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【日本人が書いてきた古文書のわかりやすさ】



　ときどき雪かきなど苦行をしつつ、基本は「広島県史」の丹念な読解作業に沈殿する日々。当然「古語」を読み進めることで、古人と対話する気分。
　わたしの家系に繋がる文書を探すなかで、ときどきよく知られた歴史事象記事も発見する。上の２点の短文記録は、江戸初期に福山藩を支配していた徳川譜代大名・水野家の記録文書より。歴史の大スター織田信長と水野家の主君である徳川家との関係を記録した文書。水野家は徳川（当時は松平）の親戚だけれど桶狭間合戦当時は、織田信長の臣下だった時期に相当している記録。
　上は桶狭間合戦当時の軍勢進退についての記述。「織田信長は諸城に警衛の士を入れ置いていた事」というタイトル。永禄３（1560）年、今川義元の軍勢45,000余騎が5月12日に駿河を発って尾張に向かった。先鋒はこれも後に徳川氏に臣従する井伊真盛ならびに三河岡崎城主・徳川蔵人元康。（略）信長は・・・
　〜という軍記。徳川期になって書いたのでこの年代本来の松平ではなくて徳川になっている。「忖度」は修飾語など各所に示される。次の文書では水野氏が当時信長に臣従していたので、信長と元康との和睦をとりあつかったと誇らしげに書かれている。これを契機に元康は家康と名をあらためた、という記述。
　・・・まぁ日本史のなかでも有数のポピュラーな史実箇所なので、読み込むこちらもすっかり「お馴染み」感に満たされる。古文書の「入口」として非常に心強く感じさせられる。さらに「言葉遣い・漢字表現」についての時代感覚に慣れるのにはうってつけの読感と思われた。
　現代日本語とはたしかに表記スタイルが違うし、文書毎に「クセ」はあるけれど、民族文化の同質性を強く感じさせら楽しくなってくる。この古文書を書いた人物が生きていた時代背景も「伝わってくる」。
　ほとんど漢字ばかりで現代語のようなカナ使いではないけれどわかりやすい。
　こういうポピュラリティのある記事をときどき目にすることで時代の「空気感」までもが伝播して、いろいろな符合を発見しやすくなってくるものですね。

●お知らせ
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English version⬇

【The Accessibility of Ancient Documents Written by Japanese People】
A “breather” article for reading ancient documents tracing the footsteps of close relatives and blood ties. Super famous figures like Nobunaga and Ieyasu appear, making the sense of era come alive. …

　Days spent occasionally enduring hardships like shoveling snow, but fundamentally immersed in the painstaking task of reading the “History of Hiroshima Prefecture.” Naturally, reading the “old language” gives me the feeling of conversing with people of the past.
While searching for documents connected to my family lineage, I occasionally discover well-known historical events. The two short records above are from the documents of the Mizuno family, a hereditary Tokugawa daimyo who ruled the Fukuyama domain in the early Edo period. These documents record the relationship between the historical superstar Oda Nobunaga and the Tokugawa clan, the lords of the Mizuno family. Though the Mizunos were relatives of the Tokugawa (then Matsudaira), this record corresponds to a period when they were vassals of Oda Nobunaga during the Battle of Okehazama.
The first describes the movements of armies during the Battle of Okehazama, titled “Oda Nobunaga had placed guards in various castles.” In the 3rd year of Eiroku (1560), Imagawa Yoshimoto’s army of over 45,000 horsemen departed Suruga on May 12th and headed for Owari. The vanguard was led by Ii Masamori, who would later also become a vassal of the Tokugawa clan, along with Tokugawa Motoyasu, lord of Okazaki Castle in Mikawa. (…) Nobunaga…
~ This military chronicle. Written during the Tokugawa period, it uses “Tokugawa” instead of the original Matsudaira of that era. “Consideration” is indicated by modifiers throughout. The next document proudly states that the Mizuno clan, then vassals to Nobunaga, mediated the reconciliation between Nobunaga and Motoyasu. It describes how Motoyasu changed his name to Ieyasu following this event.
　…Well, this is one of the most popular historical events in Japanese history, so even as a reader delving into it, I’m completely filled with a sense of familiarity. It feels incredibly reassuring as an “entry point” into ancient documents. Furthermore, it seemed like the perfect reading experience for getting accustomed to the period sensibilities regarding “word choice and kanji expressions.”
　The writing style certainly differs from modern Japanese, and each document has its own quirks, but it strongly conveys the homogeneity of the ethnic culture, which becomes quite enjoyable. The historical context of the era in which the person who wrote this ancient document lived also “comes through.”
It’s almost entirely kanji, not using kana like modern Japanese, but it’s easy to understand.
Occasionally encountering such popular articles allows the “atmosphere” of the era to permeate, making it easier to discover various connections.

●Notice
My book “Writers and Living Spaces” published as an e-book by Gentosha
Available on Amazon.

　
　

Posted on 2月 4th, 2026 by 三木 奎吾
Filed under: 未分類 | No Comments »

