本文へジャンプ

【生後3ヶ月の孫と〝棟方志功〟作品集に耽溺(笑)】


 最近どうも予定がダブルブッキング気味。昨日も息子の嫁さんが孫を連れて昼頃に来るという連絡があったあとで、友人から昼食の誘い。一昨日も似たようなことがあって、どうも・・・。
 なんですが、有数の「ジイジバカ」ッぷりのわが身としては孫には敵わない(笑)。
 まだようやく3ヶ月ですが、ヘルプしているカミさんはさすがに筋肉疲労気味。代わりにわたしが抱っこ専門要員として共同行動・運命共同体的同伴に。
 なんですが、わたしはこの孫といつもたのしく会話しています。もちろんまだかれは(男の子)言葉は理解もしゃべることも出来ませんが、わたしは一方的にしゃべり続けています。わかるわからないは別にして、ジイジが楽しそうにお話ししているということが、かれの基層の重層低音に少しでも「伝わってくれたら」という思いなのであります。なので、「あのな、将来この埴谷雄高の本をしっかり読んでくれよ、とくに〝死者の電話箱〟のくだりは必読だぞ」などと、本気で話している(笑)。
 そうしたら、孫も3ヶ月になってきて、抱っこした瞬間にニコッと笑ってくれていた(笑)。
 「あ。またヘンなジイジだな」という表情なのでしょう。当方としては天上に昇る気分・・・。
 というような対話ぶりですが、写真の〝棟方志功〟作品集をふと手に取っていっしょにパラパラとページをめくって参観。わたし棟方志功フリークでして、青森市にあった記念館には2度ほど行っています。残念ながら同館は閉館。残されたこの作品図録集はそのうち貴重品になるように予想しています。
 北東北の芸術者たちは、宮澤賢治といいこの棟方志功といい、たぶん東京の「権威」的評価ではない、民衆的な愛好度がきわめて高いと思っています。いわば「民芸」的なフェッチのように思っている。で、3ヶ月の孫に「この女性の表情は、かあちゃんみたいにやさしいだろう?どうだぁ?」などと深層解説を試みている(笑)。かれは不思議そうな表情でみつめている。「お、脈ありかなぁ・・・」と誤解の海に完全に浸るジイジ、であります。
 わたしは各地域にある作家・芸術家の記念館を探訪するのが数寄なのですが、そこで買い求める図録の類いは、資料的価値が高いと思えます。孫にもそういう数寄が、と念を込めている次第。・・・

●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⬇

[Indulging in a collection of Shiko Munakata’s works with my 3-month-old grandchild (lol)]
A dialogue that transcends understanding or misunderstanding, reaching the very foundation of consciousness. The speaker’s hope that their “passion” will be conveyed. “Come to think of it, Grandpa said something about that before…”

 Lately, my schedule seems to be getting a bit double-booked. Just yesterday, after I got a message saying my son’s wife was coming over with my grandchild around noon, a friend invited me out for lunch. Something similar happened the day before yesterday, too—it’s just…
But as someone who’s a total “doting grandpa,” I just can’t resist my grandchild (lol).
 He’s only three months old, but my wife, who’s been helping out, is starting to feel the muscle strain. So, I’ve stepped in as the dedicated “cuddle specialist,” joining them in a sort of “shared destiny” partnership.
That said, I always have fun “talking” with this grandson. Of course, he (a boy) can’t understand or speak words yet, but I just keep talking to him one-sidedly. Whether he understands or not is beside the point; my hope is that the fact Grandpa is talking happily will “get through” to him, even just a little, in the depths of his being. So, I’m actually telling him things like, “Listen, when you grow up, make sure you read this book by Yutaka Haniya—especially the part about ‘The Dead Man’s Phone Booth,’ that’s a must-read” (lol).
 Then, my grandson turned three months old, and the moment I picked him up, he gave me a little smile (lol).
I suppose his expression was saying, “Oh, Grandpa’s being weird again.” As for me, I felt like I was floating on air…
That’s the kind of “conversation” we have. I happened to pick up the photo collection of Shiko Munakata’s works and flipped through the pages with him. I’m a huge Shiko Munakata fan, and I’ve visited the memorial museum in Aomori City about twice. Unfortunately, the museum has since closed. I expect this remaining collection of his works will eventually become a valuable treasure.
I believe that artists from northern Tohoku—whether it’s Kenji Miyazawa or Shiko Munakata—enjoy an extremely high level of popular appreciation, rather than the kind of “authoritative” recognition they might get in Tokyo. I see it as a kind of “folk art” fetish, so to speak. So, I’m trying to give my three-month-old grandson a deep analysis, saying things like, “This woman’s expression is as gentle as your mom’s, isn’t it? What do you think?” (laughs). He stares at me with a puzzled look. “Oh, maybe he’s getting it…”—and so I, Grandpa, am completely immersed in a sea of misunderstanding.
 I have a passion for visiting memorial halls dedicated to local artists and creators in various regions, and I find the catalogs and publications I purchase there to have significant historical value. I’m hoping my grandson will develop that same passion as well. …

● Announcement
My book, “Artists and Living Spaces,” has been published as an e-book by Gentosha.
Available on Amazon.

