scenic spots

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?

In Michinoku, the Shinobu-mojizuri pattern, for whose sake did it begin to become disordered? It was not because of me

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

When Matsuo Basho visited Shinobu, he composed the haiku, "The hands that plant the rice seedlings still seem to be the hands of the old Shinobu-zuri dyeing process ." This means , "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...

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-Fumichizuri

As it was getting dark, I asked for a place to stay for the night, and he said, "I live in Yamaguchi, let me show you the way."
When I went there, I found that this farmer's house was a large one, which was unusual for a mountain village.

There is a young maiden in this house called Torajo, who is quite beautiful and has captured my heart, but because I hold the important position of Minister of the Left, I cannot stay with her forever

"No, no, I'm grateful for all the support I've received over the years. I'll come back when my mission is finished. Please wait for me," he
said as they parted ways. However, no matter how long they waited, there was no news.

Whenever Torajo felt sad, she would go to the Bunchizuri Stone and rub it every day, saying, "Bunchizuri Stone, starting 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."

Then the stone began to shine brightly, like a mirror

Her parents thought she had gone mad and tried to dissuade Torajo, but Torajo's mind was made up, and they couldn't stop her no matter what

And so, on the hundredth day of the vow, the Left Minister's face faintly appeared on the stone surface

"Oh, I'm so happy!" 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 Minister of the Left. A waka poem was attached to it

Michinoku no Shinobu mochizuri, for whose sake did it become so disordered? It was not because of me

Tiger Woman rejoiced, holding the song and gifts close to her chest, and was overjoyed as if it were a dream. However, her illness gradually worsened, and not many days later, she died alone in the village of Yamaguchi

Kozo Katahira (ed.), "Fukushima Folk Tales, Volume 1" (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 see the "Mochizuri Stone," said to have been polished by Torajo, the "Tahoto Pagoda," which is designated as an important cultural property of Fukushima Prefecture, and the "Denkokaku" museum, which displays ancient documents containing art and historical materials . 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

Google Map

Sweets named after Shinobu Mochizuri are also sold

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

It's "Kurumi Yubeshi Mochizuri," sold by Kashiwaya . 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＞

Google Map

summary

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

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?

Please support NEFT's article creation!

NEFT gathers and publishes articles about the history, culture, and tourism information of various regions in Tohoku

If you enjoyed this article, we would be grateful if you would consider supporting our future interviews, article creation, and website management

*Clicking "Tip" will open the tip sending screen for the external service "codoc"

Other articles