Chuo-ku Tourism Association correspondent blog

Hello, this is Minato kid.

After the Meiji Restoration, modern literature was nurtured in our Chuo-ku. Newspapers were born one after another in Ginza Brick Street, and the information industry was developed. In addition, many cultural figures visited Chuo-ku and drew scenes of Chuo-ku in various works such as novels and plays.

Today, I examined literary people who are closely related to Chuo-ku.

Kitamura Tokoku (Kitamura)

Meiji 1st year-Meiji 27 (1868-1894)

Literary critic and poet. Born in Odawara. In 1880 (1880), he moved to Tokyo Yazaemon-cho, Kyobashi-ku (currently Ginza 4-chome, Chuo-ku). Transferred to Yasuaki Elementary School. He is involved in the liberal rights movement set in Ginza. 1889 (1889) Announced "Shu Prison's Poet" and "Renna Song". Participated in the creation of the "Literature World" and presented numerous criticisms such as "Internal Life Theory".

Toson Shimazaki (Shimazaki)

Meiji 5-Showa 18 (1872-1943)

Poet and novelist. Born in the house of Shoya in Nagano Prefecture. In 1881 (1881), he moved to Yariya-cho, Kyobashi-ku (currently Ginza 4-chome, Chuo-ku). He studied at Yasuaki Elementary School and graduated from Meiji Gakuin. Through the activities of the literary world, he learned Kitamura Toya and was deeply influenced. From 1907 (1907) to the following year, "Spring" was written at Kaikaikan (currently Tsukuda 3-chome, Chuo-ku), and his representative work "Before Dawn" was performed at Tsukiji Small Theater.

Ryunosuke Akutagawa, Ryunosuke

Meiji 25-Showa 2 (1892-1927)

Noveler. Born in a milk ranch in 8-chome, Irifune-cho, Kyobashi-ku (currently Akashi-cho, Chuo-ku). Soon after birth, he moved to his mother's home in Honjo Ward. Graduated from Tokyo Imperial University. Entered the gate of Soseki Natsume and became a doujin of the third and fourth "Shinshicho". Representative works include "Rashomon", "Nas", "Hell thread", "Kappa".

Torahiko Koori (Koori Torahiko)

Meiji 23-Daisho 13 (1890-1924)

Playwright. Born in Minami Hatchobori 3-chome, Kyobashi-ku (currently Minato 1-chome, Chuo-ku). He entered the English Department of Tokyo Imperial University from Gakushuin. "Shirakaba." In 1913 (1913), "Dojo-ji Temple" will be performed at Jiyu Theater. He traveled to Europe and wrote "Tetsuwa" and "Yoshichoki". It was performed in London and gained popularity.

Bosha Kawabata (Kawabata)

Meiji 30-Showa 16 (1897-1941)

A poet. Born in 2-chome Kakigaracho, Nihonbashi-ku (currently Nihonbashi Ningyocho 2-chome, Chuo-ku). He became a painter and studied under Ryusei Kishida. Because of his illness, he devoted himself to Haiku and studied under Kyoshi Takahama. "grayheaded cuckoo," he said. There are "Bosha Kawabata Kushu", "Kagon" and "Shirachi" in the haiku collection.

Kayo Yamagishi (Kayo Yamagishi)

Meiji 9-Showa 20 (1876-1945)

Noveler. Born in Aburamachi, Nihonbashi-ku (currently Nihonbashiodenmacho). He went to Tokyo College of Technology (the predecessor of Waseda University) and studied under Shoyo Tsubouchi. Later he entered the gate of Koyo Ozaki. "Ikuriyusha" is the same person. Announced "Nihonbashi Literature" based on the townscape where he was born and raised, such as wholesale district and geisha district. "The beginning of service", "the temperament of this life", etc. Later, he worked for the Yomiuri Shimbun as a commentator.