【親族協働で家系史探査「AI対話共有」にチャレンジ】



　「四百年間のいのちの履歴書」シリーズに復帰であります。
　っていうか、昨日のAI利用のキーポイントと思える「プロンプト」技術、人間側での論理的思考・伝達の重要性という点への気付き。わたしの場合はビジネス活用ではなく、きわめて情緒性の高い、しかし人間普遍の「DNAの流れへの深い興味」領域では、現代科学発展の粋であるAIを活用するのが最適な方法論だと考えている次第です。
　わたし自身が高齢化してきて、ごく自然に「来し方（先祖の生き様）行く末（子孫の生き方）」に強いテーマ領域を見出してきている。そのとき最新の探究方法を活用するのは、ごく自然でしょう。先人の知見をしっかりと学ばせていただいて、現代、さらに孫子の将来のために生かしたい。
　これまでの時代ではこういった過去研究は「学者」の専門的領域だったのでしょう。しかしすでにたくさんの「地域史」などパブリックな資料データが存在し、それを活用すれば、個人（家系）としてかなりの高確率で過去の「生きた時代、リアルなその時代への対応記録」が蘇生しうる。
　AI活用とは、そういう領域にピッタリだと思う次第です。
　で、わたしに研究を指令してきた次兄ほか親族とSNSで情報交流してきているのですが＜これ自体もきわめて新規性＞さらにわたしが利用し知識蓄積させてきたAIとの「対話記録・領域」を、親族にも各自に共有的に利用させたいと考えたのです。その方法をAI（Gemini）に問い合わせた答えが以下。
　〜結論から申し上げますと、「現在の知識を丸ごとコピーして、個別に枝分かれ（フォーク）させること」は、技術的に非常に簡単に可能です。〜
　・・・ということでその方法を各自に伝達しております。各人の子どもたちのヘルプを得て、高齢期のアタマの「過激」体操は、無事に成就するでしょうか、ハラハラしている展開。
　上図は家系の歴史研究にとって欠かせない地理観の符合研究。故地は広島県の入野郵便局が目印なので現代のGoogleマップで照合させてみた。古代以来、山あいを通るのはごく自然な人間文化ですね・・・。

●お知らせ
拙書「作家と住空間」幻冬舎から電子書籍で発刊
お求めはAmazonで。
https://amzn.asia/d/eUiv9yO

English version⬇

【Challenge: Collaborative Family History Research with Relatives Using “AI Dialogue Sharing”]
A challenge to share the AI tools I’m using with the relatives who asked me to research our family history. I wonder how it will turn out…

　Returning to the “Four Hundred Years of Life’s Resume” series.
Or rather, yesterday’s realization about the “prompt” technique—a key point in AI utilization—and the importance of human logical thinking and communication. In my case, rather than business applications, I see it as a challenge to find the optimal methodology for utilizing AI, the pinnacle of modern scientific advancement, within the highly emotional yet universally human domain of “deep interest in the flow of DNA.”
　As I’ve grown older, I’ve quite naturally found a powerful thematic focus in “the past (how our ancestors lived) and the future (how our descendants will live).” It seems only natural to employ the latest investigative methods for this. I want to thoroughly learn from the insights of our predecessors and apply them for the benefit of the present and our grandchildren’s future.
　In past eras, such historical research was likely the exclusive domain of “scholars.” However, vast amounts of public data, such as “local histories,” now exist. Utilizing this data makes it highly probable that an individual (or family lineage) can revive “living records of past eras and real-world responses to those times.”
I firmly believe AI application is perfectly suited for this domain.
　So, I’ve been exchanging information via SNS with my second eldest brother and other relatives who commissioned this research from me . Furthermore, I wanted to share the “dialogue records and domain” I’ve been accumulating knowledge with through AI usage with each relative for their shared use. The answer I received from AI (Gemini) when I inquired about this method is below.
　~To put it simply, “copying the entire current knowledge base and creating individual branches (forks)” is technically very straightforward.~
…So I’ve communicated this method to each of them. With help from their children, will this “radical” mental exercise in old age be successfully accomplished? It’s a nerve-wracking development.
　The diagram above shows the essential geographical correlation research for family history studies. Since the ancestral home is marked by Hirono Post Office in Hiroshima Prefecture, I cross-referenced it using modern Google Maps. Since ancient times, traversing mountain valleys has been a perfectly natural part of human culture…

●Notice
My book “Writers and Living Spaces” published as an e-book by Gentosha
Available on Amazon.

Posted on 2月 3rd, 2026 by 三木 奎吾
Filed under: 未分類 | No Comments »

【AI対話「プロンプト」は論理思考必須で、入力はPC一択】


　みなさんはAIをどのように利用されているでしょうか？
　最近は「四百年間のいのちの履歴書」シリーズで過去の史的事実関係の掘り起こしをしてきていますが、その情報ツールとしては各県各市がまとめている「地域史」の資料集がいちばんの情報源。
　そしてそういった情報をもとに思考を深めて行くのに、AIを「秘書」役として活用するようにしています。で、AIとの対話は「プロンプト」の書き方が決定的だと思います。その「促し（プロンプト）方法」では冷静に自分の探索興味分野についての「論理的」な条件定義と的確な領域指示が決定的だと思う。そしてそういうAIとの対話をしていると、思わぬ気付きのヒントも得られたりする。それをさらに深掘りして再度質問を繰り返すことで、やりとりのレベルがどんどん向上していく。
　そういう入力において、わたしの場合、スマホからの入力では「アタマがムズくなる」（笑）。
　スマホでは入力するのにどうしても「感覚的」表現とか、非論理的な感情優先型になりやすく、またなるべく「単純化」しての短文入力に流されやすい。
　WEBで「プロンプトの書き方」と問い合わせると以下の回答。
　良いプロンプトの作り方・コツ
　１　具体的に書く: 5W1Hを意識し曖昧を避ける
　（例：「旅行プランを考えて」より「京都、3泊4日、60代夫婦向け」）。
２ 役割を与える: 「あなたはわたしの秘書です」など、AIに前提となる役割を与える。
３ 制約を設定する: 禁止事項や文字数を指定する。
４ 改善の反復（プロンプトエンジニアリング）: 回答が期待通りでなければ、指示を微調整して再試行
　・・・というようなことを入力するにはやはりMac/PCで「考えて自分を整理整頓しながら」が必要。こちらの方ではスマホでの「メンドさ」はほぼ感じない。スマホでも慣れてくれば良いのかも知れないけれど、どうしても移動時・行動時に持参するツールなので、時間短縮型になる必然性があるのでしょうね。

●お知らせ
拙書「作家と住空間」幻冬舎から電子書籍で発刊
お求めはAmazonで。
https://amzn.asia/d/eUiv9yO

English version⬇

【AI Dialogue “Prompts” Require Logical Thinking, Input Must Be Done on a PC】
Research on how to use and engage with AI dialogue—an essential tool for modern people. Tools that facilitate logical thinking still favor Mac/PC over smartphones. …

