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【父系６代先祖の「母と嫁」由縁の地・中津原〜母性の残響】



　さて「四百年間のいのちの履歴書」シリーズに徐々に復元努力。
　400年間にわたっての血脈の生き様の解明となると、さすがに心理的に興奮が高まらざるを得ない。手法としてはどうしても「父系」をたどるのがわかりやすい。父母両系をたどるとなると幾何級数的に拡散してしまって、すぐに全人口を上回ってしまうのだという。
　その点、父系一系の場合には絞り込めて、それも「代数」で個人まで特定できるので過去のその人生にまで思いを至らせることが可能になる。DNAが近しいことから心理まで慮りやすい。
　わたしの家系ではわたしを１代として数えて６代前の祖先が、この広島県福山市の北方4-5kmの、芦田川が石鎚山周縁を回り込むこの中津原地域に深い因縁がある。その後も３代前の祖父も、この地域の家に嫁さんの由縁がある。
　６代前の祖先は７代の父が尾道の商家を８代の祖父から継承して営みながら、なんと28歳の若さで他界してしまい生後１歳で母に連れられ、この中津原の母の実家に移ってきている。そこで育ちこの地で生まれた女性と婚姻した。その上で祖母の兄・大伯父の家が福山市今津町で「本陣」を務めていた家に「世話に」なっている〜まぁ「手代」として現代風に言えば「就職」したと言えるだろうか。
　１歳の小児を育て上げてくれ、しかも母系の縁から嫁取りまでさせてもらったワケだ。
　つくづくと母性のありがたさを感じさせられる。それも祖母＋母という２代の母性。
　先述したように父系でたどるのがわかりやすく絞り込みやすいけれど、しかし一方で男性の人生は、母系の「母性」に導かれていると思える。深い愛情。
　昨年11月にこの地を訪れたときの風景写真が、ずっと残響し続けてならない。

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English version⬇

【The Land of Nakatsuhara: Birthplace of My Sixth-Generation Ancestor’s “Mother and Bride” ~ Echoes of Motherhood】
A landscape deeply embedded in my family history. The land where my sixth-generation ancestor was raised, and where his bride was raised too. Echoes of motherhood. …

　Now, gradually restoring the “Four Hundred Years of Life’s Resume” series.
Unraveling the lived history of a bloodline spanning four centuries inevitably stirs intense psychological excitement. Methodologically, tracing the paternal line proves far clearer. Tracing both parental lines leads to exponential dispersion, quickly exceeding the entire population.
　In contrast, focusing solely on the paternal line allows for narrowing down the scope. Moreover, using “generations” enables identification down to specific individuals, making it possible to contemplate their past lives. The closeness of DNA also makes it easier to consider psychological connections.
　In my family line, counting me as the first generation, my ancestor six generations back had deep ties to this Nakatsuhara region. It lies 4-5 km north of Fukuyama City, Hiroshima Prefecture, where the Ashida River curves around the base of Mount Ishizuchi. Later, my grandfather three generations back also had connections to this area through his wife’s family.
　My sixth-generation ancestor inherited a merchant house in Onomichi from his grandfather. Tragically, he passed away at the young age of 28. At just one year old, he was brought by his mother to her family home in Nakatsuhara. He grew up there and married a woman born in this very place. Furthermore, he came to work at the home of his grandmother’s brother—his great-uncle—in Imazu-cho, Fukuyama City, a house that served as a “honjin” (main inn for travelers). He was taken in to “help out”—well, in modern terms, perhaps you could say he “got a job” as a clerk.
They raised him from a one-year-old infant, and moreover, through this maternal connection, they even allowed him to marry into the family.
It makes one deeply appreciate the grace of motherhood. And that of two generations—grandmother and mother.
　As mentioned earlier, tracing the paternal line is clearer and easier to narrow down. Yet, at the same time, a man’s life seems guided by the maternal love of his mother’s lineage. Deep affection.
The landscape photos I took when visiting this place last November continue to resonate within me.

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

Posted on 1月 25th, 2026 by 三木 奎吾
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【わが家前、通学路につき完璧除雪、惚れ惚れ・・・】



　「四百年間のいのちの履歴書」はただいま原資料精読＆収集中。内容が深掘りになってくるほどに「芸藩通志」など地域的で歴史的な古典籍類での調査活動が大きくなって来ます。一方で身近な「読者」が増えてきてその対応にも追われる（泣）。高齢になると日々のブログ参照にも手ほどきが必要になる場合がある・・・。
　というところで本日も北国の身近な雪の話題・続篇。写真はわが家の目の前の「完璧除排雪」ぶり。
　昨日の写真報告では、高々＆膨らみ気味の雪山が、一気にシャープなお姿（笑）に。わが家前は中学校の通学路に面しておりますので冬休みが終わって３学期が始まると、除排雪が「優先的に」実施されるのです。
　こういうきれいな除排雪ぶりに吊られて勢い自宅前の除排雪も、やる気が膨らんでくる。
　って、わが家の敷地を選択するときに、旧地主さんとの話し合いで北面道路付きのこっち側敷地と裏側の南面６m道路側との選択になった。わたしは迷わず即座にこの北面側を選んでいました。
　南面・北面という意味ではマイナスだけれど、配置環境的「温暖差」については設計対応で補えるし、そもそも高断熱住宅仕様であれば十分に克服可能。一方で、除排雪などの公共交通的な利便性サービスについては「通学路に面している」ことによるメリットは未来永劫的に価値観が高い。
　もちろん職住一体という用途としてもこの選択には合理性があったと思います。
　そして密かにですが、こういう除排雪「アート」って、好きなんですね（笑）。もちろん除排雪の作業のみなさんは業務に忠実なだけなのですが、そういう日本人的な「マジメさ」が生み出すカタチは魅せられる。
　こういう風に「感謝＆ありがたい気持ち」を持ち続けられることも精神衛生として有益。
　除排雪作業が始められると、内心で手を合わせながら応援し続けております。

