How was the Tohoku region sung about in the third volume of the Railway Songs? (1) Ueno (Tokyo) - Shiroishi (Miyagi)

Do you think that "Tetsudo Shoka" (Railway Song ), which begins with "A single whistle blows at Shinbashi," is a song about the Tokaido Main Line heading west from Tokyo?

Actually, there are five volumes of the Railway Song (some say there are six or seven), and only the first volume sings about the Tokaido Main Line.
The third volume features railway lines in the Tohoku region. What exactly does the Railway Song refer to in the Tohoku region?

What is the Railway Song?

"Railway Song) is a song published in 1900 during the Meiji era. It sings about the areas along the railway lines that ran through Japan at the time, and it became a nationwide hit. It can be considered one of the origins of local-themed songs.

The song's title includes "Geography Education," and it's said that children in the Meiji era learned about famous places and place names throughout Japan through this song. Many children in the Heisei era (including myself) learned about place names and local products from all over Japan through the video game "Momotaro Dentetsu," and I feel that this song is quite similar

The lyricist of the Railway Song was Takeki Owada (1857-1910), who was from Iyo Province (present-day Ehime Prefecture). There were multiple composers, and in fact, there were several melodies for the Railway Song. However, only one melody is currently known as the Railway Song, and this was composed by Umewaka Ono (1869-1920), who was from Yamashiro Province (present-day Kyoto Prefecture)

Beginning with the first volume published in May 1900, five volumes were released during 1900, and their contents are as follows:

• Volume 1: Tokaido edition
• Volume 2: Sanyo/Kyushu edition
• Volume 3: Oshu and Iwaki
• Volume 4: Hokuriku Region
• Volume 5: Kansai, Sangu, and Nankai Chapters

With 5 volumes, there were a total of 334 verses, making it for a long timethe longest song in Japan(although this record has since been broken). Some theories suggest that the Railway Songs comprise a total of 6 or 7 volumes, including the later additions of the "Hokkaido Edition" and the "Iyo Railway Song."

In any case, as the title suggests, Volume 3 mainly covers the Tohoku region. Specifically, it features areas along the current JR Tohoku Main Line, Iwate Galaxy Railway Line, Aoimori Railway Line, and JR Joban Line (of course, the Tohoku Shinkansen did not exist at that time)

This time, we'll take a look at what's sung about in the third volume, specifically the part where the train travels north along the Tohoku Main Line from Ueno Station in Tokyo through Fukushima Prefecture

In creating this article, I referred to this website for the lyrics. Please note that more than 70 years have passed since the deaths of all the authors of the Railway Song, and the copyright has expired in many countries, including Japan and the United States

Volume 3, No. 1: Ueno

The train, billowing smoke, is now leaving Ueno. Where is it headed? All the way to Aomori in Mutsu? It will fly all the way there in one go

(The kanji characters and kana spellings have been updated to reflect current usage.)

*From now on, for stations related to the Tohoku Main Line, even those with very simple names, the pronunciation will be written at least once. Thank you for your understanding

The current Tohoku Main Line starts at Tokyo Station, but at the time, Tokyo Station had not yet opened, and the starting station for trains going to the Tohoku region was Ueno Station. Even after Tokyo Station opened, Ueno remained the starting and ending station for medium- and long-distance trains on the Tohoku Main Line until the Ueno-Tokyo Line opened in 2015

As is typical in railway songs, the narrator apparently boarded a train that departed from Ueno Station and headed north to Aomori Station. Since there were no express or limited express trains at that time, the journey to Aomori took a considerable amount of time

The current JR Ueno Station has elevated platforms for the Yamanote Line, Keihin-Tohoku Line, and Ueno-Tokyo Line, ground-level platforms for trains that originate or terminate at Ueno Station, and underground platforms for the Shinkansen. However, in 1900, only the ground-level platforms should have existed. On the current ground-level platforms, there is a monument inscribed with a poem by Ishikawa Takuboku, a poet from Iwate Prefecture