Shigure Hasegawa (Shigure Hasegawa)

Meiji 12-Showa 16 (1879-1941)

Kabuki screenwriter, legendary writer, novelist, essayist. Born in Aburamachi, Nihonbashi-ku (currently Nihonbashiodenmacho). Debuted in 1905 (1905) with "Umishione". He builds his position in the biography of women. In 1933 (1933), he published the magazine "Keiku" and sent many female writers and critics to the world. In his essay, "Old Mon Nihonbashi" is a masterpiece.

Kanajo Hasegawa (Hasegawa)

Meiji 19-Showa 44 (1887-1969)

A poet. Born in Honishi-cho, Nihonbashi-ku (currently Nihonbashi 2-chome). Supports the magazine "Kareno" presided over by her husband, Kaizo Tomita (Reiyoshi Hasegawa). He studied under Kyoshi Takahama. In 1930 (1930), he launched "Suimei" and became a pioneer of female poets. The phrasebook includes "Ametsuki" and "Lake Flute", and the essays include "Koyuki" and "Yukiki".

Junichirou Tanizaki (Tanizaki)

Meiji 19-Showa 40 (1886-1965)

Born in Kakigara-cho, Nihonbashi-ku (currently Nihonbashi Ningyocho 1-chome, Chuo-ku). He studied at Sakamoto Elementary School. Representative works such as "tattoo", "love of chijin", and "Shunkinsho", which are considered to be aesthetics. He also published naturalist literature and modern translations of The Tale of Genji. "Hosoyuki" published after the war is considered to be the ultimate in Tanizaki literature.

Michizo Tachihara (Michizo Tachihara)

Taisho 3-Showa 14 (1914-1939)

A poet. Architect. Born in 3-chome, Tachibanacho, Nihonbashi-ku (currently Nihonbashi Hisamatsucho, Chuo-ku). He studied at Hisamatsu Elementary School and graduated from the Department of Architecture, Faculty of Engineering, Tokyo Imperial University. I liked tanka poetry since I was a teenager and was influenced by Tatsuo Hori. Participated in the first publication of the poetry magazine "Shiki". Announced a collection of poems "Some by Kayakusa" and "Poetry of dawn and evening". Received the 1st Chuya Nakahara Award.


He was born and raised in Chuo-ku and represents the times.

It was interesting to note that literary activities that pioneered the times were unfolded here in Chuo-ku, as well as that each literary person was connected in Chuo-ku.

In addition, many works were born in Chuo-ku, and the appearance of the town at that time is alive in the story, and conveys the scene now. It remains in many films, not only in novels and plays, but also in films.

(The photo shows the "Kitamura Toya / Toson Shimazaki Monument" built at Yasuaki Elementary School and Yanagi Nisei in Ginza)

Correspondent Minato kid, Chuo-ku Tourism Association

No. 34 February 11, 2019

 

 

Hello, this is Minato kid.

There are a variety of public things on the sidewalk. Not only town information boards and monuments, but also if you look up a little, signs, traffic lights, curve mirrors, etc. that protect the safety of pedestrians, and if you look at your feet, you will be drawn on manhole patterns and pavement tiles The pictures will catch our eyes and delight us.

Today, even in such a situation, I collected illustrations with nostalgic touches and retro ones with rare modeling.

♪　Various information boards

This is a tourist information board found on the sidewalk of Tsukuda Nakadori. Handwritten pictures and letters will be fun just by looking at them! Under the title of "Tsukuda / Tsukishima Walking Map", here we introduce Tsukuda Island is the birthplace of Tsukudani, River City 21, Ishikawajima Lighthouse Ruins, etc., and Monja Street, Tsukishima Kannon, a little further We stretch and guide Kachidokibashi.

This is the Sumida River Terrace. This panel is installed on the wall on the sidewalk at Tsukuda-ohashi Bridge. Introducing creatures gathering on the terrace, such as fish and wild birds, and how the water quality deteriorated in the 1930s improved using graphs. The graph part is open and closed.

♪　Flower bed on the sidewalk

A green plate with the word "flower azalea of the ward" stands on the flower bed on the sidewalk. It looks like it was installed in the city. It's a plate that you don't see much now, so it may be a long time ago. It is the same type, and the right is the "tree of the ward".