 

【江戸期“寺請制度”からの情報継承の困難性】


 昨日は次兄と打合せ。次兄から家系史探索の「業務引継命令」を受けて以降のわたしの情報探索の進行状況について、率直な意見交換を行っておりました。
 約束の時間になる寸前に息子夫婦+孫が突然やってきて完全にバッティング。孫は初めて見る大伯父に抱っこされたりしていました(笑)。わたしに似て「やや控えめ(笑)」な孫はこういうときは、ひたすら寝たふり。なかなか泰然自若としていて、面白い。
 ・・・というハプニングはありましたが、その後たっぷり2時間半ほどの打合せ。
 わが家のいま現在の宗旨は真言宗なのですが、わたしが調べていく中で300年前当時に浄土真宗から転宗したことがわかってきた。次兄の調査活動はどちらかといえば「家系の血統の流れ」に絞って進められ宗派などには調査が至っていなかった。対して受け継いだわたしは、背景となる社会状況の中で家系はどのような条件下で,どのようにふるまってきたのか、という側面に注力してきた次第。
 そもそも「原氏」だった家を「三木氏」に転換してきたという特殊な経緯をたどってきているので、こういう「転宗」ということも起こったのだと想像できるのです。
 広島藩浅野家で「苗字帯刀」を許されて「士分」であった家系から、わたしたちの先祖はお隣の福山藩に移転転身を果たして福山藩の塩業の御用商家を営んできた経緯。幕藩体制下では、相当に異質な「ロンダリング」。そうすると家名も同じではいられにくかった。また、福山藩でも士分同格の待遇だったので、逆に当時の社会の「寺請制度」からは規格外の転身。
 そこでロンダリングは宗派にも及んだ。広島藩での「浄土真宗」から福山藩領では「真言宗」に替わっていったという経緯のようなのです。したがっていま現在のわが家に残っている「位牌」の類いもこのロンダリング経緯のままに「三木阿賀屋」の家引継の痕跡がそのままに残されている。DNAとしての家系と、家制度上の家系に不連続関係が生じているのですね。
 わたしの引継調査のいま現在の状況を話し合ってみて、このように解明されてきた次第。江戸期には戸籍制度の根幹であった宗派寺院について、不連続しているのですね。
 この結果「故有りて」という謎めいた記述が六世の祖の記録文に書かれる結果になった。・・・

●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 Difficulty of Preserving Information Under the Edo-Period “Tera-yose System”]
During the Edo period, families of samurai status who moved across domain borders often became “official merchants” serving the government in neighboring domains. This led to discontinuities in the Tera-yose system—which served as a form of household registration. …

 Yesterday, I had a meeting with my second oldest brother. We had a frank discussion about the progress of my research since he gave me the “order to take over” the family history project.
Just as the appointed time was about to begin, my son and his wife—along with my grandchild—suddenly showed up, completely overlapping our schedules. My grandchild was being held by his great-uncle, whom he was meeting for the first time (lol). Like me, my grandchild is “a bit shy (lol),” so in situations like this, he just pretends to be asleep. He was quite calm and composed—it was amusing.
…Despite that little mishap, we had a full two-and-a-half-hour meeting afterward.
Our family’s current denomination is Shingon Buddhism, but as I’ve been researching, I’ve discovered that we converted from Jodo Shinshu about 300 years ago. My second older brother’s research had focused more on the “flow of the family’s bloodline” and hadn’t delved into matters like religious sects. In contrast, having taken over the research, I have focused on how our family behaved and under what conditions within the social context of the time.
Since our family has a unique history of changing from the “Hara” clan to the “Miki” clan, I can imagine that this “change of sect” occurred as a result.
 Our ancestors originated from a lineage within the Asano clan of the Hiroshima domain that was permitted to bear a surname and carry a sword, thus holding samurai status. They relocated to the neighboring Fukuyama domain, where they established themselves as a merchant family serving the domain’s salt industry. Under the bakufu-han system, this was a highly unusual form of “rebranding.” Consequently, it became difficult to retain the same family name. Furthermore, since they were treated as equals to the samurai class in the Fukuyama Domain, this was, conversely, a transformation that fell outside the norms of the “temple sponsorship system” prevalent in society at the time.
Consequently, this “rebranding” extended to religious affiliation as well. It appears that while they followed the “Jodo Shinshu” sect in the Hiroshima Domain, they switched to the “Shingon” sect within the Fukuyama Domain. Consequently, the “memorial tablets” and similar items remaining in our family today bear the traces of this “rebranding” process, preserving the legacy of the “Miki Agaya” family line. This creates a discontinuity between the family lineage as DNA and the lineage within the feudal household system.
 After discussing the current status of my lineage research, this is how the situation has been clarified. Regarding the sect and temple affiliation—which formed the foundation of the household registration system during the Edo period—there is a discontinuity.
As a result, the enigmatic phrase “for a reason” ended up being written in the record of my sixth-generation ancestor. …

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

【青森県黒石にて“経塚”メディア過去記事に遭遇】




 みなさん「経塚」ってご存知でしょうか? 
 地域住宅雑誌を東北でも発行するようになって、各地を取材行脚する中でわかってきた過去の人びとの「精神性」に深く関わる「遺物・遺跡」です。AI による概要解説は以下:経塚(きょうづか)とは、平安時代中期から末法思想(1052年〜)に基づき、経典を後世や未来の弥勒菩薩へ残すため、経筒などに納めて地中に埋め、小規模な塚を築いた仏教遺跡。〜というもの。
 わたしのブログでは過去数回、取り上げてきています。
 【奥州藤原氏、北海道厚真で「経塚」造営】
 【平泉独立政権と北海道島】
 【国宝建築 白水阿弥陀堂】
 などで全部で7記事。なかでは下の記事が最も古く2007年11/30でもう19年も前。
 北海道で生まれ育った人間は、新開地らしくいわば「伝統的思考」から縁遠い部分があって、東北などの歴史についてその場所に行ってはじめて知らされる体験を重ねておりました。
 末法思想という日本民族の精神史においてきわめて重要な思想も教科書的な知見しかなく、いわば実地で知るようになった次第なのです。ただ、東北各地を巡るうちに奥州藤原氏が対北海道の交易に深く関与した状況に思いが至らされていた。とくに2番目の記事では 〜斉藤利男 弘前大教授のまとめ 独立政権と北方支配〜栄華を支えた蝦夷ヶ島〜として、先生が著作「平泉」で触れられた北海道との関係に触れてきています。
 こういったことから北海道厚真での現地探訪なども行っておりました。
 その関連情報として、2009年8/6の地元紙「東奥日報」の記事に出会ってしまったのです。

