji Market is the site of Daimyo residence And the future Tsukiji......
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The path of Chisato is from one step
Take-chan
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The S-shaped curve is Edo's noodle
Take-chan
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Feeling good with radio exercises barefoot! in Reimeibashi Park
Take-chan
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Radio exercises with bare feet in the morning, everyone gathers! in Reimeibashi Park
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Sunday, May 11 10: 00-15: 00 Shiba Festival at Reimeibashi Park! 2025 Held ★yoga ★Hand neon live performance ★Flea market ★Storytelling ★Home compost ★Let's enjoy a fun event on the lawn!
Take-chan
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Tadataka Ino learned business in Sahara!
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"Take-chan" Recommended gourmet tour book Episode 6 Sake heaven! Kyobashi Sake Ryoma
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