I long for the accent of my hometown, and I go to the train station to hear it amidst the crowds

This poem expresses the feelings of someone who has come to Tokyo from the countryside and feels nostalgic upon hearing the dialects spoken by passengers disembarking from the train that came from their hometown. Ueno Station was the final stop for trains carrying people from the Tohoku region and other areas, so it can be said that this station particularly matches the feelings expressed in this poem

It should be noted that in 1900, the line from Ueno Station to Aomori Station was not part of the national railway that was the predecessor of JR, but rather was treated as the main line of a group of lines managed by the Nippon Railway (Nippon Tetsudo), a private railway company (although it should actually be called a semi-governmental, semi-private company)

Currently, the line from Tokyo Station to Morioka Station is the JR East Tohoku Main Line, the line from Morioka Station to Metoki Station in Aomori Prefecture is the IGR Iwate Galaxy Railway Line, and the line from Metoki Station to Aomori Station is the Aoimori Railway Line

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The history of the Tohoku Main Line, which runs north to south through the Tohoku region

https://jp.neft.asia/archives/30079

The Tohoku Main Line, which runs north to south through the Tohoku region, was serviced by numerous limited express and express trains until the opening of the Tohoku Shinkansen in 1982. The line played a vital role in transporting people within the Tohoku region and between the Tokyo metropolitan area and the Tohoku region. The Tohoku Main Line's former terminus, Aomori Station, connected to the Seikan Ferry, providing access to Hokkaido. It also continues to play an important role today, providing commuter and student transportation in each region and freight trains connecting the Tokyo metropolitan area with the Tohoku and Hokkaido regions. This article explores the history of the Tohoku Main Line, highlighting the Nippon Railway Company, which formed the basis of the current Tohoku Main Line...

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What is IGR Iwate Galaxy Railway? A detailed explanation of the line's features and why it's loved by locals [Iwate Prefecture]

https://jp.neft.asia/archives/7300

There are many railway companies throughout Japan that are jointly funded and operated by the national and local governments and private sectors under the third-sector system. One that is well-known in Iwate Prefecture is the IGR Iwate Galaxy Railway Co., Ltd., which operates the IGR Iwate Galaxy Railway Line, which runs from Morioka Station in Iwate Prefecture to Metoki Station in Aomori Prefecture. This article provides a detailed explanation of the IGR Iwate Galaxy Railway, from what kind of line it is to why it's so beloved by locals. What is the IGR Iwate Galaxy Railway Line? The IGR Iwate Galaxy Railway Line is operated by the IGR Iwate Galaxy Railway Co., Ltd., which was established on May 25, 2001. Originally a JR East line, it was later transferred to the Tohoku Shinkansen...

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Numbers 2-16: Oji - Nishinasuno

The train travels north, passing through stations such as Oji, Akabane, Urawa, Omiya, and Oyama

Along the way, I changed trains at Utsunomiya to the current JR Nikko Line, and took my time making detours to visit places like Nikko Toshogu Shrine and Kegon Falls

I made a detour and hurried back to Utsunomiya, then continued north. I reached Nishinasuno on bus number 15. I entered the Tohoku region on bus number 17

Route 17: Higashi-Nasuno (present-day Nasushiobara) to Shirakawa

The green breeze of Higashi-Nasuno, Fukuya Kuroiso Kurodahara, Where is this place? The setting sun casts a red shadow over Shirakawa Castle

Feeling the wind blowing towards the green leaves (a green breeze) in Higashi-Nasuno (present-day Nasushiobara), passing Kuroiso and Kurodahara, and then going past Toyohara Station (which doesn't appear in the lyrics), you finally enter Fukushima Prefecture

Currently, the first station you encounter upon entering Fukushima Prefecture is Shirasaka, followed by Shin-Shirakawa. However, the Railway Song does not omit these stations (although it does skip Toyohara Station), and neither was open as of 1900. Thefirst stationwas Shirakawa.