 この記事では弘前大学の関根准教授に取材して、弘前「堂ヶ平経塚」の規模やその「建築意図」について、いわば仏教思想による「鎮護国家」の境界認識が埋蔵されたという趣旨の記事内容が語られていた。
 ・・・数寄な領域について再度、雷鳴のごとくに「オマエ、前から気になっているテーマを思い出せよ!」と天の声を聞く思い。まことに「不勉強」汗顔の至りでありますが、生来の歴史数寄の部分が刺激された。
 たしかに北海道と東北を行き来する仕事人生であったので、この部分も再度学び直して、いま現在の「四百年間のいのちの履歴書」にも反映させてみたいと思われました。
 あ、こちらについても昨日大きな情報進展があった。深く進行中。・・・

●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⬇

[Stumbled Upon an Old Media Article About “Kyozuka” in Kuroishi, Aomori Prefecture]
I happened to come across an old article while traveling. I snapped a photo, restored the image on my Mac, and checked the content. Was this a voice from above telling me to remember a topic I’ve been curious about for a while? …

 Have you ever heard of a “Kyozuka”?
Since we began publishing a regional housing magazine in the Tohoku region, I’ve come to understand through my travels and reporting across the area that these are “artifacts and ruins” deeply connected to the “spirituality” of people from the past. Here is a summary explanation generated by AI: A Kyozuka is a Buddhist archaeological site dating from the mid-Heian period, built based on the Mappo ideology (1052–). It consists of small mounds constructed by burying Buddhist scriptures—stored in containers such as sutra tubes—in the ground to preserve them for future generations and the future Bodhisattva Maitreya.
I have covered this topic several times on my blog.
  [The Oshu Fujiwara Clan and the Construction of “Kyozuka” in Atsuma, Hokkaido]
  [The Independent Hiraizumi Regime and the Islands of Hokkaido]
  [National Treasure Architecture: Shirakami Amida Hall]
There are seven articles in total, including these. Among them, the article below is the oldest, dated November 30, 2007—already 19 years ago.
 As someone born and raised in Hokkaido, I’ve always felt somewhat removed from “traditional ways of thinking”—a trait typical of those from newly developed areas—and I’ve repeatedly had the experience of only learning about the history of regions like Tohoku after actually visiting them.
Even regarding the “Mappo” doctrine, an extremely important concept in the spiritual history of the Japanese people, I had only textbook knowledge; it was only through firsthand experience that I came to truly understand it. However, as I traveled around various parts of Tohoku, I began to realize the extent to which the Oshu Fujiwara clan was deeply involved in trade with Hokkaido. In particular, the second article—titled “Summary by Professor Toshio Saito of Hirosaki University: Independent Government and Northern Domination—Ezo Island, the Foundation of Prosperity”—touches on the relationship with Hokkaido that the professor discussed in his book *Hiraizumi*.
Because of this, I also conducted field research in Atsuma, Hokkaido.
 In connection with this, I came across an article in the local newspaper *Tōō Nippō* dated August 6, 2009.

 In this article, Associate Professor Sekine of Hirosaki University was interviewed regarding the scale of Hirosaki’s “Dōga-daira Tsukazuka” and its “architectural intent.” The article discussed the idea that a Buddhist concept of “protecting the nation” and the perception of its boundaries was embedded within the site.
 …Regarding this niche field, I felt as if I heard a voice from the heavens, thunderous as a clap of thunder, saying, “Hey, you! Remember that theme you’ve been curious about all along!” I am truly ashamed of my lack of knowledge, but my innate fascination with history has been piqued.
Indeed, having spent my working life traveling back and forth between Hokkaido and Tohoku, I felt compelled to revisit this subject and incorporate it into my current “400-Year Life Resume.”
Oh, and there was a major development regarding this very topic yesterday as well. It’s progressing deeply. …

【春には海辺の街・小樽海岸の散歩が似合う・・・】



 地震もあり「海辺の散歩」の写真を忘れておりました。
 わたしは札幌市の「西区」に住んでいるので、高速を利用すると小樽海岸までは20-30分で着ける。北海道人はだいたい小樽に対して、母港的なイメージを持っている。北海道開拓の地域的な拠点としてながく機能してきた街。本州社会との交流に於いてその港が、人流物流を支えてきた。
 現代ではそうした機能性はむしろ新千歳空港とそのタウンが担ってきているけれど、昭和中期年代にとっては一種ノスタルジックな気分が漂ってくるのですね。
 そういうノスタルジー性については、わたしたち年代がいちばん最初に気付いて、たとえばレンガ倉庫群についてその空気感・雰囲気を再発見して、ある気分を創造してきたように思っている。そうだ、小樽って面白い雰囲気がある街だよね、と提起してきたように思っている。
 今現在はアジア系を主体とする観光客が運河道路付近を占拠しています。
 というところですが、その道路からさらにウォーターフロントの地域は、フェリーターミナルとかヨットハーバーなどが海上交通の側面を見せてくれている。
 加齢してきて散歩が大きな楽しみと健康維持作戦のメインになってきて、この地域の交通量の少なさに気付いています。海岸線のところどころには海釣りを楽しむみなさんのゾーンもあって、そういう近辺にはクルマを駐車させる場所も確保できる。
 そこを拠点にボーッと海を眺めながら散歩として好日を享受する。
 写真は東端に近い「海陽亭」が頂部にある丘陵を見晴らした様子。手前側にはヨットハーバーがある。その海岸線に面して大型スーパーの店舗が開口部を向けている。
 さまざまな「顔」を見せてくれているけれど、クルマ交通の少なさには驚かされる。海上交通とクルマ交通の「合間」のような雰囲気なので、散歩出来る道幅が広大(笑)。
 天高く、海広く、道が広い・・・。
 こういった小樽の魅力というのもアリかと思い始めております。
 海釣りのみなさんの様子を見ているとニシンとおぼしき魚体が次々と釣り上げられていました。
 そういう歓声も、まことに好日を感じさせてくれています。

●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⬇

[Spring is the perfect time for a stroll along the Otaru waterfront…]
Head further toward the waterfront from Otaru’s “Canal Street,” which is bustling with Asian tourists. The area around the sea fishing spots is a pleasant place to take a walk. …

