[Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture] Portraits are always displayed in elementary and junior high schools in Yonezawa City. Who is this person that the former US president apparently respects?

  • ikoke
  • Last updated: 2022.06.22

Rumor has it that a portrait of Yozan Uesugi is displayed in the gymnasium of an elementary and junior high school in Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture.

The citizens of Yonezawa affectionately call him Lord Takayama . Even though he was well-known, it seemed a little strange that his portrait was displayed next to the podium in the school gymnasium.

Furthermore, did the President of the United States respect him? I was very curious about who it was, so I did some research.

We will also touch on the history of Uesugi Yozan, and why is he so well-loved by the citizens? We would also like to introduce you to these. Please read to the end.

Who is Takayama Uesugi?

First, we will focus on Takayama Uesugi.

Uesugi Takayama was the 9th lord of the Yonezawa domain in Dewa Province (present-day Yamagata Prefecture) .

Lord Takayama is still respected by the citizens and his teachings as a great man who restored the finances of the Yonezawa clan, which was on the verge of bankruptcy, and protected the clan.

Lord Takayama was adopted from the Takanabe clan (present-day Miyazaki Prefecture) as a child and became the lord of the clan at the age of 17, and was a great man who saved the Yonezawa clan from a predicament that was on the verge of losing its territory due to tight finances.

In order to rebuild the domain, he disciplined himself to be frugal and frugal, eating only one soup and one dish each day, and did not make the people of his domain suffer, and the people of the domain worked together as one to lead to a successful rebuilding of the domain's finances.

It may not be an exaggeration to say that Yonezawa City exists today thanks to Lord Uesugi Yozan.

Who respected Yozan Uesugi?

``If you do it, it will happen, if you don't do it, it won't happen. Anything that doesn't happen is because of the people who don't do it. '' are the words of Yozan Uesugi, which are well known to those in the know.

Different people have different interpretations of this phrase, but it is interpreted as saying, "If you try, you can do it. If you don't do anything, you won't succeed. If you can't do something, it's because you don't want to do it." Lord Takayama is respected by many people for inspiring the people of his territory with these words and working hard to rebuild the Yonezawa clan, which was in poverty and in dire straits.

One person whose attitude and way of thinking impressed me was the former American president, John F. Kennedy . his eldest daughter , Caroline Kennedy, came to Japan , she also visited Yonezawa City, a place connected to Takayama Uesugi, whom her father respected.

Why are portraits in elementary and junior high schools?

<The above is still being held, so if you are interested, please go out.>

A portrait of ``Uesugi Yozan'' is hung next to the stage in the gymnasium of an elementary and junior high school in Yonezawa City .

When you think of a school gymnasium, it's a place where all the students gather for graduation ceremonies.

Why are portraits hung in such places? This is because Takayama's teachings are appropriate for the field of education.

What are the teachings of Lord Takayama?

It seems to be summed up in these words: `` If you do it, it will happen. If you don't do it, it will happen. Anything that doesn't happen is because of what people do Why is Yozan Uesugi respected and admired by the citizens of Yonezawa? Let me explain briefly in chronological order.

  1. At the age of 9, he was adopted by the Takanabe clan (currently Miyazaki Prefecture).
  2. Became the lord of the domain at the age of 17 (Yonezawa domain was on the verge of financial collapse)
  3. Started rebuilding the domain
    - The lord cut his own living expenses by 80% (one soup, one dish, kimonos made of cotton, etc.)
    - Set up a "superior box" where farmers could express their opinions

    pottery
    , etc.) Recommendation of food cultivation (Kamono's ``growing silkworms in hedges'', etc.) , flood control measures (preparation of fields)
    , recommendation of academic studies (establishment of domain school ``Kojokan'')
  4. Thorough frugality (not only for the people but also for himself and his vassals)
  5. Sansuke's philosophy of self-help, mutual assistance, and public assistance was advocated for rebuilding the domain.
    First of all, {work hard on your own, help each other with your friends, and those in higher positions will help}

This is probably why their portraits are hung in schools, which are educational sites, in order to spread these teachings and ideas to children.

A leader respected by President Kennedy.

"Takayama Uesugi" can be seen everywhere in Yonezawa City, and his achievements have spread overseas as well, and some famous people say that he is the person they respect most among Japanese people.

John F. Kennedy is cited as a representative example of this. This is probably because there is much to learn from him as a leader.

In order to motivate people, those at the top should take the initiative and set an example. If you just ask for help and do nothing yourself, no one will follow you.

No matter what era, no matter how much the world changes, it may be something we should learn from.

summary

The rumor that all elementary and junior high schools in Yonezawa City had portraits of Uesugi Yozan on display was true.

The fact that the citizens of Yonezawa became so well-known about Mr. Takayama is probably due to the environment in which they were able to feel close to the great man ``Takayama Uesugi,'' who left behind great achievements since he was an elementary school student.

I feel a little jealous that I have a portrait of a great person who I consider to be my mentor!

I have to reevaluate my life through this research! That's what I started to think.

Another urban legend? If I find something like this, I will let you know.

*I was unable to present the image because I refrained from taking portraits inside the school. Please note that this has been confirmed by the author.

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