Although there was no train station at the time, Shirasaka was not entirely devoid of anything. Shirasaka was one of the post towns on the Oshu Kaido road. Of course, the castle town of Shirakawa was also one of the post towns

The castle of Shirakawa bathed in the setting sun is Shirakawa Komine Castle , located just north of the station . It is believed to have been built in the mid-14th century and is designated as a national historic site

Furthermore, along with Morioka Castle and Wakamatsu Castle in Aizuwakamatsu City, it is counted as one of the three most famous castles in the Tohoku region, and also as one of Japan's 100 most famous castles

No. 18: Shirakawa Barrier

The site of the checkpoint, where the autumn wind blows, is here, the ancient battlefield of the Meiji Restoration where the Imperial army defeated the Aizu forces

The checkpoint in question is, of course, the " Shirakawa Barrier ," which served as one of the gateways to Oshu (northern Japan) from the Nara period to the Heian period . The site of the checkpoint is a nationally designated historical site. However, it is located about 11 km south of Shirakawa Station.

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What is Shirakawa Barrier? Shirakawa, a border town where a checkpoint was once located (Fukushima Prefecture)

https://jp.neft.asia/archives/15494

Until the Nara period, Shirakawa City in Fukushima Prefecture was located at the entrance to a region known as Emishi (present-day Tohoku), beyond the reach of the Imperial Court. A border checkpoint (Shirakawa Barrier) was established at the border, strictly controlling people's access. The Shirakawa Barrier Ruins are a designated National Historic Site. ©Fukushima Travel. *Emishi refers to people living in unknown lands beyond the reach of the Imperial Court, as opposed to Ezochi, the region inhabited by the indigenous Ainu people. Recent research suggests that the people living in the Tohoku region at that time were not Ainu, but rather the Yamato people...

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The phrase "the autumn wind blows" originates from the following waka poem composed by a Buddhist monk named Nōin during the Heian period

Though I left the capital city with the mist, the autumn wind now blows at Shirakawa Barrier

This means, "I left the capital (Kyoto) as the spring mist rose, but by the time I reached Shirakawa Barrier, the autumn winds were already blowing."

The statement "the government army defeated the Aizu soldiers" is, of course, referring to the Boshin War, which broke out in 1868

Towards the end of the Edo period, Shirakawa was under the direct control of the shogunate, and with the restoration of imperial rule, it became part of the new government's territory. However, during the Boshin War, forces supporting the former shogunate, such as the Aizu Domain and the Ouetsu Reppan Alliance, seized Shirakawa from the new government forces, considering it a vital line of defense

As the new government forces moved to recapture Shirakawa, a fierce battle for control of Shirakawa raged from late April to mid-July 1868. This battle is known as the "Battle of Shirakawa-guchi." Shirakawa Komine Castle, which was mentioned earlier, was attacked by the new government forces in the early stages of the Battle of Shirakawa-guchi and was burned down and fell

Number 19: Izumizaki, Yabuki, Sukagawa, Koriyama

Izumizaki, where water flows over rocks; Yabuki Sukagawa, winter comes; Koriyama, where ice forms; nearby lake waters are Inawashiro

At that time, the next station after Shirakawa was Izumizaki

"Iwamoru Mizu no Izumizaki" (水森崎岩萌る水) literally translates to "Izumizaki where water leaks from the rocks," but I was unable to confirm if there is such a place nearby. It seems more likely that the phrase "Iwamoru Mizu" was simply added to the beginning of the name, playing on the station name Izumizaki

We then proceeded to Yabuki and Sukagawa. Izumizaki, Yabuki, and Sukagawa were all post towns on the Oshu Kaido road. Sukagawa, in particular, was one of the largest post towns on the Oshu Kaido

Furthermore, Sukagawa was home to SukagawaCastle, the base of the Sukagawa Nikaido clan. Currently, ita town of special effects. The annual "Taimatsu Akashi" festival held in November is also famous.