　How do you all utilize AI?
Recently, I’ve been digging into historical facts for the “Four Hundred Years of Life’s Resume” series. The primary information source for this is the “Regional History” reference materials compiled by each prefecture and city.
Then, to deepen my thinking based on that information, I use AI as a “secretary.” I believe the way you write your “prompts” is crucial for AI dialogue. In this “prompting method,” calmly defining logical conditions and precisely specifying the domain related to your exploration interests is key. Engaging in such dialogue with AI often yields unexpected hints for new insights. Digging deeper and repeating questions then progressively elevates the level of interaction.
　When it comes to such input, in my case, typing on my smartphone makes my “head hurt” (laugh).
On a smartphone, typing inevitably tends toward “sensory” expressions or non-logical, emotion-driven approaches, and I easily get swept into inputting short sentences that are overly “simplified.”
When I searched online for “how to write prompts,” I found the following response.
Tips for Creating Good Prompts
　1. Be specific: Focus on the 5W1H and avoid ambiguity
(Example: “Plan a trip” vs. “Kyoto, 3 nights/4 days, for a couple in their 60s”).
2. Assign a role: Give the AI a premise, like “You are my secretary.”
3. Set constraints: Specify prohibitions or character limits.
4. Iterate for improvement (prompt engineering): If the response isn’t what you expected, tweak the instructions and try again.
…To input something like this, you still need a Mac/PC to “think things through and organize your thoughts.” I hardly feel any “hassle” using my smartphone for this. Maybe it gets easier with practice on a phone, but since it’s a tool you carry while moving or doing things, it naturally needs to be time-saving.

●Notice
My book “Writers and Living Spaces” published as an e-book by Gentosha.
Available on Amazon.

Posted on 2月 2nd, 2026 by 三木 奎吾
Filed under: 未分類 | No Comments »

【亨保３（1718）年の所務役・原氏「打毀し」の藩記録】


　「四百年間のいのちの履歴書」シリーズ。
　わが家系の歴史の中での「ターニングポイント」と思える亨保３（1718）年の百姓一揆についての芸州浅野藩の関係記録文書を「広島県史」のなかで発見。
　いわゆる戦後教育を受け続けてきたわたしたち年代では、江戸期の「百姓一揆」は正義の行動、止むにやまれぬ民意の表出というように教育されてきたと思う。家系がこうした百姓一揆によって「打ち毀し」されたという事実は誰からも聞いたことがなかったので、単純にその教育内容を受け入れていた。
　家系史を400年以上遡ってたどってみると、DNAのいのちの連鎖はその時代環境の中で必死に「最適解」を生き抜こうと志向してきたことがわかる。その時代環境がどのように変容してくるかは、個々には見通せる由もない。武家支配体制が強固に確立された時代に、藩による指名を受けて地域の経済を「管掌」する立場に立たされることになって、その職務に向き合うことには余念はなかっただろうと思う。
　しかし極論すれば米作生産の土地支配だけに依拠した武家による経済概念は、経済発展への不適応が顕在化してくることになる。封建独裁体制から市場経済社会への移行の「きしみ」。
　わが家系はこの年、百姓一揆の蜂起によって家屋敷を打ち壊された。史実資料を見てみると百姓一揆には「掟」があって、その村の庄屋や、それを束ねる浅野藩での役職・所務役宅への攻撃・打ち毀しには、他村の民が「けっして放火はしない」という倫理基準に基づいて整然と打ち壊していたとされる。
　上の文書は、この一揆後の打ち壊された所務役などへの慰撫策として、屋敷建築の再建に当たってその費用の一部に「憐れみの心を持って」対応する旨が記載されている。「人数を催し、了簡違いで村役人を目当て家財などを破却」されたことに対して（取り締まるべき）役人ども（たぶん武士たち）が役に立たなかったことを認め「古格に戻す」（建て直す）に際して「御扶持・切米」を渡すという文意。
　武家社会の矛盾を一身に受ける「散華」感に、無念無常を感じる。
　家系はこの惨禍から、塩浜づくり〜商家への転身を企図していくことになる。・・・

●お知らせ
拙書「作家と住空間」幻冬舎から電子書籍で発刊
お求めはAmazonで。
https://amzn.asia/d/eUiv9yO

English version⬇

[1718 Domain Records: Village Official Hara’s “Destruction”]
The injustice of village headmen becoming targets for attacks on the economic contradictions of samurai rule. The darkening of efforts to find the best way to live within society, a journey through the night. …

　The “Four Hundred Years of Life’s Resume” Series.
Within the “History of Hiroshima Prefecture,” I discovered documents related to the Asano Domain of Aki Province concerning the peasant uprising of Kyōhō 3 (1718), which I consider a turning point in my family’s history.
　For those of us who grew up under the so-called postwar education system, I believe we were taught that Edo-period “peasant uprisings” were righteous actions, unavoidable expressions of popular will. Since I had never heard from anyone that my family lineage had been “destroyed” by such a peasant uprising, I simply accepted that educational narrative.
　Tracing my family history back over 400 years reveals that the chain of life in our DNA has always strived to find the “optimal solution” for survival within the circumstances of each era. How those circumstances would change was something no individual could foresee. During the era when the samurai-dominated system was firmly established, our family was appointed by the domain to oversee the local economy. I imagine they devoted themselves entirely to this duty.
However, to put it bluntly, the samurai’s economic concept, relying solely on land control for rice production, became increasingly ill-suited for economic development. It was the “creaking” of transition from a feudal autocracy to a market economy.
　That year, my family’s residence was destroyed by a peasant uprising. Historical records indicate these uprisings followed strict “rules”: attacks were directed only at the village headman’s house and the official residences of the Asano domain’s administrators overseeing the village. Based on an ethical standard that “under no circumstances should arson be used,” they systematically demolished these structures while refraining from burning other villagers’ homes.
　The document above describes a consolation measure following this uprising, where the authorities agreed to cover part of the reconstruction costs for the destroyed administrative offices “with a compassionate heart.” It acknowledges that the officials (likely samurai) who should have enforced order were ineffective against the mob (“gathering in numbers, targeting village officials and destroying their property due to minor disputes”), and states that “support and rice allowances” would be provided when rebuilding “to restore the old order.”
One feels a sense of futility and impermanence in this “scattering of petals,” embodying the contradictions of samurai society.
　Following this calamity, the family lineage would plot a transition from salt field cultivation to becoming merchants. …

●Notice
My book “Writers and Living Spaces” published as an e-book by Gentosha
Available for purchase on Amazon.