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English version⬇

Perfect snow removal on my home’s front walkway—absolutely stunning…
Currently engrossed in meticulously reading and collecting original historical texts and classical works. Amidst this intellectual immersion, the flawless snow clearance before my home presents a beautiful sight…

　“The 400-Year Life Resume” is currently in the phase of meticulously reading and collecting primary sources. As the content deepens, research activities in regional and historical classical texts like the “Geihan Tsūshi” become increasingly significant. Meanwhile, the number of “readers” close to home is growing, and I’m swamped keeping up with them (sigh). As people age, they sometimes need guidance just to check the daily blog…
　So, today’s topic continues with snow in the northern region. The photo shows the “perfectly cleared snow” right in front of my house.
Yesterday’s photo showed tall, bulging snowbanks, but today they’ve transformed into sharp, defined shapes (laugh). Since my house faces a middle school commuting route, snow removal is “prioritized” once winter break ends and the third term begins.
　Seeing such a clean snow removal job like this makes me feel motivated to tackle the snow removal in front of my own house too.
When choosing our property, discussions with the previous owner led to a choice between this north-facing lot with a road on the north side and the lot on the south side with a 6m road. I chose this north-facing lot without hesitation.
　While it’s a disadvantage in terms of south/north orientation, the design can compensate for the environmental “temperature difference,” and high insulation specifications can easily overcome it anyway. On the other hand, the convenience of public services like snow removal, especially since it’s “facing the school route,” holds immense, lasting value.
Of course, this choice also made sense for the purpose of integrating work and residence.
　And secretly, I actually like this kind of snow removal “art” (laugh). Of course, the snow removal workers are just doing their jobs diligently, but the shapes created by that Japanese “seriousness” are captivating.
Maintaining this kind of “gratitude & appreciation” is also beneficial for mental health.
When snow removal starts, I silently clasp my hands together and cheer them on.

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

Posted on 1月 24th, 2026 by 三木 奎吾
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【大雪で道路脇に雪山だらけ・札幌らしさ】




　ブログ「四百年間のいのちの履歴書」シリーズに復帰したいのですが、天気が許してくれない（泣）。
　冬まっ盛りの大雪でさすがに体力消耗気味。だいたい１時間程度で延べ200㎡ほどを片付けるのですが、さすがに連日の大雪到来で、カラダから疲労感が湧き上がってくる。
　天気予報では今日明日は小休止してくれそうとのこと。探査・執筆まとめに意識集中できるかと期待。
　写真は毎日の散歩で参拝させていただく地元の「琴似神社」。きのう行ったら神殿のヨコにある「屯田兵屋」への通路が久しぶりに開いていた。札幌の始原開拓期に建てられた住建築。こちらの兵屋では明治帝の肖像画が掛けられています。屯田兵は制度発足と同時期に「西南戦争」に出陣した経緯が込められているかのよう。
　寒冷地なのに囲炉裏暖房でその天井には排気口が開けられている。マイナス10度を超え日中でもマイナス５度程度の厳寒期、この住宅環境で過ごしていたのだと感慨深い。北海道は150年程度のスパンで歴史時間が刻まれているので、この時期に見てみるとまだ開拓の血肉感までが伝わってくる。
　ただ今の札幌の「積雪深」は73cm。平年は62cmなので２割くらいの多雪ぶり。わが家前の「雪山」は誇らしげに「オラオラ、ドヤぁ」と見下ろしてきます。こちらは、なんとかこの辺でお手柔らかにと、へりくだっておりますが、さてどこまでお聞き届けくださるか、深く念じております。

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English version⬇
　
Heavy snow piles up roadside mountains—that’s Sapporo for you.
Ooh la la, look at that! Winter’s cold grip looms overhead.
This season’s “just endure it” spirit—that’s the Hokkaido way, I guess.