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What kind of life did he have? Nikaido Moriyoshi, the military commander famous for his shocking facial graphics [Fukushima Prefecture]

https://jp.neft.asia/archives/38222

There was a warlord named Nikaido Moriyoshi from the Sengoku and Azuchi-Momoyama periods who was based around Sukagawa City in the central Nakadori region of Fukushima Prefecture. Even among those who love Japanese history, there are probably many who are unaware of him. And even if they do know about him, I believe that most of them learned about him through his shocking facial graphics in a simulation game. I'm one of them. What kind of warlord was he? His striking facial graphics... If a man around 40 years old, like me, were to be asked about the warlord Nikaido Moriyoshi, most of them would...

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[Sukagawa City, Fukushima Prefecture] The hottest town for special effects! The birthplace of the god of special effects who created Ultraman

https://jp.neft.asia/archives/28186

Do you have childhood memories of being moved by the heroes of television and movies? Today, we'll be introducing Sukagawa City, Fukushima Prefecture, the birthplace of director Eiji Tsuburaya, known as the "God of Special Effects." Tsuburaya created the special effects films that captivated countless children, including Ultraman and Godzilla. In honor of his achievements, Sukagawa City is taking on the challenge of creating a town centered around special effects. This town is packed with must-see spots for fans of special effects and those with childhood memories. Be sure to check it out. The God of Special Effects: Director Eiji Tsuburaya. Director Eiji Tsuburaya was known for his work on monster films such as the Godzilla series...

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[Sukagawa City, Fukushima Prefecture] Mushi Tech World | If you're struggling with your summer vacation independent research project, come here!

https://jp.neft.asia/archives/24002

Mushi Tech World is an experiential science museum located in Sukagawa City, Fukushima Prefecture. With a focus on insects, visitors can learn about natural science through hands-on experiences. There are plenty of programs the whole family can enjoy, including crafts, experiments, and science shows, such as making shiny mud balls and sherbet. This time, we'll introduce Mushi Tech World's summer vacation programs, which are both fun and educational. You're sure to find a program that's perfect for your summer vacation independent research project. Mushi Tech World's first director was Takeshi Yoro. Mushi Tech World was founded in 2001 at the Utsukushima Future Expo, where the theme was "Why?"...

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Then winter arrives and they arrive in Koriyama , where the water is frozen . I suspect that this "ice" probably doesn't have any deep meaning and is simply a play on the place name "Koriyama." After all, in song number 17, there is a wind blowing through green leaves (a green breeze), so the seasons don't seem to match.

Although Koriyama's development began relatively late, after the Meiji era, it has now become one of the leading commercial and industrial cities in the Tohoku region. Its population is the second largest in Tohoku after Sendai, and larger than that of Fukushima City, the capital of Fukushima Prefecture

And about 10km west of Koriyama is Lake Inawashiro

No. 20: Iwakoshi Line (JR Ban'etsu West Line)

The Iwaetsu Railway, which began here and continues to Echigo, is still only halfway through construction and currently only extends to Wakamatsu and Aizu

The Iwaetsu Line, which stretched from Koriyama to Echigo (Niigata Prefecture), is the currentJR Ban'etsu WestLine. It runs from Koriyama Station, passing through Inawashiro Station, Aizuwakamatsu Station, Kitakata Station, and other stations, to Niitsu Station in Akiha Ward, Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture.

As of 1900, as mentioned in the lyrics, the line was open to Wakamatsu Station (now Aizu-Wakamatsu Station) operated by the private Iwakoshi Railway. Although it was extended to Kitakata Station in 1904, it was acquired by the government two years later in 1906, after which the extension to Niigata Prefecture was realized

While he made a significant detour to Nikko, he only mentioned the Iwakoshi Railway and Aizu-Wakamatsu without actually making any detours there

Kawageta Station, located along the Ban'etsu West Line , was once served by the Numajiri Railway (later known as the Bandai Express Electric Railway). The lyricist and composer of "Kogen Ressha ga Iku" (The Highland Train Goes On), a song about this railway, were both from Fukushima Prefecture.

