[Fukushima City, Fukushima Prefecture] What does “Shinobu Mochizuri” mean? Introducing related spots, folk tales, etc.

you know the word ``Shinobu Mochizuri'' It is a word that often appears in the world of waka poetry, but it is actually a word that is connected to present-day Fukushima City, Fukushima Prefecture. Although we no longer see it in our daily lives, it is a famous product that was so popular in the capital that its name remains in waka poems, folk tales, and historical sites even after a long time.

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?

``Shinobu Mojizuri of Mutsu (Michinoku) will be disturbed by no one, and I will not be able to do it.''

This is a song by Kawahara Sadaijin, which is included in the Ogura Hyakunin Isshu. Ogura Hyakunin Isshu is a collection of outstanding poems from 100 poets. “Shinobu Mojizuri” appears here mean?

Actually, Shinobu Mochizuri is the name of a dyed product. In the past, the Nobu Mochizuri produced in Shinobu County (present-day Fukushima City) was a popular item even in the capital. Dye extracted from grass is applied to the stone, and a pattern is created by pressing the cloth against it.

And the waka poem written by Minister Kawahara at the beginning has the following meaning.

``The reason why my heart is as chaotic as the patterns on the Shinobu Mochizuri made in Michinoku is none other than you.''

Shinobu Mochizuri's pattern is expressed by overlapping it with his own love. The Shinobu Mochizuri pattern is based on a series of diamonds. However, they are not as neat as geometric patterns, and their irregular arrangement is reminiscent of contemporary art.

The fact that this tanka was selected as one of the 100 masterpieces shows that Shinobu Mochizuri was famous in the capital at the time. And since Shinobu Mochizuri often appears as the subject of Japanese poetry, even though Shinobu Mochizuri itself is no longer produced, it has left its name on posterity through literature.

Matsuo Basho visited Nobuo's land, he also composed the poem ``Sanae Toru Temoto and Mukashi Shinobu Zuri.'' It means, ``I wonder if the hand movements of people planting rice today still bear the same gestures used in the old days of shinobu-zuri in this area.'' It is evident that when Basho visited this area, he was thinking about the past, when Shinobu Mochizuri was made.

Tohoku Rokken trivia media: NEFT
Related article
image
[Serialization: Following the narrow path in the back part 1] Your trip to Tohoku begins with "crossing the Shirakawa barrier"
https://jp.neft.asia/archives/25118
In the Edo period, when there were no airplanes, bullet trains, or automobiles, traveling on foot was the norm, and it was a life-threatening journey that was fraught with great hardship. (Basho) Matsuo Basho not only traveled on foot in Tohoku during this period, but also left behind his travelogue along with his haiku poems for future generations. Even today, it is so highly regarded that it is included in school textbooks, and you have probably all come across famous prefaces and haiku at least once. Here, we will follow the footprints that Basho left in the Tohoku region, and introduce seven articles about the current state of the places he visited and the haiku poems published in "Oku no Hosomichi." The narrow road in the back...
Read related articles

The folk tale of Shinobu Mochizuri still exists in Fukushima City.

There is a folk tale in Fukushima City called ``Shinobu Mochizuri,'' which is a story related to the song by Sadaijin Kawahara that I introduced earlier.

The contents of the folktale are as follows.

When Minister of the Left Kawahara was traveling to Michinoku, he met a farmer near Nobuo Bunchizuri.
It was late afternoon, so I asked for a place to stay for the night, and he said,
``I live here in Yamaguchi, so let me show you around.''
When I went there, I found out that this farmer's house was a landlord, which was unusual for a mountain village.
In this house, there was a young maiden called Tora-onna, who was quite beautiful and moved her heart, but because she held the important position of Minister of the Left, she could not stay there forever.
``No, no, I'm grateful for your continued support for such a long time. I'll be back when I finish my mission. Please wait.'' I said goodbye
.
However, no matter how long I wait, there is no news. Whenever the tiger woman felt sad, she would come to Bunchi Suriseki and say,
``Bunchi Suriseki, from today onwards, I will rub the face of the stone with barley grass for 100 days, so that the face of the Minister of the Left will appear.'' You're late!''
I kept rubbing it every day.
Then the stone shone brightly and became like a mirror.
Her parents thought that maybe she had something wrong with her, so they scolded her, but the tiger woman's heart was strong and they could not stop her.
Thus, the hundredth day of the vow.
The Minister of the Left's face appeared on the stone surface. "Oh, I'm so happy!"
he cried out, and then collapsed.
His illness suddenly became more serious due to the stress he had endured from before. At that time, unexpectedly, a messenger came from the capital and delivered a gift from the minister of the left.
It had a waka poem attached to it.
Nobuo of Michinoku was so embarrassed that
the tiger woman could not help but be so sad and joyful that she held her song and gift in her bosom, as if it were her dream.

However, her illness gradually progressed, and within a few days, she died alone in a village in Yamaguchi. “Fukushima Folktales Collection 1” edited by Kozo Katahira (Miraisha, 2015)

Sadaijin Kawahara was a person from the Heian period whose real name was Minamoto no Toru One theory is that it was the model for Hikaru Genji, Although he was the son of Emperor Saga, he left his status as a member of the imperial family and became a vassal, serving as Minister of the Left. It is said that because he established his residence in Rokujo Kawara, he came to be known as Kawahara Sadaijin.

This is the story of Sadaijin Kawahara, who falls in love with Torajo, the daughter of a wealthy man, while visiting Nobuo's village on a trip to Michinoku. The waka poem introduced in the previous chapter is said to have been composed by Sadaijin Kawahara for Tora-onna.

In the story, Tora-onna passed away without being able to meet Kawahara Saminister again. However, the mochizuri stone, which is said to have been polished by the tiger woman with her wishes after meeting her beloved, still remains in Fukushima City.

“Bunchizuri Kannon” in Fukushima City, Fukushima Prefecture, the setting of a folk tale

Bunchizuri Kannon

In the Yamaguchi district located in the eastern part of Fukushima City, there is a historic site called Bunchizuri Kannon. Because it is a place connected to waka (Japanese poetry), it has long been famous as a place visited by literary figures. Currently, the history is being passed on quietly within the grounds of Fumon-in, a Soto sect temple.

Bunchizuri Kannon Bunchisuriseki

in addition to the ``Mochizuri Stone'' that is said to have been polished by a tiger woman the ``Tahoto Pagoda,'' which has been designated as an important cultural property by Fukushima Prefecture, as well as ancient documents containing art and historical materials. You can also see the museum "Denkokaku" The many historic sites have a solemn atmosphere. It has a rich natural environment, and in autumn you can see beautiful autumn leaves, so you can enjoy walking and taking photos.

If you have a goshuincho when you visit, don't forget to bring it with you.

Bunchizuri Kannon＜Information＞

  • Name: Bunchizuri 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 on sale.

As a side note, a popular snack in Fukushima is also named after Mochizuri.

``Kurumi Yubeshi Mochizuri'' sold by Kashiwaya . This sweet is one of the classics that is widely used as souvenirs, gifts, and everyday items. You can also see them at supermarkets in the prefecture. If you live in Fukushima Prefecture, you've probably seen it at least once.

The lively colored and slightly charming packaging has a calming element. The inside is a sweet and chewy ``yubeshi'' with plenty of walnuts embedded in it, making it a fun-tasting snack. It's 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"

Shinobu Mochizuri, which was originally the name of a specialty dyed product, was used in the world of elegant Japanese poetry, and its name still remains in folk tales and historical sites. Poets and writers who once visited this area must have thought of Shinobu Mochizuri.

If you are a literature lover, why not visit and follow the history behind it?

List of related articles