♪　This and so on

This mark was found on Namiki-dori St. in Ginza, which is prohibited from poisting. This is embedded in the pavement of the sidewalk. Currently, the design is different from the mark seen on the sidewalk in Chuo-ku, so it may be a long time ago.

It is a plate that calls for dog manners, often installed on pillars on the sidewalk and concrete walls. It states, "Please connect when walking" and "Let's bring back dog droppings properly."


It's a bit hard to see, but this is a sharp picture touch, saying, "Let's keep your dog connected" and "don't forget registration and vaccination."

It is a signboard that prohibits ball play, installed in Tsukuda Park. I like an illustration with a nostalgic feeling!

This is a precautionary note installed on the Sumida River Terrace and the protective fence. Requests to terrace users include the precautions for walking dogs, not entering the planting, and not throwing away garbage. The illustration of the dog is cute.

♪　A lot of water

It is a water supply installed in a park in the Minato area. The shape of the stump is fairy tale. The table on which children ride when drinking water is also a small stump. The iron fence part has a wooden pattern and is quite elaborate. This worried design doesn't fade over time.

It's the water supply of Tsukuda moat. The iron fence is shaped like a pigeon.

It is a water supply installed in a park in the Tsukuda area. It looks like a potted plant. There is a plate called "Please cooperate with water saving Chuo-ku". The season is coming.

♪　Astringent

It is a well found along the Shin-ohashi-dori St. The manufacturer could not be identified, but various wells can be found in various parts of Chuo-ku. Wells have trademarks and numbers, but there are so many types, so it's interesting to compare them.

This is a bulletin board on the sidewalk found in the Tsukishima area. The notice part is green board and the eaves are also wooden. Nowadays, there are not many wooden bulletin boards left. It's very valuable.

This is a public telephone installed in a park in the Minato area. The round roof is illuminated, and the door is attached to the table where the telephone is installed. Recently, the number of public telephones has decreased. The appearance feels nostalgic, but the phone inside is relatively new.

It is a stone fire prevention water tub found in each area of Chuo-ku. Fire tubs are often placed in front of the entrance of the house. A long time ago, we stored water here in case of emergency.

"When the sparks flew in the air raid, I drained water from the tub and went home so that it would not cause a fire," said a local person.

※　The fire prevention water tub I met this time contained the personal name, so I will introduce it with illustrations. Thank you for your understanding.

♪　Stylish object

It is a clock tower located on a terrace in the Nihonbashi Hakozaki area.

There's a cute object on the top. There's a small child on the helicopter.

This is a clock tower built in commemoration of the expansion and maintenance of the Sumida River Terrace when the construction of the Eidan Hanzomon Line was carried out in 2001.

♪　Flowers of local people

As an old landscape of Chuo-ku, you can see many potted plants lined up at the eaves.

In areas where private houses are dense and there is little green, it seems that it was customary to put potted plants in order to feel the flowers as close as possible. In addition to such potted plants, you can also see flower beds grown in the town council.

When you see the flowers blooming beautifully, you feel like there is a smile of people there, and we walking naturally feel fun. The sidewalk in Chuo-ku is interesting!

Correspondent Minato kid, Chuo-ku Tourism Association

No. 34 January 29, 2019

 

 

Hello, this is Minato kid.

This time, I would like to introduce books published by Chuo-ku. It is available at all libraries, Chuo Ward Kyobashi Library, Nihonbashi Library, and Tsukishima Library.