 With the earthquake and all, I completely forgot to post the photos from my “seaside stroll.”
Since I live in Sapporo’s Nishi Ward, it only takes 20 to 30 minutes to reach the Otaru coast via the expressway. Most Hokkaido residents view Otaru as a sort of “home port.” It’s a city that has long served as a regional hub for Hokkaido’s development. Its port has supported the flow of people and goods in exchanges with mainland Japan.
 Nowadays, those functions are largely handled by New Chitose Airport and its surrounding town, but for those of us from the mid-Showa era, a certain nostalgic feeling still lingers.
I believe our generation was the first to notice that nostalgia—we rediscovered the unique atmosphere of places like the brick warehouse complex and helped create a certain mood around them. I feel like we were the ones who first pointed out, “Yeah, Otaru really does have an interesting vibe.”
 Currently, tourists—primarily from Asia—have taken over the area around the canal road.
 That said, beyond that road, the waterfront area—with the ferry terminal and yacht harbor—showcases the maritime aspect of the city.
As I’ve gotten older, walking has become a major source of enjoyment and a key part of my health regimen, and I’ve come to appreciate how little traffic there is in this area. Here and there along the coastline, there are zones where people enjoy sea fishing, and you can even find places to park your car nearby.
Using that as a base, I enjoy a pleasant day strolling while gazing blankly out at the sea.
 The photo shows the view from the hilltop near the eastern end, where “Kaiyo-tei” is located. The yacht harbor is in the foreground. Facing that coastline, a large supermarket has its entrance facing out.
It shows many different “faces,” but I’m surprised by how little car traffic there is. It has an atmosphere like the “space between” maritime and road traffic, so the paths for walking are incredibly wide (lol).
 The sky is high, the sea is vast, and the roads are wide…
I’m starting to think this is part of Otaru’s charm.
Watching the sea anglers, I saw what appeared to be herring being reeled in one after another.
Those cheers truly make me feel the joy of this fine day.

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

【ベッドで13時間の寝ぼけに直撃・地震アラーム!】


 昨日は小樽で温泉に浸かる前に「海岸沿い」の気持ちの良い散歩10,000歩超。
 晴天で風よけの上着はなんとなく必要と事前には感じていましたが、歩き始めたらやや汗ばむほどの超リラックス散策。やっぱり海を見ながら、対話しながら気ままにあるくというのは、この地球にいのちを得てきた動物としての人間の本然を思い知らされるような気分。
 太古から人間は、なんとなく海に対して「生命の源」という意識を持っていたに違いないと思える。こういう気分にわたしは最近「涅槃感」という言葉を宛てているけれど、そのような気分。そしてまだ肉体の若さを確保して、気分良く歩き回れることに感謝しつつ、まだまだ続けられたらと祈念する。
 で、つい歩きすぎかなぁと思って温泉に入ったら,腰から下がバラバラ感に満たされてしまった(泣)。日頃から1日10,000歩は散歩していますが、考えて見ればそれは朝と日中の2回で達成している。一気に歩き抜くのはあんまり記憶していない。そういう状態にそもそもカラダをバラバラにするような温熱効果が働いて、どうやら、その疲労感が一気に迫ってきてしまった。
 で、温泉入浴で受けた「注意勧告」のダメージから、遅い昼食後の午後4時くらいからベッドインしておりました。・・・ふつうは5-6時間で一度起きたあと、カラダがスッキリしているのですが、昨晩はまったくダメで、さっぱりスッキリしない。で、なんとか5時前にようやくマシな感じになったので起き出して、家の片付け掃除などを済ませていたら、「緊急地震アラート」でスマホが絶叫。
 アラートに驚いて起きてきたカミさんと寄り添ってその揺れの瞬間を過ごしておりました。
 ・・・まぁまぁ、の揺れっぷり。
 すっかり寝ぼけアタマが叩き起こされてしまった。まぁ、傍目には違いが無いかなぁ(笑)。
 先般のわたしの旅行中での地震の「後発」地震が予想されていましたが、今回のがそれであるかどうか、地震列島、最近活発なので,油断なく過ごしていきたいですね。

●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⬇

[Earthquake Alarm Catches Me in the Middle of a 13-Hour Sleep in Bed!]
At first, with my head still foggy, I thought, “Huh, is that the rice cooker beeping?” A message from the earth telling me to wake up. …

 Yesterday in Otaru, before soaking in the hot springs, I took a pleasant walk along the coast—over 10,000 steps.
It was sunny, and I had a feeling beforehand that I might need a windbreaker, but once I started walking, it turned into an incredibly relaxing stroll that even made me break a slight sweat. Walking freely while gazing at the sea and engaging in conversation really makes me feel as though I’m being reminded of humanity’s true nature as animals born to live on this Earth.
 I can’t help but feel that, since ancient times, humans have instinctively regarded the sea as the “source of life.” Lately, I’ve been describing this feeling with the term “nirvana-like sensation,” and that’s exactly how it felt. I’m grateful that my body is still young enough to let me walk around so comfortably, and I pray that I can keep doing this for a long time to come.
So, thinking I might have walked a bit too far, I went into the hot spring—only to find my lower body feeling completely disjointed (sob). I usually walk 10,000 steps a day, but come to think of it, I usually achieve that in two separate sessions—one in the morning and one during the day. I don’t really remember ever walking that much all at once. The thermal effects of the hot spring, which essentially break down the body, must have caused that fatigue to hit me all at once.
So, due to the “warning” I received from the hot spring, I went to bed around 4:00 p.m. after a late lunch. …Usually, I wake up once after 5–6 hours and feel refreshed, but last night was a total bust—I didn’t feel refreshed at all. I finally started to feel somewhat better just before 5:00, so I got up and was tidying up the house when my smartphone started screaming with an “Emergency Earthquake Alert.”
My wife, startled by the alert, came out of bed, and we huddled together through the moment of the tremor.
…It was a pretty decent-sized tremor.
 It completely jolted my sleepy brain awake. Well, I guess it probably looked the same to anyone watching (lol).
There had been predictions of an “aftershock” from the earthquake that happened while I was traveling recently, but whether this was it or not—since we live on an earthquake-prone archipelago that’s been quite active lately—I’d like to stay vigilant.

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

 

【知人推薦の不明〝峠の茶屋〟をMapでついに発見(笑)】




 4/14〜4/21までの観桜旅の余韻からようやく平常に復帰してきています。
 クルマでの移動主体の旅先でもわたしはほぼ毎日10,000歩以上の歩数を確保していましたが、それに付き合ってくれたカミさんは、雨になってしまった弘前城公園での散策が厳しかったようで、いまは健康回復途上。あまりにも広域での移動だったので予定作成担当としてもついつい無理したようです。
 一方わたしも、事前に知人から「あそこはいいですよ、オススメ!」と言われていたスポット「岩手県方面から田沢湖へ向かう〝峠の茶屋〟」がサッパリ不明だったので、申し訳なさから心に残ってしまっていた。なんでも「おでん」が名物らしくて、知人が会社勤めしていた頃、しょっちゅう訪れて舌鼓を打っていたそうなのです。「ぜひ食べてもらいたい、感想を聞きたい」ということだった。
 しかし田沢湖への道も「紫波から田沢湖経由で角館武家屋敷へ」というカーナビでの大ざっぱなルート案内なので、そういう不明ポイントは入力の仕方がわからなかった。なんとなくアタマのなかで「その近くに行ったら気付けるのでは?」という期待・目論見だけでハンドルを握っていた。・・・
 で、この周辺で気付いたのはこのブログで書いた「廃屋レストラン」。なんとなくこの廃屋が知人が言っていた〝峠の茶屋〟の残骸だったのではないかと想像してしまっていた。
 ところが、知人とのその後の連絡LINEではやはり違うと言われる。廃屋の手前側で「トンネルを抜けてすぐ」にその〝峠の茶屋〟はあるのだというのですね。
 いよいよ気になってしまったので、最新の最終手段、そうGoogle Mapで探索してみたのです。
 それが上の写真であります。写真としてはわたしのクルマの進行方向とは逆側から方向を変えての「全景」として表現させた。岩手県方向から来るとトンネルを抜けて「すぐ」に、わたしはうっかりまばたきをしてしまった可能性。それで、すぐに目を開いたらあったのが「廃屋レストラン」だったようなのです(泣)。
 でも個人的にはこの廃屋レストランはまことに心に沁みてしまったので「ま、いっか(良いか)」。
 ・・・このように追体験というか、未練を叶えられるという現代の情報手段の進歩ぶりに、あらためて強烈に瞠目させられている次第。 やっと会えたね〝峠の茶屋〟さん。

●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⬇

[Finally found the elusive “Touge no Chaya” on the map, thanks to a friend’s recommendation (lol)]
“Miki-san, the oden at that place is absolutely amazing!”—that’s the spot they recommended. With the help of modern tech, I finally got to check it out! …

 I’m finally getting back to my normal routine after the afterglow of my cherry blossom viewing trip from April 14 to April 21.
Even though we traveled mainly by car, I managed to walk over 10,000 steps almost every day. My wife, who kept up with me, found the walk through Hirosaki Castle Park—which turned out to be rainy—quite tough, and she’s still recovering. Since we covered such a vast area, I guess I ended up pushing her too hard as the one in charge of planning the itinerary.
 As for me, I felt a bit guilty because I couldn’t find the spot a friend had recommended beforehand—“Toge no Chaya” on the way from Iwate Prefecture to Lake Tazawa—and it had been weighing on my mind. Apparently, their “oden” is a specialty, and my friend used to visit there all the time and enjoy it immensely when he was working at a company. He told me, “You absolutely have to try it; I want to hear what you think.”
 However, since the route to Lake Tazawa was just a rough navigation guide from my car’s GPS—“from Shiwa to Kakunodate Samurai Residences via Lake Tazawa”—I didn’t know how to input such an unspecified location. I was driving with nothing but the vague hope and assumption that “I’ll probably notice it when I get close.” …
And what I actually noticed in this area was the “abandoned restaurant” I wrote about in this blog. I had somehow imagined that this abandoned building might be the remains of the “mountain pass teahouse” my acquaintance had mentioned.
However, in a subsequent LINE message with my acquaintance, I was told that it wasn’t the same place after all. Apparently, the “mountain pass teahouse” is located just past the abandoned building, “immediately after passing through the tunnel.”
I became even more curious, so I resorted to my last resort: I searched for it on Google Maps.
 That is the photo above. I took it from the opposite direction of my car’s travel to capture a “panoramic view.” Coming from the direction of Iwate Prefecture, I might have accidentally blinked right after passing through the tunnel. And when I opened my eyes again, what I saw was the “ruined restaurant” (sob).
But personally, this ruined restaurant really touched my heart, so I figured, “Oh well, it’s fine.”
 …In this way, I find myself once again deeply amazed by the progress of modern information technology, which allows us to relive experiences or fulfill lingering regrets. I’ve finally met you, “Toge no Chaya.”

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

【地域環境と人間空間の美感】



 昨日お伝えした東日本大震災から15年の復興メモリアル行脚ツアー企画、段取りが付いて参加申込みをさせていただきました。いろいろなスケジュールがあったので、調整する必要が生じていた次第。
 人間のいのちの時間の中では、やはり自然や社会の摂理やその運命とかかわりを持って生きて行くことになる。それらの抗しようのない絶対要因のなかでどう生き延びていくか、自分の本然をどのように実現させていくのか、それが普遍のいとなみなのでしょうね。東日本大震災とは、やはり対話を継続していく必要性を感じさせられています。さて。
 写真は今回のツアーの中で印象的だった自然の光景とある茶室のしつらい。
 上の写真は秋田角館〜津軽〜十和田周辺を巡り歩く拠点のホテルとして選択してくれていた大館のホテルからの朝方の遠望。大館というのは山間の平野部に都市環境が成立しているのですが、周囲には山々が連なって取り囲んでいる地形。雨気をふくんだ大気が山の合間に雲海を成立させて、墨絵のような美感を見せてくれていた。
 日本の地形はこういう景観美を多く発生させるような自然環境。
 北海道札幌ではしかし、あまり見かけることはない。中国の山水画というのは、こういう地形景観を表現したものなのだという解説を聞きますが、それが納得できるような景観美。
 一方下の写真は、弘前近郊の黒石で参観していたある「茶室」の床の間。自然木や太い竹などで構成されたインテリア意匠。
 わたしの美感印象のなかで、この2つの空間美が共鳴しているように思える。
 上の写真が自然が造形する「あわさ」であるとすれば、下の写真は建築構造に、そうした「あわさ」感覚を導入した結果のように感じられるのです。これは個人としての印象。
 きのうは山の手の家で不要になった木質テーブルを、里塚の家の方に移転してもらって、その環境の整理整頓をしておりましたが、機能性と空間の印象要素を両にらみしながら整理整頓して行くとき、この写真がもたらしてくるような感性の要素と対話することになる。機能性と同時に、ある志向性として「あわさ」というものに気付かされてきているのであります。
 高齢期の認知の「あわさ」にならないよう、取扱には充分注意すべき志向性(笑)。

●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 Aesthetics of the Local Environment and Human Space]
There is undeniably a captivating beauty inherent in the ever-changing nature. The subtle beauty evoked by a sea of clouds. Perhaps this same underlying aesthetic runs through the architecture of the tea room, which is designed to express the human spirit. …

 I’ve finalized the arrangements for the 15th-anniversary reconstruction memorial tour I mentioned yesterday and have submitted my application to participate. I had to make some adjustments due to various scheduling conflicts.
In the span of a human life, we inevitably live in connection with the laws of nature and society, as well as our own destinies. How we survive amidst these unavoidable, absolute forces, and how we realize our true selves—that is the universal struggle, isn’t it? The Great East Japan Earthquake continues to remind me of the necessity to maintain a dialogue with it. Well then.
The photos show a striking natural scene from this tour and the interior of a tea room.
The photo above is an early morning view from the hotel in Odate, which served as our base for exploring the Akita Kakunodate, Tsugaru, and Towada areas. Odate is a city situated in a mountainous plain, surrounded by a ring of mountains. The moisture-laden air formed a sea of clouds between the mountains, creating a scene of ink-painting-like beauty.
Japan’s topography provides a natural environment that gives rise to many such scenic beauties.
However, you don’t see this very often in Sapporo, Hokkaido. I’ve heard explanations that Chinese landscape paintings are meant to express this kind of terrain and scenery, and this view truly makes that explanation make sense.
 On the other hand, the photo below shows the tokonoma (alcove) of a “tea room” I visited in Kuroishi, near Hirosaki. The interior design features natural wood and thick bamboo.
In my aesthetic perception, these two spatial beauties seem to resonate with one another.
If the photo above represents a “fusion” shaped by nature, the photo below feels like the result of introducing that sense of “fusion” into an architectural structure. This is my personal impression.
 Yesterday, I had a wooden table that was no longer needed at the Yamanote house moved to the Satotsuka house, and I was tidying up that space. When organizing while balancing both functionality and the aesthetic elements of the space, I find myself engaging in a dialogue with the sensibilities evoked by this photograph. Alongside functionality, I am becoming increasingly aware of “harmony” as a guiding principle.
 It’s an orientation that requires careful handling so as not to become the “blurring” of cognition that comes with old age (laughs).

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

【東日本大震災15年。人生での「戦争」的極限体験】


 知人から東日本大震災被災地を再びめぐる住宅関係団体企画の情報提供があった。
 わたしは第2次世界大戦が終わって7年後にこの世に生を受けた。生粋の「戦後」世代ということになる。そしてここまでの人生で「戦争」という極限状況を幸いにして知らずに生きてきた。
 戦争や内乱・動乱というものは、個人や家・家族にとって決定的な外部要因として働く。いわば逃れようのない「運命」として人間に降り注いでくるものだろう。そのなかで生き延びる、生きるということを迫られることになる。いや、その流れの中で個としてのいのちそのものも潰えさる可能性のある状況。
 いずれにせよ、否応なく訪れてくる「さだめ」とも言えるのだろう。
 たしかに戦争という極限は体験しなかったけれど、2011年3月11日、札幌の会社事務所の自室で遠い遠雷のような地鳴りと揺らぎを体験していた。窓の外、南側に発光をも見ていた。
 わたしは北海道で地域住宅雑誌を創刊し住宅性能革新とそのいごこちデザインの掘り下げを志向してきていた。そのNEXT地域として大手企業との連携関係から東北へ進出し各地域のみなさんと「協働」意識ももって東北版に取り組んできていた。この3.11には翌々日に仙台に向かって出張の予定もあった。
 それまでの人生で想像することすら出来なかった天変地異が進行していた。
 とりあえず直近のアポイント先と連絡を取ろうとしたが、それもきわめて困難な状況。映像では巨大津波によって各地で甚大な被害の状況が刻一刻と報道されてきていた。・・・
 そこからようやく東北への移動が許可されることになって、はじめて開通したフェリー航路で室蘭から通常は八戸だったものが臨時的な上陸先としての青森へ移動し、青森県内の幾人かと面会した後、いつも利用していた東北道を南下した。ガソリンなども入手困難という情報で予備のタンクも載せていた。
 途次は地震被害で上下左右に道がくねっていて、制限速度で走行していても空中に投げ出されるような一瞬もあった。なにができるかもわからない中で、出来ることをしようと考え続けていた。
 各地のひとと無事を確認し合い、最後、福島県庁の方と話し合って、被災した人びとの住宅問題についての情報ツールという提起を受けて「東北の住まい再生」というボランティア情報誌を「できるかぎり早く」刊行させる活動に向かって行った。全国の企業先からの支援提供もいただくことが出来た。
 ・・・人知が及び得ない決定的要因がこの世には存在する。やはり「戦争」だったと思えている。

●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⬇

[15 Years Since the Great East Japan Earthquake: An Extreme, “War-Like” Experience in Life]
The earth shaking, the massive tsunami. Colossal forces far beyond the scope of any individual or home. War and natural disasters. How do we go on living after that…

 An acquaintance provided me with information about a housing-related organization’s plan to revisit the areas affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake.
I was born seven years after the end of World War II. That makes me a true “postwar” generation. And, fortunately, I have lived my life so far without ever experiencing the extreme conditions of “war.”
 War, civil strife, and turmoil act as decisive external factors for individuals, households, and families. They descend upon humanity as an inescapable “fate,” so to speak. In such circumstances, one is forced to survive and to live. No, it is a situation where one’s very existence as an individual could be crushed in the midst of that current.
In any case, it could be described as a “destiny” that comes whether one likes it or not.
 While I certainly never experienced the extreme conditions of war, on March 11, 2011, in my office at the company headquarters in Sapporo, I experienced a rumbling and shaking that felt like distant thunder. I even saw a glow outside the window to the south.
I had launched a regional housing magazine in Hokkaido, aiming to explore innovations in housing performance and the design of living comfort. As the next step in this initiative, I had expanded into the Tohoku region through partnerships with major corporations, working on a Tohoku edition with a spirit of “collaboration” alongside local communities. I had even scheduled a business trip to Sendai for the day after the 11th.
A natural disaster of a magnitude I could never have imagined in my entire life was unfolding.
I tried to contact my immediate business contacts, but the situation made that extremely difficult. Video footage was being broadcast moment by moment, showing the massive damage caused by the giant tsunami across various areas. …
Finally, I received permission to travel to Tohoku. I took the newly reopened ferry route from Muroran—which normally goes to Hachinohe—to Aomori, which had been designated as a temporary landing point. After meeting with several people in Aomori Prefecture, I headed south on the Tohoku Expressway, which I always used. Hearing that gasoline was hard to come by, I had brought a spare tank along.
 Along the way, the roads were twisted and twisted due to earthquake damage, and even while driving at the speed limit, there were moments when I felt as if I were being thrown into the air. Not knowing what I could do, I kept thinking about doing whatever I could.
After confirming everyone’s safety with people in various regions, I finally spoke with officials from the Fukushima Prefectural Government. Following their suggestion to create an information tool addressing housing issues for disaster victims, I set out to publish a volunteer information magazine titled “Rebuilding Homes in Tohoku” as “soon as possible.” We were also able to secure support from companies across the country.
…There are decisive factors in this world that lie beyond human understanding. I have come to believe that, ultimately, it was “war.”

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

【旅のアタマからの日常復帰には一定の時間・・・】



 トータル8日間だった春旅から帰ってきて、キンピラゴボウを大量に作ったり孫の世話をしたりと、留守中の時間感覚と整合させて行くスイッチ切り替えには、一定時間が必要。いわば「日常感覚」と旅での感覚の違いがあって、その「調整」に脳内の切り替えが不可欠なのでしょう。
 わたしの場合、家系が絡んできた日本史・地方史の調査活動を著述の対象分野としてきているので、下の写真にあるような基本資料の精読調査が欠かせないのですが、さすがに即座に復帰とはならない。昨日は病院にも行く用事があって、整理整頓は本日目覚めてからようやく本格化。写真の資料もどうしても確認したい点があったので、この分厚い資料4冊を借りて丹念に点検するのですが、この資料の到着が帰札した当日21日だった。とりあえず借りるのに手続きをして36時間近く整理することも出来なかった。
 8日間の非日常からの復帰に丸2日近く掛かっていることになりますね。老化かなぁ・・・。
 上の写真は旅路の最後、ようやく帰って来たねと迎えてくれた羊蹄山。今回の旅路では大好きな山として、岩手山が長い時間見守ってくれていました。また岩木山の方はほとんど雲の中で、ときおり「探していたっしょ(笑)」と顔を覗かせてくれる程度。また、道南の駒ヶ岳も近づいてからクッキリと見えていた。北東北〜札幌までの道のりにはこうした山並みが顔を見せてくれる。
 日本人ってご近所の山並みと会話し続けてきた民族なのでしょうが、札幌はどうもこういう独立火山系の様相ではなく日本アルプス的な「連山」系の山並みですね。富士山が大好きなのが日本文化の母体だとすれば、札幌以北はすこし違いがありますね。ただ、関西圏から中国四国は連山系とも思える。
 ・・・こんなあたりから、歴史系探訪の世界に復帰していきたいと思います。カラダの感覚もかなり復元してきたので、頑張りたいと思います。

●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⬇

[It takes a while to get back into the swing of things after a trip…]
It seems I need to go through quite a few steps to flip the switch in my head. I wonder if this is just a mental phenomenon of aging…

