Chuo-ku Tourism Association correspondent blog

The bridge washing of Meibashi Nihonbashi from around 11:00 on the last Sunday of July every year (the current bridge is celebrating 104 years this year).
I participated in 7/26.

First of all, thank you for visiting the "Japan Road Mark" embedded in the center of the bridge.
Then a long hose was taken out from the red body of the two Nihonbashi Fire Stations, and watered (recycled water) on the bridge.
Nature-friendly soapy water to the entire bridge with a bucket. (There are about 40 members from the fire department.)
　

The number of participants is men and women of all ages, maybe about 1500, or under 36 degrees below the scorching sun, all in groups.
Wearing the "Neighborhood Association-style happi coat" in hand, using deck brushes, etc.
Goshigoshi, take a bath to the bridge!
After 12:00, a large "Nihonbashi" sign with a ladder attached to both sides of the expressway above the head from the fire truck.
It's the finale for cleaning. Thank you very much during the hot weather.
(This letter is a copy of the nameplate of the bridge pillar written by Yoshinobu Tokugawa and is lined up side by side, but the nameplate of the bridge pillar is something that Yorinaka Tsumaki, an architect and shogunate, asked for the calligraphy.)
　

The temperature is 35 degrees Celsius, and a typhoon is coming from the south.
In midsummer, we went south on Chuo-dori, passed COREDO Nihonbashi, and walked a little further.
We stopped by "Haibara" who moved our head office on May 20.

The design of the outline of the long-established and building that conveys the traditional paper techniques that have been going on for more than 200 years.
It's stylish and eye-catching. In the show window on the right side of the entrance, you can see a cool fan.
When you enter inside, the design with a bright overall color tone is very beautiful.

Eventually, the meeting of Nihonbashi Workers; In Asaga, he was on stage as Maehiyaku

I met Mr. Nakamura, a public relations officer, for the first time, and heard a detailed story.

Thank you very much.

　
＊In 1806 in the late Edo period, he left as a small paper wholesaler and worked on Chiyogami and woodcut printing.
＊Saigo Takamori, Kaishu Katsu, and others also use Haibara's Japanese paper to write on Japanese paper.
　 It seems to have been a kind of status symbol at that time.
＊The design was requested to top places such as Kyosai Kawanabe Shibata Zeshin.
＊Civilization and enlightenment in the Meiji era, the export of Japanese paper, the import of Western paper, and the first Japanese paper was made in Japan.
＊The Haibara Record Paper, which was successfully developed during the Taisho era, was installed in Apollo 11 and used for lunar recording.

By the way, this year, I'm going to write a summer visit with Mr. Haibara's belly stationery set.

　
By the way, long-established people seem to use their English names as NIHOMBASHI.
In today's style (in modern grammar), it is mixed like NIHONBASHI,
After all, I think it's M that feels the atmosphere.

If you walk a little, it's Mr. Takashimaya. I walk while drinking water.

By the way, we continue the city walk along Chuo-dori, this time we are heading south.
You will find Takashimaya on your right and the bookstore Maruzen Nihonbashi store on your left.
Maruzen is on the third floor of the Western-style book corner, but at World Antique Plaza, here is the world.
Until August 4th, an old book exhibition is being held under the title "Japan knitted in Siebold".

Speaking of Siebold, since 1823, he has been visiting Japan for six years as a doctor of Dutch trading post on Dejima, Nagasaki.
I have the impression of being a first-class foreigner who analyzed Japan and spread it both domestically and internationally.
From the literature left by Siebold, you can see the cultural climate and life of the Japanese in the late Edo period visually.
In addition, there is a picture of the scenery around Nihonbashi in the past. Certainly, it's the appearance (report) to the general.
I think it was around Ienari Tokugawa. At that time, it was "Nagasakiya" per 3-chome Muromachi.
I think I've stayed there. There must have been many Japanese friends in Siebold,
To interact with overseas, you must be able to speak first, make friends.
I don't think it's the same that this is the secret.

How about Hayashi rice to go home? This origin is often said,
It is derived from the simmered beef and vegetables made by Yuteki Hayashi, the founder of Maruzen.

From the end of the Tokugawa period, I sometimes go to Nihonbashi Elementary School, which stands on the site of the Saigo Takamori mansion in the Meiji era.
I'm in for the library and pool.

First, leave Exit 8 at Suitengumae Station on the Hanzomon Line and return to school.
You can see "This half of freshly fried croquettes" like a special one.

There are a number of old-fashioned alleys around here, each with a food shop.
There are a lot of things. Meanwhile, it was a small piece called "Nakayama", famous for tempura.
There is a shop. The couple is inside and outside the counter.
Tendon, which has a somewhat black and sweet and spicy sauce while creating a lily atmosphere.
It's a treat here, it's no wonder that there are many regulars at night.

Then, looking around the alley, there is a whale figurine on the roadside,
This was called Fukiya-cho and Sakaimachi during the Edo period, and is popular among the common people.
It seems to have been a mecca for maneuvering dolls. The doll's manipulation thread used at that time
In other words, the beard of a whale can make the most flexible movement.
It seems to be a sign of appreciation for this whale.
　

And speaking of Oyakodon, it's "Tamahide", and I also have lunch on a holiday day.

And there are two towers that rise the street of the subway station in Ningyocho and Suitengu.

You can see "Edo Rakugo Karakuri Ogura" and "Edo Fire Exting Karakuri Ogura".

　(Edo Rakugo Karakuri Ogura)

Ningyocho seems to be a place where some old Osaka remnants remain.

Do you know the face that you put on your face when you dance Noh?

 
Now, turn west at Nihonbashi Maruzen and go to "Tanaka Yaesu Gallery".
"Histo Iwasaki Koki Memorial Noh / Kyogen Painting Exhibition" will be held until July 6th.

　　
A scary face, a gentle woman's face, a smiley old man, a foolish face, Daikoku and
You may have time to rest your mind without getting tired of watching.
　　

Noh is said to have started in the Muromachi period, and it seems that Noh masks have a long history.
Each side reflects the heart of a person (called "Omote") is made of cypress.
It is a work that is carved three-dimensionally, painted with chalk, and takes several months to create it.

　
When viewed from various angles, you can see a different expression, and enjoy the emotions and emotions of humans.
I think you can see it.

If you have time, why don't you stop by?

By the way, on June 30, I came to the purification of Natsukoshi at Koami Shrine in Ningyocho.
I hope you will be able to spend the next six months again this year.