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Neither an express train nor an electric railway!? Bandai Express Electric Railway [Fukushima Prefecture]

https://jp.neft.asia/archives/52200

There was a railway company and railway line called Bandai Kyuko Dentetsu (Bandai Express Railway). While the name might be reminiscent of a certain company involved in the toy business, it's not a fictional railway appearing in toys. It was a real railway that existed until 1969 in Inawashiro-machi, Yama-gun, Fukushima Prefecture. And a key characteristic is that, despite its name, it wasn't an "express" or "electric railway." It opened as a line to transport sulfur ore. In the central part of Inawashiro-machi, Fukushima Prefecture, there was once a mine where sulfur ore was extracted. The Numajiri Mine was where the Adatara...

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At Aizu-Wakamatsu Station, you can transfer to the Tadami Line, sometimes called "Japan's most scenic local train line." This article explains it in more detail

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Tadami Line: Japan's most scenic local train line (Fukushima Prefecture)

https://jp.neft.asia/archives/28913

There are local lines that are praised with expressions such as "spectacular local lines," "railroad lines with beautiful autumn foliage," and "local lines with beautiful snowscapes." This article introduces the Tadami Line, a JR East line that spans the Aizu region of Fukushima Prefecture and the Uonuma region of Niigata Prefecture. This article introduces the line's attractions, such as its scenery and nearby spots, as well as a brief history of the line. The Tadami Line, ranked number one among local lines with spectacular views, is a 135.2-kilometer JR East line that runs from Aizuwakamatsu Station in Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture, to Koide Station in Uonuma City, Niigata Prefecture. Aizuwakamatsu Station is served by a train line that connects Koriyama Station on the Tohoku Shinkansen line to Ban'etsu West...

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Furthermore, Kitakata Station was once the starting point of a local railway line called the Nicchu Line. Please also check out the article about this line

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The disappearance of the ultra-local train line, the Nicchu Line (Fukushima Prefecture)

https://jp.neft.asia/archives/32805

Kitakata City, located in western Fukushima Prefecture and famous for Kitakata ramen, is served by the JR East Ban'etsu West Line. The Ban'etsu West Line connects Koriyama Station in Koriyama City, Fukushima Prefecture, through Aizu-Wakamatsu Station in Aizu-Wakamatsu City, to Niitsu Station in Niigata City, Niigata Prefecture. It plays a vital role in connecting the central region of Fukushima Prefecture, Aizu, and Niigata City. On holidays, the "SL Ban'etsu Monogatari" steam locomotive train, connecting Niitsu Station and Aizu-Wakamatsu Station, and the "Aizu SATONO" sightseeing train, connecting Koriyama Station and Kitakata Station, sometimes operate. [https://jp.neft.asia/archives/32193](https://jp.neft.asia/archives/32193) Kitakata Station, the central station of Kitakata City...

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Number 21: Hiwada, Motomiya, Nihonmatsu

The guidebook also states that those going to see Hiwada Honmiya Nihonmatsu and Kurozuka in Adachigahara should get off the train

Continuing north from Koriyama, we pass through Hiwada, Motomiya, and Nihonmatsu. These stations are located at the foot of Mount Adatara. They were all post towns along the Oshu Kaido road

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Mount Adatara, an active volcano in Fukushima, is one of Japan's 100 most famous mountains

https://jp.neft.asia/archives/375

Mount Adatara, an active volcano whose activity continues to be observed, is a beloved mountain in Fukushima Prefecture, appearing in ancient texts such as the Manyoshu and Kotaro Takamura's "Chieko-sho." Located on the southern side of Bandai-Asahi National Park, it is also selected as one of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains and one of Fukushima's 100 Famous Mountains. A phreatic eruption was observed approximately 100 years ago, and continuous monitoring has been conducted since the Heisei era due to the emission of volcanic gases and increased geothermal activity. (Photo by Chuusan777 - Mount Adatara) (2014) / Size-adapted. With its relatively gentle slopes, it is a mountain recommended even for beginner hikers. Mount Adatara is 1700m high...

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Regarding Kurozuka in Adachigahara... I'll just say that it's the tomb of a legendaryhag who attacks travelers seeking lodging,. More detailed information is available at the link below, but please view it at your own risk, as some may find it grotesque.

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The legend of the Adachi Plain demon hag. It's a scary ghost story with a tragic human drama! [Nihonmatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture]

https://jp.neft.asia/archives/26708

There is a legend about an onibaba (badger witch) who attacks travelers in Adachigahara, Nihonmatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture. This story is well-known nationwide, and has been adapted into kabuki and puppet theater performances under the title "Oshu Adachigahara," as well as a Noh play under the title "Kurozuka." Link: Kabuki Terminology Guide - The World of Oshu Attacks Link: theNoh.com - Kurozuka (Kurozuka) This time, we delved into the legend of the onibaba (badger witch) of Adachigahara (Kurozuka) and traveled to the site to search for traces of it. There are several versions of the legend that differ in their details, but the story handed down at Kanzeji Temple in Adachigahara, Nihonmatsu City, is as follows...

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As indicated in the guidebook, "Those who wish to see it (at Nihonmatsu) should get off the train," and since Adachi Station, the next station after Nihonmatsu Station, had not yet opened at that time, Nihonmatsu Station was undoubtedly the closest station to Kurozuka

Number 22: Matsukawa, Fukushima

After passing Matsukawa and going through the tunnel, you arrive at the town of Fukushima, the site of the prefectural capital and the former castle town of the Itakura clan

We pass Matsukawa and emerge from a tunnel. Since Kanayagawa and Minami-Fukushima stations didn't exist at the time, the next station after MatsukawaFukushima, the capital of Fukushima Prefecture.

Although present-day Fukushima has a smaller population compared to Koriyama and Iwaki, it was the center of the Fukushima Domain during the Edo period. Perhaps for this reason, when Fukushima Prefecture was established in the Meiji era, the prefectural government was located there, despite its location at the northernmost tip of the prefecture

According to the Fukushima Prefectural History, the reason why the prefectural office was located in Fukushima is unclear. However, Koriyama was not a very large town at the time, so it may not have been a suitable location for the prefectural office

Furthermore, there were several towns within the current Fukushima Prefecture that had flourished since the Edo period, other than Fukushima itself. However, it is easy to imagine that the government would have been reluctant to make Aizu or Nihonmatsu, which had clearly opposed the new government during the Boshin War, the prefectural capital

As the lyrics indicate, the Itakura clan served as the lords of the Fukushima domain during the late Edo period

Yuji Koseki (1909-1989), the composer of "Kogen Ressha wa Iku" (The Highland Train Goes On), mentioned in number 20, was from Fukushima City. The departure melody for the conventional lines such as the Tohoku Main Line at Fukushima Station is "Kogen Ressha wa Iku," while the departure melody for the Tohoku Shinkansen platform is "Eikan wa Kimi ni Kagayaku" (The Crown Shines on You), also composed by Koseki.

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Who is Yuji Koseki? The musician from Fukushima City who inspired the NHK morning drama "Yell" [Fukushima Prefecture]

https://jp.neft.asia/archives/9557

Yuji Koseki, a musician with ties to Fukushima City, Fukushima Prefecture, gained attention after being the model for the 2020 NHK morning drama "Yell." He produced over 5,000 songs during his 80-year life, many of which are famous tunes that almost everyone has heard at least once. This article will explore the life of Yuji Koseki and places in Fukushima City associated with him. What is Fukushima City, Fukushima Prefecture? Fukushima City, located in the northern part of Fukushima Prefecture, offers plenty to enjoy, including peaches, hot springs, and stunning scenery. It is the prefectural capital and a stop on the Tohoku Shinkansen line. Its most representative local product is peaches. During the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics, Fukushima Azuma Stadium...

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Includes railway-related works! The achievements of Yuji Koseki, a composer from Fukushima City [Fukushima Prefecture]

https://jp.neft.asia/archives/54948

Are you familiar with the composer Yuji Koseki (1909-1989), who was born in Fukushima City, