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Do you know? The story of "Konpiragu"
Hello. I'm Hanes, an active correspondent.
A while ago, I had the opportunity to visit Kotohiragu Shrine, which is enshrined in elephant Tsumuriyama in Kotohira-cho, Kagawa Prefecture, and "Cafe & Restaurant Kamitsubaki" operated by Shiseido Parlour in Ginza.
Due to time constraints, I climbed the 365 steps of stone steps to Daimon, which is the entrance to the precincts of Kotohiragu Shrine, but the shops along the stone steps and the scenery of Kotohiracho seen from Daimon are very well remembered. I am.
At a later date, I had the opportunity to meet a senior correspondent, Mr. Kozaru, after a long absence, and a flyer for the Nihonbashi Library exhibition "Edo Journey and Living Exhibition" held at the Nihonbashi Library 7F Exhibition Corner until December 21 (Wednesday). I received
Later, when I went to the exhibition at the Nihonbashi Library, I noticed a book called Kyoko Imai "Konpiragu" (Kumon Publishing, 2017).
It is a children's book designated as an assignment book for the upper grades of elementary school "The 64th Youth Reading Impressions National Competition" in 2018, but I was attracted to the illustration of a cute dog drawn on the front cover and a sudden stone staircase that I remember to read the memory of Kotohiragu Shrine while it was new.
Information board at the site of Isecho-bori (Nishi-borirugawa)
Starting in January 1820 in Setomonocho, Edo, this story focuses on the main character, Yayoi, the daughter of the incense stick wholesaler, and the dog that she picked up and named Mutsuki.
Setomonocho is a place name that once existed in Nihonbashi, so let's check where it is now.
There is an information board for "Isecho Hori Ruins" along the street of Nihonbashikobunacho.
You can see multiple names of Setomonocho in the "Nihonbashi Kita Uchikanda Ryogoku Hamacho detailed picture" seen there.
Information boards at the site of Isecho-bori (Nishi-borirugawa), partially enlarged
According to the Chuo Ward Kyobashi Library Newsletter No. 162, edited and published by the Chuo Ward Kyobashi Library, Setomonomachi is a two-sided town located on the southern shore of Isechobori, east of Muromachi 2-3-chome.
It is the current Nihonbashi Muromachi 1-2-chome and Nihonbashi Honmachi 1-2-chome.
In the story, the protagonist, who became the only heir to the incense stick wholesaler, became ill and brought his dog to Kompira to pray for healing.
The dog is called "Konpiragu", and a wooden tag with the owner's name and address, a first ho fee, a coin bag containing the food on the way, etc. is lowered from the neck, and the traveler to the traveler Will be entrusted.
Most of the story depicts a journey of 340 ri (approximately 1340 km) between Konpiragu and Mutsuki, and encounters and farewells along the way.
Surprisingly, such dogs actually existed in the Edo period, and those who were religious at the time believed that taking care of Konpira dogs would benefit themselves, and were willing to take care of them, There were times when I didn't deduct the fee.
In the story, the retirement of Mutsuki and Setomono (porcelain) wholesaler "Oedo Nihonbashi, seven departures"...And as the song says, I left Nihonbashi seven.
Take a look back on the stairs leading to Daimon, the entrance to the precincts of Kotohiragu Shrine.
Even though it is a story, you can learn about interesting Edo period culture, customs, emotions, lifestyles, etc., and it is a book that adults can enjoy enough.
For example, how dogs were handled and named, what was Ise and Konpira for the common people, the types of trips allowed by the common people and essential items to bring, why Tokugawa shogunate prohibited them from building bridges over many rivers, restrictions on accommodations and types of lodgings, and shoes worn on horses carrying people and luggage.
Isn't it a special concern for those who like history?
Daimon, the entrance to the precincts of Kotohiragu Shrine
In addition, Okawa (now Sumida River), large shops, Teshiro, Banzu, Mako, Oshikise, etc., will be learned because occupations and place names from the Edo period come out.
The current area of Chuo-ku appears only at the beginning and end of the story, but it also depicts the bustling Nihonbashi-dori and the fish shore.
Even though it is a dog, walking from Nihonbashi to Kagawa Prefecture requires considerable physical strength.
Konpiragu, who traveled all the way for the owner and climbed steep stone steps and worshiped finely, has been designed for statues and talismans and has been praised at Kotohiragu Shrine.
It's strange that the autumn of reading now. Why don't you pick up a book introduced in the Nihonbashi Library exhibition "Edo Journey and Living Exhibition" including "Konpiragu"?
You may be able to meet a book that touches the Koto Line.♪