Fun of Good Old Japanese - 江戸・明治に学ぶ　楽しむ生き方

  Azuchi castle was built by Nobunaga Oda in 1576 when the internal war continued across Japan. He was a most possible war lord to rule Japan at that time. The castle tower was 32 meters height and it was six-story above ground and one below. However, it was burned after death of Oda.   More info. about N. Oda (Wiki):      https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oda_Nobunaga This museum is in front of Azuchi station and it is just five minutes away by car from the ruin of Azuchi castle. It exhibits a one-twentieth-scale model of Azuchi castle tower . The historical fact, that heros during the internal war (N.Oda, H.Toyotome, I.Tokugawa and so on) gathered here, moved me a lot.  After Azuchi castle was ruined, people moved to Ohmi-Hachiman where the cousin of Toyotomi stationed. It is near Azuchi.  The photo below is the statue of Oda in front of the station. The signboard which urges driver a safe drive is also Oda style. Azuchi castle museum、 安土城郭資料館 安土城は、戦国時代に天下統一を進めた

Hino town is located in Ohmi region which is the home town of many merchants . Hino merchants peddled along Nakasendou (highway) and the north of Tokyo. They made distributors there, and they also opened small companies in the north of Tokyo (Kita-Kantou region), which included many sake (alcohol) or soy sauce brewers. I visited this place during the Girls’ Festival (Hina matsuri) season, so Hina dolls were displayed on the first floor.  By the way, I wonder why people in the inland like Hino tried to peddle; they didn’t concentrate on agriculture. Their mutual aid system and their network supported their business , and the open mind to the strangers also made them start business under the foreign sky, I just reckon.  Regarding to the fun of Hino people, I regard that they enjoy working and contributing to the society rather than entertaining themselves. The building of the museum was owned by Yamanaka family (Hino merchant) and it is designated the cultural asset. 資料館である

 Gokasho is located in Ohmi region which is the home town of many entrepreneurs . Gokasho merchants sold mainly fabric, they walked across Japan , and some succeeded. 琵琶湖の東を本拠地とする五個荘商人 は呉服や麻布など繊維類を主力商品として、全国を行商し、豪商へと出世していった。 Jungoro Nakae’s house、中江準五郎邸 The gate is rustic. シンプルな門です。   There is a beautiful garden inside, which shows me the merchant power.   中に入ると、琵琶湖形の池を配した庭があり、豪商の力を感じさせる   Nakae family succeeded in Asia such as Korea. They run department stores, however, it says that their business ended at the same time when the WW Ⅱ ended.   中江家は、韓国などアジアで百貨店を展開したが、終戦とともに、彼らの三中井百貨店は終わりを告げたそうだ。   New taste Hina dolls made by Mr. Touko were displayed here.   こちらのお雛様は、東之湖（とうこ）氏作の新しいスタイル。   Website: Touko( 東之湖 ) http://doll-touko.com/ (many pictures are uploaded)   Obata clay dolls are so pretty. I like a funny girl in the center.   当地のお土産になっている土人形の 小幡人形 （小幡は当地の名前）が蔵を使って展示されている。おどけた顔が愛らしい。   Fushimi doll (left) and Obata doll (right). The shape of O