　I’d like to return to my blog series “Four Hundred Years of Life’s Resume,” but the weather won’t let me (sob).
The heavy snowfall in the dead of winter is really taking its toll on my stamina. I usually clear about 200 square meters in roughly an hour, but with the heavy snow arriving day after day, fatigue is well and truly setting in.
The weather forecast says it might give us a break today and tomorrow. I’m hoping I can focus my mind on research and writing.
　The photo shows the local “Kotoni Shrine,” which I visit daily during my walks. When I went yesterday, the path to the “Tonden Heiya” (Settler’s Barracks) beside the main shrine building was open for the first time in a while. This residential structure was built during Sapporo’s pioneering settlement period. Inside this barracks, a portrait of Emperor Meiji hangs. It seems to encapsulate the history of the Tonden Hei (Settler Soldiers), who were deployed to the Seinan War around the same time the system was established.
　Despite the cold climate, it uses a hearth for heating, with an exhaust vent in the ceiling. It’s deeply moving to think they lived in this housing environment during the harshest winter months, when temperatures drop below minus 10 degrees Celsius and stay around minus 5 degrees even during the day. Hokkaido’s history is carved into spans of about 150 years, so seeing this now still conveys the palpable sense of the pioneering spirit.
　Sapporo’s current snow depth is 73cm. With an average of 62cm, this is about 20% heavier than usual. The “snow mountain” in front of my house proudly looks down, as if saying, “Ooh-rah, look at me!” I humbly hope it will go easy on us around here, but I deeply pray to see how far it will grant my wish.

Posted on 1月 23rd, 2026 by 三木 奎吾
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【札幌に大雪警報／2026冬、最盛期到来か？】




　昨日は朝と午後３時頃の２回、除雪作業。
　その除雪運動も含めて歩数は10,054歩。除雪の際の歩数はおおむね4,000歩程度だったので、運動量としては、12,000〜14,000歩程度なのでしょう。冬本番。
　結果、早々に19時頃に寝てしまって約７時間後、午前２時に起きたらわが家前は写真のような状況。
　本格的な2026年の最強冬将軍さま、降臨されてきているようです。
　北国住民としてはそのご威光にひれ伏しつつ、身の回りの安寧を願ってふたたび除雪に向かいます。
　きのう1/21現在での気象台データを見るとことしの降雪状況はここまでかなり多めのペース。平年の238cmに対して317cmなので約133%ほどのペース。そして本日は大雪警報発令（午前1:39）なので、さらに上回る。
　全国的にも日本海側、北海道・東北・北陸から昨日触れた松江などの山陰まで、日本海側各地で激しい降雪が続いているようです。北海道はまったくの「平常運転」ですが、ふだんそれほどでもない地域のみなさん、十分にご注意されるように願います。
　しかしさすがに雪かきの積層疲労は、カラダ各所からの骨の「ポキポキ音」で知ることになる（笑）。排雪場所の「雪山」がどんどん高くなってきているので、なかなか厳しい体動を強いられるのですね。
　・・・ということで「ロードヒーティング、スイッチ入れようかなぁ」とふとアタマをよぎったりしますが、ロードヒーティングは「即効性」は乏しい。スイッチを入れてから積雪の減少という効果を確認できるのはほぼ48時間くらいかかるのですね。常時運転させている必要がある。コスパ的に難がある。
　北海道での合理性の高い雪対策、それぞれのライフスタイルの違いもあって、最適解は一様ではない。
　めげずに前向きに雪かきに。記事アップ後、これから除雪出動です。頑張ります。

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English version⬇

【Heavy Snow Warning for Sapporo / Winter 2026: Peak Season Arriving?】
Sapporo’s snowfall is about 133% of the annual average. Is the mightiest winter storm of the season descending? As northerners, we can only respectfully welcome it and calmly hope for its early departure. …

Yesterday I shoveled snow twice, once in the morning and again around 3 PM.
Including that snow removal, my step count was 10,054 steps. Since shoveling itself was roughly 4,000 steps, my total activity was probably around 12,000 to 14,000 steps. Winter is in full swing.
　As a result, I went to bed early around 7 PM. When I woke up about seven hours later at 2 AM, the situation in front of my house was like the photo.
It seems the full force of the mighty Winter General of 2026 has descended upon us.
　As a northern resident, I bow to its majesty while praying for peace around me, then head out to shovel snow once more.
Looking at the meteorological observatory data as of yesterday, January 21st, this year’s snowfall pace has been significantly higher than usual. Compared to the average of 238cm, we’re at 317cm, about 133% of the average. And today, a heavy snow warning was issued (at 1:39 AM), so it will surpass that.
　Nationally, heavy snow continues across the Japan Sea side—from Hokkaido, Tohoku, and Hokuriku to the San’in region like Matsue mentioned yesterday. While Hokkaido is operating as usual, I urge everyone in areas not typically hit this hard to take extra caution.
But honestly, the cumulative fatigue from shoveling snow makes itself known through the “cracking sounds” coming from bones all over your body (laugh). The “snow mountains” at the disposal sites keep getting higher, forcing some pretty tough physical movements.
…Which makes me think, “Maybe I should turn on the road heating?” But road heating lacks “immediate effectiveness.” It takes about 48 hours after switching it on to see any reduction in snow accumulation. It needs to run constantly. Cost-wise, it’s problematic.
　The most rational snow countermeasures in Hokkaido vary depending on individual lifestyles, so there’s no one-size-fits-all solution.
Undeterred, I’ll keep shoveling with a positive attitude. After posting this article, I’m heading out for snow removal duty. I’ll do my best.

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

　
　

Posted on 1月 22nd, 2026 by 三木 奎吾
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【夕陽に癒され人生後期を思う、宍道湖の涅槃】



　北海道人には山陽・山陰地方は遠い。
　東京・関東や広域関西圏には馴染みが深くなるのが多くの現代日本人の人生模様の趨勢。仕事中心の環境の中ではそれが自然でしょうね。わたしも北海道に生まれて育ち、やがて東京で生涯の仕事領域とめぐり会って、ほぼ人生時間は北海道と東京・大阪圏を往復するような仕事人生だった。
　結婚して子どもが出来てからは、家族旅は北海道と対比的で温暖な沖縄が大好きだった。
　そんな経緯で過ごしてきて現役リタイア以降は不思議と、四国とか山陽・山陰に惹かれてきている。
　山陽地域については家系の「故地」であることから、調査もあり頻繁に往復するようになって来た。
　親族の中には福山市今津の由縁のあるお寺に墓を建て「終の住み処」とする家もある。わたしの場合は、父が北海道の地で眠ることを決めたので、その流れになるだろうけれど、そういう気持ちはわかる。
　山陽地域を頻繁に訪れるようになって、写真の山陰・松江の「宍道湖の夕陽」にまったく心を奪われ続けている。こころの「鼓動」が吸い取られるような夕陽の時間に、深く沈殿させられている。
　あちこち訪ね歩く旅行計画なのに、この夕陽をただただ３時間以上見続けていたこともある。
　宍道湖というのは東西方向に長大なカタチなので、松江市内側の「夕陽スポット」からは、湖面に夕陽が落ちていって、しかも落ちてからの空を焦がす「残照」が深く心に刺さってきてしまうのだ。
　アジアに至った人類の末裔として遠く出アフリカの人類史を想起する機縁なのか。宗教的には仏教的な「西方浄土」が、毎日の夕景に映し出されてきたものだろうか。
　とにかく夕陽という人類原初的な心象風景にメロメロであります。・・・

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English version⬇
　
Healed by the Sunset, Contemplating Life’s Later Years: Lake Shinjiko’s Nirvana
The sunset is the simple beauty of Earth and Sun, where humanity has been relentlessly battered throughout time. Time simply settling into the landscape…

　For Hokkaido natives, the Sanyo and Sanin regions feel distant.
For many modern Japanese, life tends to center around familiarity with Tokyo/Kanto or the greater Kansai area. In a work-focused environment, that’s only natural. I too was born and raised in Hokkaido, eventually finding my lifelong career path in Tokyo. My working life was spent shuttling between Hokkaido and the Tokyo/Osaka areas.
　After marrying and having children, our family trips often took us to Okinawa, which we loved for its warmth in contrast to Hokkaido.
Having lived this way, it’s curious that since retiring from active work, I’ve found myself drawn to Shikoku and the Sanyo/Sanin regions.
Regarding the Sanyo region, it’s the ancestral home of my family line, leading me to research it and travel there frequently.
Some relatives have built graves at a temple with ties to Imazu, Fukuyama City, designating it as their final resting place. In my case, since my father decided to be laid to rest in Hokkaido, that will likely be my path too, but I understand that sentiment.
Since I started visiting the Sanyo region often, I’ve been utterly captivated by the sunset over Lake Shinji in Sanin, Matsue, as seen in the photo. During those sunset hours, it feels like my heart’s “pulse” is being drawn in, deeply settling within me.
　Even on trips planned to visit many places, I’ve sometimes spent over three hours simply watching this sunset.
Lake Shinji stretches long from east to west. From the “sunset spots” on the Matsue city side, the sun sinks into the lake surface, and the “afterglow” that scorches the sky after it sets pierces my heart deeply.
　Is this a chance to recall the distant human history of our African ancestors, as descendants of humanity who reached Asia? Or is it the Buddhist concept of the “Western Pure Land” reflected in the daily evening scenery?
In any case, I am utterly captivated by the sunset, this primal landscape of the human heart. …

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

Posted on 1月 21st, 2026 by 三木 奎吾
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【地名の誤読発見。右“原”山城跡は「右京山城跡」と訂正】



　広島県東広島市河内町入野について、何回か触れ続けてきていました。
　わたしの六世の祖が1815年に訪れて200年前当時の家系の「故地探訪」でこの入野を訪れ詳細調査し先祖の墓地参詣もした旨の記録文書を残してくれていた。そこでその先祖の足跡をたどってわたしもそこからほぼ200年後に入野を訪ねていた次第。
　その経験を元に現代で可能な調査を重ね当時の広島藩浅野家の公式記録「芸藩通志」の当該地域図を参照したところ、やや不鮮明な「ルビ」で故地周辺の地名が表示されていた。そこで、拡大〜シャープなどの修正をPhotoshopアプリで繰り返した結果「右 原山城跡」と読み込んでしまった。
　当時のわが家系の「姓」は原氏であって、記録では「往昔紀州にて仕官たるところ」という記述。紀州から広島への浅野藩転封時期と時を同じくして、祖先はこの入野に入植したと記述されている。そこで「現地でゆかりのある地名」の残る地域に「地域の管理者」の役割を持たせて地域に根付かせたという推測を持ったのです。
　率直に言って古記録に基づく調査ではやはり「試行錯誤」が発生してしまう。
　本日、再確認してみたところ、公式記録「芸藩通志」ではしっかり「右京山城跡」と解読された。
　1/14付けの拙ブログ記事中の当該部分を訂正させていただきます。申し訳ありませんでした。
　この発表後、数日経過した段階で、1/14ブログについても修正しますのでよろしくお願いします。
　今後も慎重に故実を検討しつつ、家系史探訪は深めて行きたいと思っています。

English version⬇

【Correction of misread place name. The “Ura” Yamashiro ruins should be corrected to “Ukyo Yamashiro ruins.”】
We regretfully acknowledge that we spread this error. We sincerely apologize to our readers and have made the correction. We are deeply ashamed. …

　I have mentioned several times the area of Irino in Kawachi-cho, Higashihiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture.
My sixth-generation ancestor visited this Irino in 1815, two hundred years ago, as part of a “homestead visit” by the family lineage at that time. He left behind a written record stating he conducted detailed research and also visited the ancestral graves. Following in that ancestor’s footsteps, I too visited Irino roughly two hundred years later.
　Based on that experience, I conducted further research possible in modern times. Referencing the relevant regional map in the official records of the Hiroshima Domain’s Asano family, the “Geihan Tsūshi,” I found the place names around the ancestral home displayed in somewhat indistinct ruby characters. After repeatedly applying enlargement and sharpening adjustments using the Photoshop app, I misread it as “Right: Harayama Castle Ruins.”
　At that time, my family’s surname was Hara, and the records state, “In days of old, they served as officials in Kishu.” It is written that my ancestors settled in this Ino area around the same time the Asano clan was transferred from Kishu to Hiroshima. This led me to speculate that they were given the role of “local administrators” in areas where place names connected to their lineage remained, thereby rooting them in the community.
　Frankly, research based on ancient records inevitably involves trial and error.
Upon rechecking today, the official record “Geihan Tsūshi” clearly reads it as “Ukyō Yamajō-ato.”
　I hereby correct the relevant section in my blog post dated January 14th. My apologies.
After a few days following this announcement, I will also revise the January 14th blog post. Thank you for your understanding.
Moving forward, I intend to continue exploring family history while carefully examining historical precedents.

Posted on 1月 20th, 2026 by 三木 奎吾
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【北国の「厳冬期」を親子で楽しむ／雪だるまつくり】


　写真は、昨日の散歩道で近隣の発寒川河畔公園でみかけた雪像。
　どうやら土曜日に作り上げた「作品」のようでした。札幌の直近の雪質は必ずしも雪像つくりには適さない乾燥した雪なのですが、ちょっと重くなった「下の方の雪」を力を込めて丸めた感じがあって、そこから親子での、それも父子での作品と想像していました。
　たぶんお父さんも子ども時代に返った気分で、子どものまっすぐで茶目な「ものづくり」心理と完全同心して転げ回っている風景が想像されてしまっていた。あったかい・・・。
　どうもこういう光景に極端にヨワくなってしまっている（笑）。高齢化。
　
　さて、懸案の家系史探索「四百年間のいのちの履歴書」はるかな旅路・・・格闘中。
　先日記述した河内町教育委員会による江戸中期までのわが家系と同姓の家系調査記録。そこでわかったその家の「系図」に触れたのですが、やはり「面白いし、調査するべき対象」ではあるけれど、すぐに準拠しうるとは思われない。
　そこで「急がば回れ」ということで、わが家の六世の祖が書き残してくれた「原氏由来の事」文書内容に立ち返って、再度筋道を整理。AI時代には「資料検索」など秘書的な「アシスタント」としてGoogle-Geminiなどの生成AIツールが重宝します。
　しばしAIとの対話で焦点を再度絞っていって、ある頓悟にたどりついた次第。
　家系に関わる400年以上前の事柄なのですが、最近は各地の「地域史」が充実してきているので、司馬遼太郎さんの時代などからは格段の進歩発展が見られる。おかげさまで400年からさらにさかのぼり得る、有力な原典候補がおぼろげながらその後ろ姿が見えてきたようです。
　ただ、そういう原典参照には時間も掛かるし読みこなしの努力も必要。
　しかし、最近「念ずれば通ず」みたいに古文書の「てにをは」が見えても来ている。それなりの「楽しさ」も感じられるようになってきたのであります。習い性か？
　ものごとの進展には「緩急」があるのでしょう。それが当然の筋道・・・。

●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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https://amzn.asia/d/eUiv9yO

English version⬇
　
Enjoying the Harsh Winter Season in the North with Your Family / Making Snowmen
Just imagining a father and son building a snowman together fills my head with dreamlike joy. Am I getting old? (laughs). Restoring my energy to explore my family history…

　The photo shows a snow sculpture I spotted yesterday during my walk at the nearby Hassamu River Riverside Park.
It seemed to be a “creation” made over the weekend. While Sapporo’s recent snow isn’t always ideal for sculpting—it’s rather dry—this one had a feel of being rolled with force using the heavier “lower layer of snow.” That led me to imagine it was a father-son project.
　I could picture the father, feeling like a child again, rolling around in perfect harmony with his child’s straightforward, playful “creative” spirit. So heartwarming…
I’m hopelessly weak for scenes like this (laugh). Aging.
　
　Now, regarding the long-pending family history exploration, “Four Hundred Years of Life’s Resume”—a distant journey… still wrestling with it.
The other day I mentioned the Kawachi Town Board of Education’s records tracing our family line and other families with the same surname back to the mid-Edo period. I touched on the “genealogy” of that family discovered there. While it is indeed “interesting and worth investigating,” I don’t think it can be immediately relied upon as a reference.
　So, taking the “make haste slowly” approach, I returned to the document “On the Origins of the Hara Clan” left behind by my sixth-generation ancestor to reorganize the timeline. In the AI era, generative AI tools like Google-Gemini are invaluable as secretarial ‘assistants’ for tasks like “document searches.”
After some dialogue with the AI to refocus, I arrived at a sudden realization.
　Though these are matters concerning our family lineage over 400 years ago, recent advancements in regional histories across various areas show remarkable progress compared to the era of authors like Ryotaro Shiba. Thanks to this, I now glimpse the faint outline of a promising candidate for primary sources that may extend even further back than 400 years.
However, consulting such primary sources takes time and requires effort to decipher.
　Yet lately, as if “persistence pays off,” I’ve started to discern the particles of classical Japanese in these old documents. I’ve even begun to find a certain “enjoyment” in it. Is it just habit?
Progress in things naturally has its “ups and downs.” That’s the way it should be…

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

Posted on 1月 19th, 2026 by 三木 奎吾
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【人生を彩ってくれる「家族」団欒の時間】


　さて昨日は、早々にわたしの担当調理「タイのアラ汁」を仕上げて、その後写真のようなわが家周辺散歩8800歩ほどに行っておりました。気温はこの時点（午前７時頃）でマイナス５度程度。この河川にはいくつもの人工段丘が造作されていますが、その流路が結氷を見せ始めてきています。
　北国人としての密かな「自然アート」数寄のワンシーン。
　結氷の具合が、その日の気温に応じてさまざまな「変化〜へんげ」を見せてくれて面白い。
　最近は「絵画」の領域では日本画一択になって来ていますが、その心理とこうした写真のような「数寄こころ」は同期していると思います。水という「動」流水と氷「静」というふたつの相貌を見せて、その相克ぶりが見る者にダイナミックな「造物者」として立ち現れてくれる。
　こういう土地で人生時間がゆっくりと流れて行ってくれている、そういう静かな残響感。
　・・・ということで、家に帰ってことし二度目の正月の会食（昼食）機会。焼き肉パーティという、主に女性たちカミさん・娘・息子の嫁さんの主導による団欒時間であります。ありがたい。わたしの「アラ汁」はそっと食事の場を下支え。
　最初は「高い肉」で舌鼓を打ちつつ、徐々に「お手頃価格」のお肉への満腹ゲーム。念のために用意した４合のごはんもあっという間に底を突く７人での会食は、夢幻天国時間。
　カミさんたち、最後は食べ過ぎからのダイエットのための体操付きテレビゲームみたいなのに盛り上がっていました。わたしはただただ圧倒され爆笑させられ続け（笑）。いや、元気なのは素晴らしいと。
　子どもたち家族を見送った後は、焼き肉の匂いを必死にスプレー退治しつつ、徐々に睡魔に支配されて、まことに安らかな就寝に没入でありました。ご苦労さん。
　そんなことで最近の追求テーマ「家系史探究」は、本日ゆっくりと過ごす中から、また元気よく深掘りを再開したいと思っています。みなさん、よい休日を。

●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⬇
　
【Family Time That Colors Our Lives】
After filling our bellies, the ladies of our household were in stitches over a TV game that doubles as diet exercise (lol). Our home is bursting with energy. …
　
　Yesterday, I finished preparing my assigned dish, “Thai Fish Head Soup,” early on, then went for a walk around my neighborhood, clocking about 8,800 steps as shown in the photo. The temperature at this point (around 7 a.m.) was around minus 5 degrees Celsius. Several artificial terraces have been constructed along this river, and its channels are beginning to freeze over.
A scene reflecting my secret “appreciation for natural art” as a northern resident.
　The degree of freezing shows fascinating “changes—henge” depending on the day’s temperature.
Lately, in the realm of “painting,” Japanese painting has become my sole choice, and I think this mindset resonates with the “aesthetic sensibility” captured in photos like this. Water reveals two faces: the “dynamic” flowing stream and the ‘static’ ice. Their interplay manifests to the viewer as a dynamic “creator.”
　A quiet resonance, like life’s time flowing slowly in this land.
…And so, back home for this year’s second New Year gathering (lunch). A barbecue party, a time of togetherness led mainly by the women—my wife, daughter, and son’s wife. Grateful. My “ara soup” quietly supported the meal.
We started feasting on “expensive meat,” gradually transitioning to a satiety game with “more affordable” cuts. The four cups of rice I prepared just in case vanished in no time during this seven-person gathering—a dreamlike paradise.
The ladies ended up getting excited over some TV game with exercise routines, presumably for post-overeating dieting. I was simply overwhelmed and kept bursting into laughter (laugh). Well, it’s wonderful to see them so full of life.
After seeing off the kids and their families, I desperately sprayed away the yakiniku smell while gradually succumbing to sleepiness, sinking into a truly peaceful slumber. Good work, everyone.
So, my recent pursuit theme, “Family History Exploration,” will resume its energetic deep dive from today’s leisurely pace. Have a good holiday, everyone.

●Notice
My book “Writers and Living Spaces” is now available as an e-book from Gentosha.
Available for purchase on Amazon.
　

Posted on 1月 18th, 2026 by 三木 奎吾
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【きのうススキノで新年会＆本日焼き肉パーティ】


　本日は、故地探訪シリーズはいったん休止。ブログ本来の日々の日記風に。写真は「目を休める」ような印象をいつも感じる北海道美唄の山並み「墨絵」的な風景。ひと休み。
　関連会社の位置付けの本体事業社の新年会ということで久しぶりのススキノ。わたしとしては、事業をしっかり継続してくれている状況を見、スタッフとも交歓できて安堵の気分であります。会話の中では今後の企画内容の一部について意見交換も。
　さらに最近の事業を支えてくれている「外部スタッフ」のみなさんとも情報交換できて有意義。
　なかでも多くのカメラマンや執筆ライターさんとの交流はその仕事ぶり・立ち向かい方など、いま現在のわたしのこのブログ執筆にとっても大いに参考になりました。
　久しぶりに出版事業のリアルタイム感を更新することが出来た次第。
　で、本日は家族一同が集まって、なぜか焼き肉パーティであります（笑）。まぁ先日の新年会第２弾。その準備で夫婦で買い物行脚。都合３軒のお店を回っていたのですが、さすがにあちこち移動ですこしヘトヘトになってしまい、最後の店ではカミさんと別行動でクルマで小休止。
　それも含めて昨日の歩数は以下のよう。

　ほとんどが「ツルツル」路面の冬の札幌で、ちょっと歩きすぎかも知れません。
　ただ、ススキノまでの地下鉄往復は、入手している札幌市の「敬老優待乗車券」を利用できる貴重な移動機会ということで、元気に往復しておりました。
　こういう移動過多ぶりも、日頃の健康維持作戦の成果を確認できる貴重な機会。
　22時前に帰宅できたのですが、おかげさまで稀有な「バタンキュー」機会で即ベッドで爆睡。
　本日パーティではわたしは「アラ汁」担当。元気に調理に向かいたいと思います。やるぞ！

●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⬇

【New Year’s Party in Susukino Yesterday & BBQ Party Today】
Walking all over Sapporo on slippery roads. Unusually high step count. Carefully avoiding falls, striding confidently. But occasionally taking a tumble (lol)…

　Today, the “Hometown Exploration” series takes a break. Back to the blog’s original daily diary style. The photo shows the mountain ranges of Bibai, Hokkaido—a landscape reminiscent of ink wash painting that always gives me a sense of “resting my eyes.” Time for a breather.
It was my first time back in Susukino in a while for the New Year’s party of the main company, which is positioned as an affiliate. For me, seeing the business running steadily and mingling with the staff brought a sense of relief. During conversations, we also exchanged opinions on some future project plans.
　It was also valuable to exchange information with the “external staff” who have been supporting our recent projects.
Interacting with many photographers and writers, especially, provided great insights into their work ethic and approach – highly relevant to my own blog writing right now.
It felt like reconnecting with the real-time pulse of publishing after so long.
　And today, the whole family gathered for some reason for a yakiniku party (lol). Well, it’s sort of the second installment of our New Year’s gathering. My wife and I went shopping to prepare for it. We ended up visiting three different stores, and honestly, moving around so much left us pretty exhausted. At the last store, I took a short break in the car while my wife continued shopping.
Including that, yesterday’s step count was as follows.

　In Sapporo’s winter, where most roads are slippery, I might have walked a bit too much.
Still, the subway trip to and from Susukino was a precious chance to use my Sapporo City Senior Citizen Discount Pass, so I energetically made the round trip.
This kind of excessive movement is also a valuable opportunity to confirm the results of my daily health maintenance strategy.
　I made it home before 10 PM, and thanks to that, I had a rare chance to crash instantly and fall into a deep sleep.
At today’s party, I’m in charge of the “ara soup.” I plan to head to the kitchen full of energy. Let’s do this!

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

　

Posted on 1月 17th, 2026 by 三木 奎吾
Filed under: 未分類 | No Comments »

【1355年に時空ジャンプ？ 故地由縁の家の「家系」図・・・】



　ますます迷宮に彷徨う（笑）家系史探究の旅路・・・。
　わたしの家系に伝わっている一族の古文書「原氏由来の事」を1815年に記述した六世の祖・三木寛蔵が探訪した一族由縁の故地・広島県河内町入野。その再発掘途上。
　1997-8年当時、次兄がその一族の古文書を送付したことから現地調査してくれた河内町教育委員会の「報告」書類を精査している。調査訪問してくれた入野に残る同姓（原氏）の家での記録の中に、そのお宅の「家系図」があり、それとじっくり対話を続けているのです。
　もう２ヶ月以上眺め続けているのですが、いまのところ頓悟できません。
　しかし確認しようにもヒアリング対象の方はすでに他界。また調査記録者の方も、健在だとしてもすでに100歳近いご高齢。なかなか確認の術を見いだせない。しかし悶々としていてもラチが開かない。本日ブログでその一端を書き記したいと思い定めた次第。
　その家系図の一部が上の写真。調査時に撮影されたもの。かなり「虫食い」も見られ保全が心配です。その下は広島藩公式文書「芸藩通志」での当該地広域地図。
　以前書いたように、わが家系の九世の祖「平七」がこちらの家系図にも記載されている。この平七は浅野藩の所務役を務め結果1718年に百姓一揆で焼き討ちされた旨の広島藩公式記録がある。
　わが家系図ではその子・八世の祖はたった１人だけ伝承記録されている。一方こちらの家系図では当家の八世の祖の人名は不記載。想像すれば、わが家系はその焼き討ち後に入野からは50km以上離れた福山藩領・松永の塩田に「分家」して、生き延びる道を見出していったと考えられるのです。
　一方「本家」筋のこちらの一統は入野に残り、いつかの時点で上に掲載の家系図を再度作成と想像できる。焼き討ち後の時期に記憶を喪失しないよう「再編纂」したものと思える。
　そしてその家系図には記録起点として「文和４年」1355年とある。（この西暦年記載は撮影後、調査記録の教育委員会の方が写真上にメモ書きしたと思われる。）
　この家系図起点がいまから671年前とされ、一族の出自は「秋田信濃守・原」氏という記載。〜右の書き出しの「信濃守」が左側では「濃信守」と誤記されている。単に表記ミスと思われる。〜
　WEBで確認すると符合する「秋田信濃守」という大名家は存在している。源氏による奥州侵攻で攻められた「安東氏」に繋がってくる流れ。
　・・・という意想外の歴史時空間にジャンプさせられてしまった。さて？

●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⬇

【A Time Leap to 1355? The “Family Tree” of a House with Local Roots…】
A “family tree” confirmed during the Kawachi Town Board of Education’s 1997 field survey in Irino. The record’s starting point is marked as 671 years ago. Re-verifying the survey is also difficult. …

　Wandering deeper into the labyrinth (lol) on my journey exploring family history…
Currently re-excavating the ancestral lands of my clan in Irino, Kawachi Town, Hiroshima Prefecture—the very place my sixth-generation ancestor, Miki Kanzo, visited while compiling the clan’s ancient document “The Origin of the Hara Clan” in 1815.
　I’m re-examining the “report” documents from the Kawachi Town Board of Education, who conducted a field survey in 1997-8 after my second eldest brother sent them the clan’s ancient documents. Among the survey records from Ino, where they visited a house bearing the same surname (Hara), there was a “family tree” from that household, and I’ve been having a long, deep conversation with it.
I’ve been staring at it for over two months now, but I haven’t had any sudden enlightenment yet.
　However, the individuals I could have interviewed have already passed away. Even if the investigator were still alive, they would be nearly 100 years old. I find it difficult to discover a way to verify the information. Yet, brooding over it won’t get me anywhere. I have decided to write about this matter in part on my blog today.
Part of that family tree is shown in the photo above. It is a photograph of the family tree taken during the investigation. It shows significant insect damage, raising concerns about its preservation. Below it is a broad-area map of the relevant region from the Hiroshima Domain’s official document, the “Geihan Tsūshi.”
As I wrote before, my family’s ninth-generation ancestor, “Heishichi,” is also listed in this family tree. Official records from the Hiroshima Domain state that during Heishichi’s generation, while serving as an official for the Asano Domain, he was burned alive during a peasant uprising.
　In our family tree, only one descendant is recorded as the eighth-generation ancestor. In contrast, this family tree does not list the name of the eighth-generation ancestor for this branch. It is reasonable to imagine that our family branch, around the time of the burning, established a “branch family” in the salt fields of Matsunaga within the Fukuyama domain, over 50 km away from Irino, finding a way to survive.
　Meanwhile, the “main branch” lineage here remained in Irino and likely recompiled the genealogy shown above at some point. It seems they “recompiled” it around the time of the burning to preserve their memories.
This genealogy lists “Bunwa 4” (1355) as its starting point. (This Western calendar year notation appears to have been handwritten on the photo by the Board of Education researcher after the photograph was taken.)
　This genealogy places its starting point 671 years ago, recording the clan’s origin as the “Akita Shinano-no-kami Hara” family. ~The “Shinano-no-kami” written on the right is mistakenly transcribed as “Nōshin-no-kami” on the left. This is likely simply a notation error.~
　Checking online confirms the existence of a daimyo family named “Akita Shinano-no-kami.” This lineage connects to the “Ando clan,” which was attacked during the Minamoto clan’s invasion of Oshu.
…And just like that, I was transported into an unexpected historical time-space. Well then?

　

Posted on 1月 16th, 2026 by 三木 奎吾
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