♪　Cultural assets of Chuo-ku

We introduce many remaining Cultural Heritage in Chuo-ku, which has developed as the center of economic and cultural since the opening of Edo period. A total of 7 books. (Chuo-ku Board of Education, about 21cm, around 80 pages)

(1) Revised New Edition Cultural Properties Historic Sites, Historic Sites, Monuments in Chuo-ku 1995　

(2) Cultural Properties of Chuo-ku Art, Crafts, ancient document, 1976

(3) Cultural Properties Bridge in Chuo-ku, published in 1977

(4) Cultural Property Tangible Folk Cultural Properties of Chuo-ku -Faith-Published in 1981

(5) Cultural Property Tangible Folk Cultural Properties of Chuo-ku-Tools-Published in 1984

(6) Cultural Property Tangible Folk Cultural Properties of Chuo-ku-ku-Tools 2-Published in 1987

(7) Cultural Properties Building in Chuo-ku, published in 1988

♪　Talking about the old days of Chuo-ku

This is a compilation of the contents of the cultural property round-table conference "Meeting about the Old Age", which has been held every year in various parts of the city since 1984. Mainly, people born and raised in Chuo-ku tell about old life and change of town mainly from the state of the town from the early Taisho era, memory of the Great Kanto Earthquake, life in elementary school, etc. . A total of 17 books. (Chuo-ku Board of Education, about 21cm, around 80 pages)

(1) Hatchobori and Tsukuda Island, which talks about the old days of Chuo-ku, published in 1989

(2) Higashinihombashi, Bakurocho, and Yokoyamacho, which talk about the old days of Chuo-ku, published in 1989

(3) Irifune, Minato, and Tsukishima, which talk about the old days of Chuo-ku

(4) Kyobashi Yaesu (2) and Kyobashi Daikon River Bank, which talk about the old days of Chuo-ku, published in 1991

(5) Published by Hamacho and Koamicho, which talks about the old days of Chuo-ku

(6) Muromachi, Honmachi, and Shinkawa 1999, which talk about the old days of Chuo-ku

(7) Akashicho, Tomizawa-cho, which talks about the old days of Chuo-ku

(8) Kobuna-cho, Shintomi Heisei 6, which talks about the old days of Chuo-ku

(9) Hakozaki-cho, Tsukiji, which talks about the old days of Chuo-ku

(10) Honishi-cho, Hisamatsu-cho, which talks about the old days of Chuo-ku

(11) Ningyocho and Horidome-cho, which talk about the old days of Chuo-ku

(Twelve) Otemmacho and Kakigaracho, which talk about the old days of Chuo-ku, published in 1998

(Thirteen) Kayabacho and Kodemmacho, which talk about the old days of Chuo-ku, published in 1999

(14) Kabuto-cho, Nihonbashi 2012, which talks about the old days of Chuo-ku

(15) Yaesu 1-chome, Nakashu 2001, which talks about the old days of Chuo-ku

(16) Kachidoki, Toyomi-cho, Harumi 14, which talks about the old days of Chuo-ku

(17) Ginza 2016, which talks about the old days of Chuo-ku

♪　Chuo-ku Cultural Properties Survey Report

This is a record and report based on a deep delve into each theme in Cultural Heritage, Chuo-ku. A total of 5 books. (Chuo-ku Board of Education)


(Photos are in order from left in both upper and lower rows.)

Chuo-ku Cultural Properties Survey Report Vol. 1

Tsukiji's Foreign Housing-Survey Report on Polaba Bungalow, an attached foreign housing at St. Luke's International Hospital-Published 1992 (26cm, 118 pages).

Chuo-ku Cultural Properties Survey Report Vol. 2

Wooden buildings in Chuo-ku, published in 1993 (30cm, 154 pages)

Chuo-ku Cultural Properties Survey Report Vol. 3

Documents owned by the Old House of Chuo-ku-ku-Ozu Shoten, Sasagi In Store, Nakamura House Document-Published in 1995 (26cm, 195 pages)

Chuo-ku Cultural Properties Survey Report Vol. 4

Documents from Sugimori Shrine, published in Heisei 8 (30cm, 208 pages)

Chuo-ku Cultural Properties Survey Report Vol. 5

Bridge, Hashizume Plaza in Chuo-ku-ku-modern bridge survey-published in 1998 (30cm, 354 pages)

♪　Walk in Central Ward - Visit Historic Sites and History -

This book looks at Chuo-ku from the perspective of life, streets, Civilization and enlightenment, literature, etc., and introduces the footprints of Cultural Heritage and Chuo-ku in the ward. A total of 9 books. (Chuo-ku Planning Department Public Relations Section, 18cm tall, around 200 pages)

1st Collection Walk in Chuo Ward-Visit Historic Sites and History-Published in 1988

Vol. 2 Walk in Chuo Ward - Visit Historic Sites and History-Published in 1992

3rd Collection Walk in Chuo Ward-Visit Historic Sites and History-Published in 1995

4th Collection Walk in Chuo Ward-Visit Historic Sites and History-Published in 1998

5th Collection Walking in Chuo Ward - Visiting Historic Sites and History-Published in 2001

6th Collection Walking in Chuo Ward-Visit Historic Sites and History-Published in 2004

7th Collection Walking in Chuo Ward-Visit Historic Sites and History-Published in 2007

8th Collection Walk in Chuo Ward-Visit Historic Sites and History-Published in 2010

9th Collection Walking in Chuo Ward-Visit Historic Sites and History-Published in 2013

※　After applying to the Chuo Ward Kyobashi Library Regional Archives, we photographed a book.

Now, it is a book that you can realize how Chuo-ku, which we know, changes with the changing times, and that there is something that does not change only in Chuo-ku. I would like to use it for city walks and local research.

Correspondent Minato kid, Chuo-ku Tourism Association

No. 33 January 18, 2019

 

 

Hello, this is Minato kid.
Chuo Ward has three Chuo Ward libraries: Kyobashi Library, Nihonbashi Library, and Tsukishima Library.

Today, I would like to introduce the "Sankun Garden" that spreads in front of the entrance of the Chuo Ward Kyobashi Library.

The Sankun Garden of Kyobashi Library in Chuo Ward is a large space with a sense of openness, located one step down from the sidewalk. In this way, a garden located lower than the ground is called the sunken garden in architectural terms. There are stairs and slopes, so it is convenient when you come by bicycle, stroller, wheelchair, etc.

♪　The flowers of Sankun Garden

In the Sankun Garden, there are round flower beds. It is always neat, and seasonal flowers greet us gently.

In each flowerbed, a shrubs of the cypress family stands as a symbol, and flowers are planted around it.

This season, cyclamen Pansy, Sweet Alissam Margaret Viola and others are blooming vividly. During the Christmas season, the flower beds are decorated with ribbons to make you feel fun.

♪　Bulletin board of Sankun Garden

In addition, there is a bulletin board at the Sankun Garden of Kyobashi Library in Chuo Ward.

Here, various photos are displayed on a regular basis, introducing the history and townscape of Chuo-ku.
"Web Gallery Chuo City Library Collection" on the Chuo City Library website is introduced on paper.

The handmade bulletin board is warm and seems to soften the viewer.

♪　History of Chuo Ward Kyobashi Library
The current building of the Chuo Ward Kyobashi Library is integrated with the Chuo-ku government office, designed by Takeo Sato, completed in 1969 (1969).

The history of the Chuo Ward Kyobashi Library is old and dates back to 1910 (1910). It was the beginning of the Tokyo City Kyobashi Simple Library, which was opened at Kyobashi Hirone Elementary School. It was in 1929 (1929) that I moved to my current location.

It is one of the best libraries in Tokyo, with many books published before the war due to escape from the war and holding valuable materials. In addition, the regional reference room has materials related to Chuo-ku, as well as materials from the 23 wards of Tokyo and the Tama area.

As of April 2018, the Chuo Ward Kyobashi Library has 345,000 books, 253 magazines, 8733 CDs and DVDs, 19 newspapers, and 166 seats.

On the way home from choosing your favorite book, be sure to look at the flowers of Sankun Garden.

1-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku Kyobashi Library 1-chome, Chuo-ku

※Please note that the library and the ward office are not connected inside.

Correspondent Minato kid, Chuo-ku Tourism Association

No. 32 January 16, 2018

 

 

Hello, this is Minato kid.
Until last time, I walked along the street around Akashicho, where the Tsukiji foreign settlement was located in the Meiji era.
Today, I would like to introduce a foreign house called "Polaba Bungalow", which survived on the banks of the Sumida River until the Heisei era.