 I’ve returned from my spring trip, which lasted a total of eight days. Whether it’s making a large batch of kinpira gobo or looking after my grandchild, it takes some time to adjust my mindset and realign it with the sense of time that existed while I was away. In other words, there’s a difference between my “sense of daily life” and the sensation I experienced while traveling, and this “adjustment” likely requires my brain to switch gears.
 In my case, since my research and writing focus on Japanese and regional history—which involves my family lineage—it’s essential to carefully read and analyze primary sources like the ones shown in the photo below. Naturally, I can’t get back into the swing of things immediately. I had to go to the hospital yesterday, so I didn’t really get started on organizing things until I woke up today. There were some points in the materials in the photo that I absolutely needed to verify, so I borrowed these four thick volumes to examine them carefully—but they didn’t arrive until the 21st, the very day I returned to Sapporo. It took nearly 36 hours just to go through the borrowing procedures, so I couldn’t even begin organizing them.
It seems it’s taking me nearly two full days to return to normal after eight days of being away from my usual routine. Maybe I’m just getting old…
 The photo above shows Mt. Yotei, which welcomed me back at the end of my journey, as if to say, “You’re finally home.” During this trip, Mt. Iwate, one of my favorite mountains, watched over me for a long time. Mt. Iwaki, on the other hand, was mostly hidden in the clouds, only occasionally peeking out as if to say, “You were looking for me, weren’t you? (laughs).” Also, Mt. Komagatake in southern Hokkaido only became clearly visible once I got close. Along the route from Northern Tohoku to Sapporo, mountain ranges like these make their appearance.
I suppose the Japanese are a people who have long conversed with the mountain ranges in their neighborhood, but Sapporo doesn’t really have the look of these isolated volcanic peaks; instead, it has a “mountain range” landscape reminiscent of the Japanese Alps. If the love for Mount Fuji is the foundation of Japanese culture, then the area north of Sapporo is a bit different. That said, the Kansai region through to the Chugoku and Shikoku regions also seem to form a continuous mountain range.
 …Starting from around here, I’d like to return to the world of historical exploration. My physical condition has recovered quite a bit, so I’m going to do my best.

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

【総走行距離1,600km超。観桜クルマ旅帰還】



 さて14日から始まった今回の「観桜」自家用車旅、昨日無事に帰還できました。
 前期高齢者ながら、18歳になって免許を即取得して「行動の自由」を人生の基盤とさせていただいてきた人間としては、日頃から慣れ親しんでいるクルマであちこち移動できるのはウレシイ。ちょうどオイル交換してすぐの出発だったのでメーターをゼロ戻ししていたので、今回の走行距離は写真の通り。
 たしか日本列島は南北に3,000kmと記憶していましたが、(☜ほぼ正確)その半分超を1週間ほどで完走してきた計算になる。1日あたりだと230km弱。南は平泉の「中尊寺」地域まででの行程。さすがに昨日の最後の函館からは、ほぼまっすぐに自宅まで帰還。帰る前に食材の買い出しもしてきました。やはり外食やホテル食などばかりで、自分で料理するというのは、いかに楽しく、また、食材選びなどで工夫も出来るというよろこびの営為なのだと痛感させられますね。
 とくにわたしは、味噌汁についてどうも独特に出汁を取っているようで、外食では好みの味噌汁にはなかなか巡り会えない。加齢してくると、こういう部分に「生き方の個性」が表現されてくるのでしょうね。知人のなかには世界一周みたいな旅路を楽しまれる方もいますが、まぁ好み次第なのかなぁ・・・。
 昨日帰ってから夫婦とも問わず語りで味噌汁とか、キンピラゴボウとか、調理合戦(笑)。
 キンピラはわたしの完勝で、こどもたちの分も含めて大量調理。たぶん10日分は造作。
 それとさらにわが家では十二穀ほどのご飯を食していますが、こういうのも旅先で食するのは難しい。
 健康で元気よくあちこち探訪して回るためには、毎日の家での食生活が超大切というパラドクス(笑)。
 今回は「観桜」という目的での旅路でしたが、留守中にサクラ前線はついにわが家周辺、札幌にも到達してくれたようで、写真のような「雪融けの河川増水とサクラ」が迎えてくれておりました。
 それと、ちょうど津軽海峡を渡った後に、地震がニュースに飛び込んできた。被害にあわれた地域のみなさんのご無事を祈念いたします。わたしどもは間一髪、北海道上陸後でした。
 さて本日から通常のくらし。懸案事項にあたって参りたいと思います。

●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⬇

[Total mileage: Over 1,600 km. Back from a cherry blossom road trip]
When I returned to Sapporo—where the cherry blossoms hadn’t bloomed yet—Sakura greeted me with, “Where have you been?” (lol). I’m back to my daily routine with renewed energy and ready to tackle the tasks at hand. …

 Well, I safely returned yesterday from this “cherry blossom viewing” road trip, which began on the 14th.
Although I’m now in my early 60s, I’ve always considered “freedom of movement” to be the foundation of my life—having gotten my driver’s license immediately upon turning 18. So, being able to travel here and there in the car I’m so familiar with is a real joy. Since I’d just had an oil change right before setting off, I’d reset the odometer, so the total mileage for this trip is as shown in the photo.
 I believe the Japanese archipelago stretches about 3,000 km from north to south (☜ pretty much accurate), so that means I covered a little over half of that distance in about a week. That works out to just under 230 km per day. The route took me as far south as the Chuson-ji Temple area in Hiraizumi. Naturally, from Hakodate—the final stop yesterday—I headed almost straight back home. I also stopped to buy groceries before returning. It really drives home how much fun it is to cook for myself, rather than relying solely on eating out or hotel meals, and how much joy there is in being creative with ingredient selection.
 I seem to have a particularly unique way of making dashi for my miso soup, so I rarely come across miso soup to my liking when eating out. As you get older, I suppose these little details start to reflect your “personal style of living.” Some of my acquaintances enjoy traveling around the world, but I guess it really just comes down to personal preference…
After getting home yesterday, my wife and I had a friendly cooking competition (lol) over dishes like miso soup and kinpira gobo.
 I won the kimpira battle hands down, so I cooked a massive batch—enough for the kids too. Probably enough for 10 days.
Also, we eat rice mixed with about 12 different grains at home, but that’s another thing that’s hard to find when traveling.
It’s a bit of a paradox: to stay healthy and energetic enough to explore all over the place, your daily diet at home is absolutely crucial (lol).
 This trip was intended for “cherry blossom viewing,” but while we were away, the cherry blossom front finally reached our neighborhood in Sapporo, and we were greeted by the scene in the photo: “rising river waters from melting snow and cherry blossoms.”
Also, right after we crossed the Tsugaru Strait, news of an earthquake broke. I pray for the safety of everyone in the affected areas. We were just in the nick of time—it happened right after we landed in Hokkaido.
 Well, starting today, it’s back to our normal routine. I’d like to get to work on the pending matters.

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