Posted on 2月 1st, 2026 by 三木 奎吾
Filed under: 未分類 | No Comments »

【戦国末期の土木戦争と家系「原氏」のリンク】


　「四百年間のいのちの履歴書」シリーズ。
　先般、広島藩の重臣としての武家・原氏について掘り下げて見ましたが、浅野氏との関わりは浅野氏の甲斐国支配時期に相当しているという記録の発掘へ至った。そうすると自然と武田氏の有力軍団長としての「原氏」が当然のように浮かび上がってくる。武田の遺臣があらたな仕官先として浅野氏を選択したという筋立て。
　そして調べている内に、この家系の甲州・原氏（原昌胤）は「戦場の地形観察把握」に優れた武家として知られていたという記述があったのです。武田二十四将の有力武将として名が挙げられてもいる。
　そしてさらに今回、戦国末期の戦争革命であった「土木工事戦争」の実相を探ってみたら、肥前国を中心に活躍した「原宗伯」という原姓の「土木専門家」の情報が浮かんできた。
　この人物は江戸時代初期長崎の都市計画・土木技術で決定的な役割を果たした、長崎都市計画の先駆者。彼のオリジナリティは「原流（宗伯流）」という独自の測量・土木術を持っていた点。築城や新田開発（新開）に欠かせない高低差測定や面積算出で、高度な数学的・技術的知見を持っていた。岬の先端に作られた長崎の町の埋め立てや護岸工事に知見が投影されている。
　・・・どうも「原姓」にはこうした才覚要素が強く感じられるのです。わたしの家系の紀州から広島移転当時の河川管理・土木改良の痕跡、さらに竹原塩田との関わり・・・。もちろん原姓一般と捉えられないことは明らかだけれど、どうもこの辺に「縁」が強く感じられる。
　しかし内心「オレは雑誌を創刊してイメージ表現の世界に生きてきたのに、そんな土木なんて・・・」という、同意しにくいなぁという内語が木霊してくる（笑）。まぁしかし、こういう家系史を「掘り起こして、その時代の中での意味合いを突き詰める」という作業も、ある意味「同質性」はあるのかも知れない。
　自分自身のことはともかくとして、このような原氏のDNA的共通性が場合によっては血脈的つながりにも立ち至るのかも知れない。
　「線路は続くよ、どこまでも」であります。　迷宮かなぁ・・・。

●お知らせ
拙書「作家と住空間」幻冬舎から電子書籍で発刊
お求めはAmazonで。
https://amzn.asia/d/eUiv9yO

English version⬇

【The Link Between Civil Engineering Warfare in the Late Sengoku Period and the Hara Clan】
I myself have lived in the world of expression, founding magazines and such. Yet in my family history, I somehow end up closely related to the “civil engineering improvement” bloodline. I’m speechless (lol)…

　The “Four Hundred Years of Life’s Resume” Series.
Recently, we delved into the samurai clan, the Hara family, who served as senior retainers of the Hiroshima domain. This research led to the discovery of records indicating their association with the Asano clan coincided with the Asano’s period of control over Kai Province. This naturally brings to light the Hara family’s role as a powerful military commander under the Takeda clan. The narrative suggests that retainers of the Takeda chose the Asano clan as their new patron.
During my research, I also found descriptions stating that this branch of the Kōshū Hara clan (Hara Masatane) was known as a samurai family excelling in “observing and understanding battlefield terrain.” He is also named among the prominent generals of the Takeda Twenty-Four Generals.
Furthermore, while exploring the reality of the “civil engineering warfare” revolution in late Sengoku warfare, information surfaced about a civil engineering specialist named “Hara Munehira” (Hara clan) who was active primarily in Hizen Province.
This figure played a decisive role in Nagasaki’s urban planning and civil engineering technology during the early Edo period, becoming a pioneer of Nagasaki’s city planning. His originality lay in possessing a unique surveying and civil engineering technique known as the “Hara School (Sōhaku-ryū)”. He possessed advanced mathematical and technical expertise in measuring elevation differences and calculating areas, essential for castle construction and new land development (reclamation). His expertise is reflected in the reclamation and revetment works for the town of Nagasaki built on the tip of a cape.
…Indeed, the “Hara” surname strongly suggests such elements of talent. Traces of river management and civil engineering improvements from when my family relocated from Kishu to Hiroshima, plus connections to the Takehara salt fields… Of course, this clearly can’t be generalized to the Hara surname as a whole, but somehow I feel a strong “connection” in these areas.
But deep down, a voice echoes: “I’ve spent my life creating magazines and living in the world of visual expression… why civil engineering of all things?” It’s hard to agree with that inner voice (laughs). Well, perhaps the work of “unearthing this family history and delving into its meaning within that era” shares a certain “homogeneity” in its own way.
Setting aside my own case, this kind of shared DNA among the Haras might, in some instances, even lead to bloodline connections.
“The tracks go on and on, forever.” Is this a labyrinth…?

●Notice
My book “Writers and Living Spaces” published as an e-book by Gentosha
Available on Amazon.
　
　
　

Posted on 1月 31st, 2026 by 三木 奎吾
Filed under: 未分類 | No Comments »

【北国人の無想を覚醒させる「雪」のモダンアート】


　さて無想的な「四百年間のいのちの履歴書」探究から、ふと目覚めたらご覧の光景。
　これは冬の散歩道でときどき歩く札幌市西区琴似の「空中回廊」からの雪模様。
　北国人と雪との否応ない「語らい」には、生活上のさまざまな要素があり、とくに住宅分野ではいかにも「防衛的」に対応せざるを得ない気候条件。世界的にも特異な降雪量が５mを越える地域に人口200万人近い大都市を造営している国家国民は珍しい。
　高断熱住宅という、この気候条件の必然として生み出されてきた住宅機能のなかでは、屋根形状もさまざまに工夫され続けてきた。人類普遍的な「三角屋根」では落雪させるのがごく自然だけれど、人口200万人という密集条件では敷地面積は過密化し狭小化する。そういう条件下で特異的な「無落雪屋根」が多数造作されてきた。
　そういった気候と建築の「対話」のなかで写真のような特異な「美観」が出現する。
　降雪時の風向・降雪量・南北方向の要因が複雑に絡み合い、自然はふしぎな造形をみせる。
　わたし的には人類普遍の生存を支え続ける女性の乳房を想像させられた。基本的には整形的でありながら、左右で微妙な異同があって「個性」を訴えてもいるかのようだ。
　そういう無想を呼ぶまでに「イキモノ」的な造形美。たぶん「垂乳根〜たらちね」という古語に属するような表現がピッタリ来ていた。
　神々しさへのリスペクト心情を持ちながら、スマホをかざしていた次第。
　こういう雪の無想アートを北国人は感じ続けてきている。津軽の人びとの「造形感覚・美意識」のなかにわたしたち北海道人は母性を感じるけれど、わたしたちは津軽ともまた違う環境要因のなかで、独特の感受性を育てているとも思っている。
　さて。
　過去の時空間から舞い降りてみると、世は選挙一色ですね。たいへん急だったので昨日ようやく投票券が郵送されてきた。1/17時点の住民情報に基づいて郵送との文面。全自治体関係者のみなさんの努力に敬意を持ちます。民主主義のたいせつな基盤。ぜひ、ムダにせず意思表示を。わたしたちは、未来への責任をも担っている・・・。

●お知らせ
拙書「作家と住空間」幻冬舎から電子書籍で発刊
お求めはAmazonで。
https://amzn.asia/d/eUiv9yO

English version⬇

【Modern Art of “Snow” Awakening Northerners’ Unthinking】
Under harsh climatic conditions, the sculptural beauty of snow unique to the northern lands gently blossoms. One is struck by its divine aura, as if it were a living thing. …

　Now, upon awakening from my contemplative exploration of the “Four-Century Life Resume,” I found myself gazing upon this scene.
This is the snowy landscape viewed from the “Sky Corridor” in Kotoni, Nishi Ward, Sapporo—a path I occasionally walk during winter strolls.
The unavoidable “conversation” between northerners and snow involves various aspects of daily life, particularly in housing, where the climate demands a distinctly “defensive” approach. It’s rare for a nation and its people to build a major city with a population nearing 2 million in a region with globally exceptional snowfall exceeding 5 meters.
Within the housing functionality necessitated by these climatic conditions—highly insulated homes—roof shapes have also been continuously refined in diverse ways. While the universally human “triangular roof” naturally sheds snow, the dense conditions of a 2-million-person population lead to intensely crowded and narrow lot sizes. Under these constraints, a distinctive “snow-free roof” design has been widely adopted.
Within this “dialogue” between climate and architecture emerges the unique “aesthetic” seen in the photograph.
Factors like wind direction during snowfall, snowfall volume, and north-south orientation intertwine complexly, revealing nature’s wondrous forms.
　Personally, it reminded me of the breasts of women, universally sustaining human survival. While fundamentally symmetrical, subtle differences between left and right seem to assert their “individuality.”
Such a “living thing”-like sculptural beauty evokes profound contemplation. The old Japanese term “tarachine” (垂乳根) probably fits this expression perfectly.
Holding my smartphone aloft, I felt a deep respect for its divine quality.
　Northerners like us have always sensed this kind of snow-sculpted art. While we Hokkaido natives feel a maternal quality in the Tsugaru people’s “sense of form and aesthetic,” we also believe we’ve cultivated a unique sensibility shaped by environmental factors distinct from Tsugaru’s.
　Now then.
Stepping down from past times and spaces, the world is awash in election fever. It was so sudden that my ballot finally arrived by mail yesterday. The notice stated it was mailed based on resident information as of January 17th. I hold deep respect for the efforts of all local government staff involved. This is the vital foundation of democracy. Please, let us not waste this opportunity to express our will. We bear responsibility for the future…

●Notice
My book “Writers and Living Spaces” published as an e-book by Gentosha
Available on Amazon.

　

Posted on 1月 30th, 2026 by 三木 奎吾
Filed under: 未分類 | No Comments »

【310年前頃の家系先祖「役割証拠」／広島藩公式文書】


　ついに閲読できた「広島県史」を読み進めています。
　旧国名「安芸と備後」地域ですが、わたしの家系伝承でもっともコア地域。他に紀州、兵庫県、四国の瀬戸内海側地域が「遠雷」していますが、直接的・確実な伝承が確認できる地域です。
　昨日の「浅野家侍帳」での同姓（原氏）の武家一統の確認に引き続き、今回は1676年-1728年を生きた９代前の先祖「原平七」が、浅野藩「所務役人・頭庄屋郡邑受方記」という文書で明示されていた。
　家系が伝承してきた故事が藩の公的な記録資料で証明されたワケです。この故事を記録に残した６代前の祖先の調査の正確性が証明された。はるかな末裔として率直にうれしい。まぁご先祖にして見れば「なんだ、今まで確認できなかったのか」と譴責されるでしょうが。ありがたく受け止めたいと思います。
　この記録では広島浅野藩の合計生産高は417,685石あまりで、その中で「所務役人40人、頭庄屋81人」と経済面責任者の合計数が記載されている。
　この記録では先祖が管掌していた生産高合計は9,615石余、そのうち「新開」132石余「塩浜」49石余と記されている。新開とはあらたに開発された「新田（畑）」を表している。新開に対しては一定の税制優遇があったので別扱いで表記された。また、塩浜は製塩業の規模を表すもの。コメの１石と塩の１石には市場流通性という商品特性に違いがある。この「単位設定」については今後、調査していきたい。
　ほかの所務役の管轄地域と比べて「塩浜」の比重が高いのが特徴。
　江戸期の経済は戦国期までのコメ最優先が貫徹している社会。基本はコメの収量で測られた時代だが、徐々に「市場経済」化していく社会過程でもあった。この「塩浜」のような米以外の商品が藩経済にとってもウェートが増大した時代だったのだろう。先祖はこういう状況をどう受け止めていたか？・・・

●お知らせ
拙書「作家と住空間」幻冬舎から電子書籍で発刊
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English version⬇

【Ancestral “Role Evidence” from Around 310 Years Ago / Official Document of the Hiroshima Domain】
It feels like I can hear a casual voice saying, “Hey, I was doing this back then (lol).” A DNA-like reaction sinks deep within me. …

　I’m finally reading through the “History of Hiroshima Prefecture.”
It covers the old provinces of Aki and Bingo—the core region in my family’s oral history. While distant connections exist to Kishu, Hyogo Prefecture, and the Seto Inland Sea side of Shikoku, this is the area with direct, verifiable ancestral ties.
　Following yesterday’s confirmation of the same surname (Hara) samurai lineage in the “Asano Clan Samurai Register,” this time, my 9th-generation ancestor, Hara Heishichi, who lived from 1676 to 1728, was explicitly listed in a document titled “Asano Domain Official Duties, Village Headmen, and District Receiving Officers Register.”
　This means the family’s long-held tradition has been proven by official domain records. It validates the accuracy of the research conducted by my sixth-generation ancestor who recorded this tradition. As a distant descendant, I’m frankly delighted. Well, if my ancestors were here, they’d probably scold me, “What? You couldn’t confirm this until now?” But I’ll gratefully accept it.
　This record states the total production of the Hiroshima Asano Domain was over 417,685 koku. Within this, it lists the total number of economic officials: “40 administrative officials and 81 head village headmen.”
This record also details the total production managed by my ancestor: over 9,615 koku. Within this, it specifically notes “Newly Developed Fields” (Shinka) at over 132 koku and “Salt Fields” (Shiomachi) at over 49 koku. “Shinkai” refers to newly developed “new fields (farmland)”. As shinkai enjoyed certain tax incentives, it was recorded separately. Furthermore, ‘shiohama’ indicates the scale of the salt production industry. There is a difference in the market circulation characteristics between one koku of rice and one koku of salt. I intend to investigate this “unit setting” in the future.
　A notable feature is the high proportion of “salt fields” compared to other administrative districts.
The Edo period economy maintained the rice-first priority established since the Warring States period. While fundamentally measured by rice yield, it was also a period of gradual transition toward a “market economy.” This era likely saw non-rice commodities like these “salt fields” gaining increasing weight within the domain’s economy. How did our ancestors perceive this situation? …

●Notice
My book “Writers and Living Spaces” published as an e-book by Gentosha
Available on Amazon.　
　

Posted on 1月 29th, 2026 by 三木 奎吾
Filed under: 未分類 | No Comments »

【広島藩浅野家「侍帳」に家禄2200石重臣「原勘兵衛」名】




　「四百年間のいのちの履歴書」シリーズ。
　家系史探究というのは直球的ドンピシャ感はなかなか得られにくい。あってもたまに、程度。
　約300年前に家系6代前先祖が、紀州から広島藩浅野家の転封と同時期に移入してきていることを掘り起こしてくれたので、これは確定。
　紀州からこの地へ藩主の転封と時期が一致していることから、当然「蓋然性」として藩との関係が解明ポイントとして出てくる。それが「紀州以前」というそれ以前の家系史探究のカギになる。
　そこで「急がば回れ」。言わば証拠固め的に広島・浅野藩のことを調査している次第。
　最近は「地域史」研究が盛んで浅野藩と重なる「広島県史」を図書館ネットワークで遠距離借り上げして熟読している。特に調べたかったのが「浅野長晟侍帳」という藩公式の家臣団記録。浅野長晟は紀州から広島に転封したときの藩主であり、この「侍帳」は1619年に記録された。
　そこに「原 勘兵衛」という重臣の名前を確認することができた。
　かれは、家臣団のなかでの「組頭」の位置付けで「原 勘兵衛組」の統率者として2,200石の家禄で記載されている。「組」とは家臣を機能的・身分的にまとめた軍事・日常業務の単位組織。戦時の部隊を基盤にしつつ平時は藩行政・警備・秩序維持を担う役割を持っていた。
　ちなみに記録されている組数は11組で45万石の大名家のなかの重臣クラス。浅野と名の付く一門衆を除けば上位数人の重臣。同組のなかには同じ「原姓」の縁者とおぼしき一統も名を連ねている。
　さらにこの浅野家成立過程での出仕時期は紀州に来る前の文禄年中の「旧臣録」でも名前が出ていたという。原氏が浅野家に仕えたのは甲斐の国主だった1592-3年頃との記述。その後1600年の関ヶ原の戦いで徳川方に味方し同年に紀州を領地として与えられた。
　そこから藩の転封でこの地にやってきた経緯。
　こういう背景情報の中で、この同姓の武家・原氏とわが家系の「関係性」を考えることになる・・・。

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English version⬇

【Hiroshima Domain Asano Clan “Samurai Register” lists senior retainer “Hara Kanbee” with 2,200 koku stipend】
Solidifying circumstantial evidence of the “connection” between the domain organization governing the region and my family lineage. Discovery of a senior domain retainer with the same surname. What is the connection between this samurai family and my lineage? …

　The “Four Hundred Years of Life’s Resume” Series.
Genealogical research rarely delivers that direct, spot-on feeling. If it does, it’s only occasionally.
It was confirmed that about 300 years ago, my sixth-generation ancestor moved here from Kishu around the same time the Asano clan was transferred to the Hiroshima domain.
　Given the timing coincides with the domain lord’s transfer from Kishu to this region, the relationship with the domain naturally emerges as a key point to clarify, based on probability. This becomes the key to exploring the family history “before Kishu.”
So, “Haste makes waste.” I’m currently investigating the Hiroshima Asano domain, essentially to solidify the evidence.
　Recently, “regional history” research has flourished. I’m thoroughly reading the “History of Hiroshima Prefecture,” which overlaps with the Asano domain, by borrowing it remotely through the library network. What I particularly wanted to examine was the “Asano Nagamasa Samurai Register,” the domain’s official record of retainers. Asano Nagamasa was the domain lord when they were transferred from Kishu to Hiroshima, and this “Samurai Register” was recorded in 1619.
　There, I was able to confirm the name of a senior retainer, “Hara Kanbee.”
　He is listed as a “group leader” (組頭) within the retainer corps, commanding the “Hara Kanbee Group” with a stipend of 2,200 koku. A “group” (組) was a functional and hierarchical unit organizing retainers for military and daily duties. Based on wartime units, they handled domain administration, security, and maintaining order during peacetime.
　Incidentally, the number of groups recorded was 11, placing him among the senior retainers of a 450,000-koku daimyo household. Excluding the Asano-named clan members, he was among the top few senior retainers. Within his group, individuals bearing the same “Hara” surname, likely relatives, were also listed.
Furthermore, his period of service during the formation of the Asano clan appeared in the “Old Retainers Register” from the Bunroku era, before his arrival in Kishu. They became retainers around 1592-3. The Hara clan served the Asano family when they were lords of Kai Province. Later, in the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600, they sided with the Tokugawa faction and were granted Kishu as their domain that same year.
　From there, they came to this region through domain transfers.
Against this backdrop, I find myself contemplating the “relationship” between this same-surnamed warrior family, the Haras, and my own lineage…

●Notice
My book “Writers and Living Spaces” published as an e-book by Gentosha
Available on Amazon.

Posted on 1月 28th, 2026 by 三木 奎吾
Filed under: 未分類 | No Comments »

【広島・竹原市田万里に「原」地名多数／故地探訪】


　昨日はようやく大雪一段落。友人から「やり過ぎ、歳も考えろ」と厳重注意。ごもっとも。
　さて「四百年間のいのちの履歴書」シリーズ。本日は今から400年以上前頃の家系と地域の状況。
　伝承ではわたしの家系は東広島市河内町「入野」地域に1600年代初期に入地したのですが、夫婦と男女４人の子どものうち「女子」はすぐに隣村の「田万里」に嫁さんに行って、その婚家は当時のわが家の氏である「原」を名乗っている。実際にこの田万里では江戸期を通してこの原家が庄屋をずっと続けていた記録が残っている。
　で、明治以降の1958年に竹原市に行政区画で編入されて以降の地図（上図）を見ると、字（あざ）名でたくさんの「原」地名が発見できる。砂原・岡野原・前河原・東西の鋳師原・奥野原・天神原・白井原・南ヶ原などとなっている。この田万里地域自体が〜名前の由来:「たまり」という地名は、賀茂川周辺の土砂堆積や入浜式塩田開発などと関連がある（竹原の歴史的風致より）〜ということなのですが、どうも地形の土木的改良の歴史的痕跡が、地名に残されていることが明らかと思える。
　そしてやがて「竹原の塩田開発（1650年頃から開始）」への技術的な伝播が推測されてくる。時期も符合する。実際に古文書の記述で田万里から竹原の塩田造作へ、労働力供給があった記録も残っている。
　こういった情報を総合すると、入野に入村した家系は紀州由来の土木技術・知見から隣村の田万里の農地改良・河川土木に経営的に関与し、そこからさらにその進化形と思える竹原の塩田づくりにも深く関与したという推論が浮かび上がってくるのです。
　紀州から転封の浅野家の領国経営動態と、わが家系の活動領域の一端が垣間見えてくる。・・・

●お知らせ
拙書「作家と住空間」幻冬舎から電子書籍で発刊
お求めはAmazonで。
https://amzn.asia/d/eUiv9yO

English version⬇

【Hiroshima: Numerous “Hara” Place Names in Tamari, Takehara City / Exploring Ancestral Lands】
Place names containing “Hara” in Tamari, a neighboring village of Irino where settlers from Kishu entered the land, preserve traces of terrain modification and farmland development. From there, involvement in the Takehara salt field development that began in 1650 also emerged. …

　Yesterday the heavy snow finally let up. A friend sternly warned me, “You’re overdoing it—think about your age.” They’re absolutely right.
Now, for the “Four Hundred Years of Life’s Resume” series. Today covers my family lineage and the local situation over 400 years ago.
　According to tradition, my family settled in the “Iri-no” area of Kawachi-cho, Higashi-Hiroshima City in the early 1600s. Of the couple and their four children (two sons and two daughters), the daughters quickly married into the neighboring village of “Tamari.” Their marital families adopted the surname “Hara,” which was our family name at the time. Records show that this Hara family continuously held the position of village headman (shoya) in Tamari throughout the Edo period.
　Looking at maps from after 1958, when the area was administratively incorporated into Takehara City, numerous place names containing “Hara” can be found in the azaname (subdivision names). These include Sunahara, Okanohara, Maekawara, Higashi-Nishi Iushihara, Okuhara, Tenjinbara, Shiraihara, and Minamigahara. The Tamari region itself—Origin of the Name: The place name “Tamari” is associated with sediment accumulation around the Kamo River and the development of inlet-type salt fields (from The Historical Scenery of Takehara)—clearly reveals that historical traces of civil engineering improvements to the terrain are preserved in the place names.
　This suggests a likely technological transmission to the “Takahara Salt Field Development” (starting around 1650). The timing aligns. Historical documents actually record labor supply from Tamari to the construction of Takahara’s salt fields.
　Synthesizing this information, a hypothesis emerges: the lineage that settled in Irino utilized civil engineering techniques and knowledge originating from Kishu to become involved in the agricultural land improvement and river engineering projects of neighboring Tamari. From there, they likely became deeply involved in the development of Takahara’s salt fields, seen as an evolved form of these earlier projects.
　This offers a glimpse into the domain management dynamics of the Asano clan, transferred from Kishu, and a facet of my family lineage’s sphere of activity. …

●Notice
My book “Writers and Living Spaces” published as an e-book by Gentosha
Available on Amazon.

　

Posted on 1月 27th, 2026 by 三木 奎吾
Filed under: 未分類 | No Comments »

【１日３回除雪「大雪直撃札幌」ヘトヘトサンデー】



　いやはや、さすがに完全にやられました。
　昨日の札幌は完全に降雪による都市マヒ状態。札幌市西区山の手のわが家では、清田区里塚のもうひとつの家の方で「法事」の予定でしたが、朝１番６時〜７時台の雪かき中も全然降雪が止まず、その時点ですでに都市高速道路が「通行止め」ということもあり午前９時段階で法事の予定断念を決断し、お坊さんと連絡を取り期日を順延。その旨早急に親族に連絡していました。
　まだその段階ではどの程度の「大雪」か見通せなかったのですが「安全側」の判断。結果として大正解。
　写真は本日のわが家前のヒマラヤ山脈（笑）と、きのうのわたしの「歩数計」状況。昨日は朝１番の除雪にひき続き、昼前12時前ころ、そして夕方16:00頃と合計３回の雪かき作業に没入。ほかに散歩はしていないどころか、雪かき以外は外にも出ていません。歩数は雪かきのみ。運動量的には歩数換算で2-3倍ということなので、1.6万から2.4万歩ほどに相当。う〜む、さすがにキビシイ。
　最後の除雪後おかげさまでようやく降雪が収まって、本日朝４時くらいまで降雪は確認されていません。
　きのうの札幌はほとんど都市マヒで高速道路は本日朝になっても通行止めが続いているし、JRや都市間バスも終日ほぼマヒ。みんな集中せざるを得ない一般道も除雪がまったく追いつかずに、超渋滞ノロノロ。
　わたしは自宅除雪防衛一択で、ムリに動くべきではないという北国人としての直感的な判断でした。
　運動量に見合ってバタンキュー状態。めざめて本日早朝４時頃にクルマ給油で周辺状況を確認してきましたが、道路脇はうずたかく雪山が絶壁を構成して、道路幅は２車線道路がほぼ全部１車線のみ。わが家のすぐ近くの繁華街「琴似」では大量の除雪車が活動していました。出勤時間に合わせて大車輪ぶり。
　本日は週初め月曜日ですが、さてどこまで都市機能が復元できるか、という札幌です。

●お知らせ
拙書「作家と住空間」幻冬舎から電子書籍で発刊
お求めはAmazonで。
https://amzn.asia/d/eUiv9yO

English version⬇

【Snow Removal Three Times a Day: “Heavy Snow Hits Sapporo” Exhausting Sunday】
Record-breaking snow has completely paralyzed this city of 2 million. While snowfall has eased today, safety must remain the top priority when going out. Don’t push yourself. …

　Well, well, I was completely caught off guard.
Yesterday, Sapporo was completely paralyzed by the snowfall. At my home in Yamate, Nishi Ward, Sapporo, we had a memorial service scheduled at my other home in Satotsuka, Kiyota Ward. But even while shoveling snow first thing in the morning between 6 and 7 AM, the snowfall showed no sign of stopping. By that point, the city expressway was already closed to traffic. So, by 9 AM, we decided to cancel the memorial service, contacted the priest, and rescheduled the date. I promptly notified the relatives of this change.
　At that stage, we couldn’t yet gauge the full extent of the “heavy snow,” but we made a “safety-first” judgment. In hindsight, it was absolutely the right call.
The photos show today’s Himalayan mountain range (lol) in front of my house and yesterday’s status on my “pedometer.” Yesterday, following the first snow removal in the morning, I immersed myself in snow shoveling three times total: again around noon, and then around 4:00 PM. Not only did I not go for a walk, I didn’t even go outside for anything other than shoveling. My step count came solely from shoveling. In terms of exercise, shoveling counts as 2-3 times the steps, so that’s equivalent to about 16,000 to 24,000 steps. Hmm, that’s pretty tough.
After the last shoveling session, thankfully the snow finally stopped, and no new snowfall has been confirmed until around 4:00 AM this morning.
　Sapporo was practically paralyzed yesterday. The expressways remained closed even this morning, and JR trains and intercity buses were nearly shut down all day. Everyone had no choice but to use local roads, but snow removal couldn’t keep up at all, causing massive, slow-moving traffic jams.
My instinct as a northern resident was clear: stay home and focus solely on clearing my own driveway. Forcing myself to go out wasn’t an option.
I’m completely wiped out, matching my physical exertion. Waking up around 4 a.m. today, I went out to refuel my car and check the surroundings. Snowbanks piled high along the roadside formed sheer cliffs, reducing the two-lane road to barely one lane. In the bustling district of “Kotoni” right near my home, numerous snowplows were hard at work. They were operating at full throttle to coincide with the morning commute.
Today is Monday, the start of the week. The question is, how much of the city’s functions can Sapporo restore?

●Notice
My book “Writers and Living Spaces” published as an e-book by Gentosha
Available on Amazon.

　

Posted on 1月 26th, 2026 by 三木 奎吾
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