Name = POLABA BUNGALOW
Location = 8 Akashi-cho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Designer = J. Bergaminy
Constructor = Shimizu Gumi
Year of completion = Taisho 13-14 (1924-25)
Building area = 66 tsubo 791 (220,752 m2)
Foundation = cloth foundation
Wooden one-story building

In 1989 (1989), the redevelopment project of St. Luke International Hospital was implemented. At present, the Toysler Memorial Hall, which was located at the location of St. Luke Garden, was relocated to the courtyard in the hospital, but in fact there were two more wooden one-story Western-style buildings on the same site. One of them is "Polaba Bungalow".
"Polaba Bungalow" was located on the site of the American Embassy during the Meiji period. It was a foreign house for hospital staff. Completion is estimated to be around 1924, which means that it was built there earlier than the Toysler Memorial Hall.
It seems to be the house where "Mr. Polaba" lived, but there are no detailed materials such as the design drawings at the beginning of construction. And no one who knew about Mr. Polava was able to find it after a long time.

The exterior was a Japanese-style wooden one-story house. However, once the survey started, an unexpected architectural style came to light. That is, the "2 x 4 (two-by-four) method" (framework wall method), which is still rare in Japan at the time, was used.

In addition, all rooms were Western-style rooms. Obviously, it was a house for foreigners. A full-scale survey was conducted with the historical value of the building recognized and planned to be demolished soon.

♪　History of the construction of Polaba bungalows
The Great Kanto Earthquake that occurred in 1923 (1923) not only took away all the features of Tsukiji foreign settlements, but also caused enormous damage to hospital buildings. Building materials were transported by ship from the United States to build a temporary hospital. Wood, asbestos slate, tile roofing, etc. It was a ballack building that was quickly built during reconstruction.

According to the people involved, "I built two houses with the remaining materials that built the temporary hospital." It is thought that there are two wooden one-story houses built near the Toysler Memorial Hall. It can be estimated that the completion will be around June 1924, at the same time as the temporary hospital.

♪　Floor plan of poraba bungalow

Polaba Bungalow is a middle corridor-shaped house with a ridge extending east and west. After Ms. Polaba, Miss Stound (also known as Ms. Nuno's theory) lived, but the number of residents increased further, and the extension was made in 1933 (1933).

Each material at that time remains at St. Luke's International Hospital. In the drawing, "POLABA BUNGALOW" was written. This is why this building is called Polaba Bungalow.

In addition, the designer in the extension was described as J. Bergaminy. Speaking of 1933, it was the year when the first phase of the hospital was completed and the Toysler Memorial was newly built. All were designed by J. Bergaminy. Probably, the extension of the Polaba Bungalow was done at the same time as these.

On the north side of the entrance, there were two "surbant rooms". This is a Japanese-style room, probably based on the assumption that Japanese will be hired as servants. There is a living room, dining room, bedroom and bathroom on the south side, and a kitchen and storage room on the north side. In the extension, the living room was expanded, and the entrance was increased beside it.

With the extension, there is a "design change and heating installation application notification" notified to the police station. Probably because the number of residents increased and a solid living environment was needed in the future. In other words, the Polaba bungalows confirm that it was a ballack building that was built for first aid immediately after the earthquake.

♪The architectural style of Polaba bungalow

[Axis]

On top of the cloth foundation, the foundation is placed, and a vertical column stands directly on the foundation. After removing the clapboard outer wall, a board about 10 cm wide was affixed diagonally at an angle of 45 degrees. Furthermore, when we removed it, we found that a one-third square pillar was set up at equal intervals, regardless of the position of the window. This is clearly different from the Japanese architectural style.

In addition, a cement block was sandwiched between the stole and the stole. As an example of using the same method, it is also found at the former American Board Missionary Museum, an important cultural property designated by Gunma Prefecture, and is thought to be avoiding rats. It could be a commonly used method in American residential architecture.

[Oyagumi]

It is a manthard roof with a low eaves (a waist-breaking roof). Despite being a Western-style roof, the hut structure uses a Japanese hut method instead of a truss structure. Finishing is a tin roof for the main building and a waveform asbestos slate for the eaves.

[Interior]

In the living room, a wooden hair board is used, and a cosmetic plywood is attached to it. This cosmetic plywood seems to be the same as the ceiling on the second floor of the main hospital building. This is an imported material from the United States.

[Feder group] When the floor of the living room is peeled off, the base plate is diagonally pasted on the rootta, and a thin carpet is laid on it. The diagonal sticking of flooring material is also a feature of the 2×4 construction method.

While the American architectural style is adopted, the traditional construction methods are visible and hidden everywhere. This is thought to be because, apart from the designer, the person who actually worked on the construction was Japanese and used familiar techniques.

During the Meiji era, when Western-style architecture entered Japan, there were many cases where construction methods were mixed in this way. The Japanese masters tell us that it was a transitional period when they were proud of their previous techniques, interpreted themselves and accepted new construction methods.

♪　2×4 construction method in Japan
The characteristic of Polaba bungalow is that its exterior is a Japanese-style wooden one-story house, but it has a complete American house style. One of them is the “2 × 4 (two-by-four) method” (framework wall method).

The 2 × 4 construction method is mainly used for housing in the United States and Canada. A thin pillar is set up at equal intervals, and an exterior plate with a clapboard is attached to a framework that combines beams and the like. It is a unique technology cultivated in American topography and history, and it also has one aspect of a "prefabricated house" that anyone can easily assemble.

There seem to be many examples of the use of this architectural style during the reconstruction period of the Great Kanto Earthquake. In fact, a long time ago, the 2 × 4 construction method was adopted in Japan was the building of the Hokkaido pioneer.

In 1869 (1869), the Hokkaido pioneer established by the new Meiji government was organized with the cooperation of the American Department of Agriculture. The former pioneer Sapporo Museum, etc., has become an important cultural property.

Later, in 1890 (1890), there was an example of bringing back an American assembled house, which is thought to be when the 2 × 4 construction method began to be introduced in the private sector.

Polava bungalows hold the key in the process and stages of the adoption of the 2×4 construction method in Japan.

♪　Bungalow style

Regarding the format of "bungalows", it was the ideal housing image that was considered to be the most suitable for Japanese people among the housing styles introduced from overseas in the housing improvement movement during the Taisho era.

At the time of the reconstruction of the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923 (1923), the bungalow format came to be highly evaluated in order to resolve housing shortages. "Polava Bungalow" is thought to have practiced it in such a trend.

♪　After the Polaba Bungalow

In 1941 (1941), there is a record of Hirotoshi Hashimoto, the hospital director at the time, living with his family. For this reason, I have alias of "Hashimoto Memorial Hall".

In addition, since 1977 (1977), it was used as a training room for hospital officials and a conference room, and was called the "St. Luke's Second Memorial Hall". In 1985 (1985), it also served as the office of the Redevelopment Planning Headquarters.

The building that tells the history is with a voice that wishes for preservation every day. However, buildings that are forced to disappear due to problems such as maintenance and management continue to disappear. Polaba bungalows is one of them.

Because it is a building that is not visible now, the "record" tells us a lot.

Reference: Chuo-ku Cultural Properties Survey Report Vol. 1 "Foreign Housing in Tsukiji"
Survey report on Polaba Bungalow, a foreign housing attached to St. Luke's International Hospital
1992 Chuo-ku Board of Education

Correspondent Minato kid, Chuo-ku Tourism Association

No. 31 January 10, 2019

 

 

Minato 2-chome east district is about to be reborn now.
This area is located 1.5 km from Tokyo Station, and has been blessed with a better environment. However, from the end of the Showa era, the effects of the bubble economy and other factors caused disaster prevention and crime prevention issues, such as scattered vacant lots.
From 1995, local efforts for the regeneration of the town started, and after more than 20 years from the original plan, Minato Park opened in November 2016, and Minato 2-chome east district in November 2017 Redevelopment project building construction has been completed.
　
Minato Park, which overlooks the Sumida River from Minato 2-chome, has seasonal trees such as Shinmei Yoshino, Ode Mali, and Japanese enkianthus rose of sharon. It is a place to relax.

