Traditions and customs

What does "Shinobu Mochizuri" mean? Introducing related spots and folk tales [Fukushima Prefecture]

Are you"Shinobu Mochizuri"? It's a term that frequently appears in the world of Japanese poetry, but it actually has ties to what is now Fukushima City in Fukushima Prefecture. Although it's rarely seen in everyday life these days, it was a highly prized local product in the capital, and its name has survived through the ages in Japanese poetry, folk tales, and historical sites.

This time, we will introduce a part of Fukushima's history using Shinobu Mochizuri as a keyword

First of all, what does "Shinobu Mochizuri" mean?

"The Shinobu Mojizuri of Michinoku, who is it that has caused the situation to become chaotic? It is not I who have come to this conclusion."

This is a poem by Kawara Sadaijin, included in the Ogura Hyakunin Isshu (One Hundred Poets, One Poem Each). The Ogura Hyakunin Isshu is a collection of poems, one excellent poem from each of one hundred poets."shinobu mojizuri"mean in this poem?

Shinobu Mochizuri (Shinobu Zuri) is actually the name of a dyeing technique. Shinobu Mochizuri, which was once made in Shinobu County (now Fukushima City), was a popular item even in the capital. Dyes extracted from grasses are applied to stones, and then cloth is pressed against them to create patterns

The opening poem by Minister of the Left, Kawara, has the following meaning:

"Just like the disordered patterns on the Shinobu Mochizuri crafted in Michinoku, it is none other than you that cause my heart to be in disarray."

Shinobu Mochizuri patterns are used to express his own feelings of love. Shinobu Mochizuri patterns are basically a series of diamonds. However, they are not as neat as geometric patterns, and their irregular arrangement gives them a feel that is reminiscent of modern art

The fact that this tanka was selected as a masterpiece in the Hyakunin Isshu suggests that Shinobu Mochizuri was famous in the capital at the time. Furthermore, since Shinobu Mochizuri frequently appears as a subject for waka poetry, even after Shinobu Mochizuri itself was no longer produced, its name remained in posterity through literature

Matsuo Bashovisited Shinobu,"The hands that plant the rice seedlings still seem to be the hands of the old Shinobu-zuri dyeing processhe composed the haiku,, "Do the hands of the people planting rice seedlings now still retain the movements of the Shinobu-zuri dyeing process that was practiced in this area in the past?"It can be seen that when Basho visited this place, he was thinking about the past, when Shinobu-mochizuri dyeing was done here.

Tohoku Rokken Trivia Media NEFT
[Series: Following the Narrow Road to the Deep North ①] The journey through Tohoku begins at the Shirakawa Barrier
https://jp.neft.asia/archives/25118
In the Edo period, before airplanes, bullet trains, or automobiles, traveling on foot was the norm, a life-threatening endeavor fraught with great hardships. (Basho) Matsuo Basho not only traveled around Tohoku on foot during this time, but also left his travelogue, along with haiku, for future generations. His work is so highly regarded that it is still included in school textbooks today, and you've likely come across his famous preface and haiku. In this seven-article series, we trace Basho's footsteps in Tohoku, introducing the current state of the places he visited and the haiku he wrote about in "Oku no Hosomichi." The Narrow Road to the Deep North and...
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The folktale of Shinobu Mochizuri still remains in Fukushima City

In Fukushima City, there is a folktale called "Shinobu Mochizuri," which is a story related to the song by Kawahara Sadaijin introduced earlier

The folktale is as follows:

When Minister of the Left Kawara was traveling to Michinoku, he met a farmer near Shinobu Bunchizuri.
As it was getting dark, he asked for lodging for the night, and the farmer
"I live in Yamaguchi, I will show you the way."
When he arrived, he found that the farmer's house was a rare sight in the mountain village—a large house.
In this house lived a young maiden named Torajo, who was very beautiful, and although he was moved by her, he held the important position of Minister of the Left and could not stay indefinitely.
"No, no, I am grateful for your long and invaluable hospitality. I will return when my duties are finished. Please wait for me," he
said as he parted ways. However, no news came, no matter how long he waited.
Whenever Torajo felt sad, she would go to the Bunchizuri Stone and say,
"Bunchizuri Stone, from today, I will rub the surface of the stone with wheat for 100 days, so please reveal the face of the Minister of the Left to me,"
and she continued to rub it every day.
Then the stone began to shine brightly, like a mirror.
Her parents, fearing she had lost her mind, tried to dissuade Torajo, but her resolve was firm, and they could not stop her.
Thus, on the hundredth day of their vow, the Left Minister's face faintly appeared on the stone surface.
"Oh, how happy I am!"
she cried out, and then collapsed. The strain she had been putting on herself had taken its toll, and her illness had worsened without her realizing it.
At that moment, unexpectedly, a messenger arrived from the capital, carrying a gift from the Left Minister.
Along with it was a waka poem: "
In Michinoku, the Shinobu rice woven together, for whose sake has it become so disordered? It
me." Torajo rejoiced, holding the poem and gift close to her heart, and was so happy that she thought it was a dream. However, her illness continued to worsen, and not many days later, she died alone in the village of Yamaguchi.

(From "Fukushima Folk Tales, Volume 1," edited by Kozo Katahira, Mirai-sha, 2015)

Kawara Sadaijin, whose real name wasMinamoto no Tōruwas a figure from the Heian period. According to one theory,Hikaru Genji,. Although he was a son of Emperor Saga, he left his royal status to become a retainer and served as Sadaijin (Minister of the Left). It is said that he came to be called Kawara Sadaijin because he had a residence in Rokujō-gawara.

The story is about how Kawahara, the Minister of the Left, falls in love with Torajo, the daughter of a wealthy man, in the village of Shinobu, a place he visits during a trip to Michinoku. The waka poem introduced in the previous chapter is said to have been written by Kawahara for Torajo

In the story, Torana died without ever being reunited with Kawahara Sadaijin. However, the Mochizuri stone that Torana is said to have polished in hopes of meeting her beloved still remains in Fukushima City today

Bunchizuri Kannon Temple in Fukushima City, Fukushima Prefecture, the setting of the folktale

Bunchisuri Kannon

In the Yamaguchi district, located in the eastern part of Fukushima City, there is a historic site called Bunchizuri Kannon. As a place with connections to waka poetry, it has long been famous as a place visited by literary figures. Today, the site quietly conveys its history within the grounds of the Soto Zen temple, Fumon-in

Bunchi-suri Kannon and Bunchi-suriishi

Within the temple grounds, you can seethe "Mochizuri Stone,"which is designated as an important cultural property of Fukushima Prefecture,"Tahoto Pagoda,"museum, which displays ancient documents containing art and historical materials"Denkokaku". The numerous historical sites create a solemn atmosphere. The natural environment is also rich, and in autumn you can see beautiful autumn leaves, making it a great place for strolling and taking pictures.

If you have a goshuincho (stamp book), don't forget to bring it with you when you visit

Bunchisuri Kannon <Information>

  • Name: Bunchisuri Kannon
  • Address: 70 Bunchizuri, Yamaguchi, Fukushima City, Fukushima Prefecture, 960-8202
  • Phone number: 024-535-1471
  • Visiting hours: 9:00-17:00 (until 16:00 in winter)
  • Official URL:https://antouin.com/index.html

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Sweets named after Shinobu Mochizuri are also sold

As an aside, a popular snack in Fukushima is also named after Mochizuri

sold by Kashiwaya"Kurumi Yubeshi Mochizuri,". This confection is a classic staple, popular as a souvenir, gift, or for everyday use. You can find it in supermarkets throughout the prefecture. If you live in Fukushima Prefecture, you've probably seen it at least once.

The vibrantly colored and charming packaging has a soothing effect. Inside is a gently sweet and chewy "Yubeshi" filled with plenty of walnuts, making for a delightful texture. It is especially recommended for those who like chewy sweets, so if you see it, be sure to pick it up

Walnut Yubeshi Mochizuri ＜Information＞

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summary

This time,"shinobu mochizuri."we delved into the word

Originally the name of a dyed fabric, Shinobu Mochizuri was used in the world of elegant waka poetry, and its name remains in folk tales and historical sites today. Poets and writers who once visited this area must have also been reminded of the image of Shinobu Mochizuri

If you are a fan of literature, why not visit and trace the traces of history?

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