And on the sidewalk of the terrace, there is a mosaic mural about 50 meters long. This time, I would like to introduce this mural.

　

This mosaic mural is a work by the members of the Chuo Ward Welfare Center.

Ukiyo-e by Hiroshige Utagawa and Katsushika Hokusai are depicted using glass pieces and pieces of pottery, focusing on landscapes and people related to the Minato area during the Edo period.

There are about 15 designs, and there are patterns reminiscent of sparkling water and bubble grains, and shapes that seem to have shaped the large roof of guardian god in Minato and Tepposu Inari Shrine. Let's walk slowly and appreciate it.
　

♪　Welcome to the sidewalk museum!

This picture is Teppozu Inari Shrine. It was founded in the Heian period 1,000 years ago. He was a local god of the land, protected the safety of water, and gathered the worship of sailors so that he was called "Edo Minato has a gunshot."
　

This is the scenery of the festival in Minato. Reitaisai festival of Tepposhu Inari Shrine. It is a composition full of dynamism carried by the Ujiko people with a large mikoshi with a phoenix. I think you'll hear a powerful cheer. Miyamoto Dai portable shrine is one of the largest towns in portable shrine, and the best in Japan for both dignity and tradition.
　

“Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji Takeyo Tsukudashima” Katsushika Hokusai 1831 (1831)
Against the backdrop of Fuji, this is a work that captures the moment when fishing boats and boats are rowing toward Tsukuda Island, centered on Tsukuda Island, which was Ryoshimachi. Katsushika Hokusai's masterpiece, "Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji" series.


"Edo Hundred Views of Yokoshogun Tsukiji Gate Ruins" Hiroshige Utagawa 1858 (1858)
This is a work depicting a large roof of Tsukiji Honganji from Edo Minato in front of the gunpowder. The large roof of main hall was a landmark for the boat to enter Edo Minato. In fact, in 1856 (1856), main hall was destroyed by the heavy wind and rain. This picture was painted two years ago when it was rebuilt, and Hiroshige painted a large roof that was not actually in practice. It may have expressed people's wishes for reconstruction.

“Hundred Views of Edo Famous Views, City Prosperity Tanabata festival” Hiroshige Utagawa 1857 (1857)
This work depicts the scenery of Tanabata festival that colors the town of Edo against Mount Fuji and Edo Castle. On the roof of the Machiya, a tall strip bamboo continues forever. old calendar As July 7 near, many bamboo sellers were seen in Edo. On the day, everyone put a strip on leaf bamboo and prayed to the stars, regardless of the presence or absence of children and the poor. There are also abacus made of paper, Daifuku books, brooms, watermelons, etc. It's actually a quaint sight.
　

Shabon balls sold
In summer, he said that he came to sell while singing "Tamaya ~ ~ ~". Soaking soap bubbles in water and blowing thin pipes to make soap bubbles.
　

Dai-Kagura
Even during the Edo period, the shape changed slightly from time to time, but he sang Kouta and kyogen lively with flutes, small drums, large Wadaiko and bells, and walked around the streets of Edo every day.
　

In addition, there are still many designs. "Mosaic mural promenade" is a space on the riverside overlooking the glitter of the Sumida River, the brave figure of Chuo-ohashi Bridge, and Tsukuda Island on the opposite bank.
　

In addition, the solar lighting installed in the park is designed to secure lighting even in the event of a power outage, and on the bench, the seat surface can be removed in the event of a disaster and used as a furnace.

Why don't you take a walk and enjoy it on a sunny day?

　

Correspondent Minato kid, Chuo-ku Tourism Association

No. 30 January 7, 2019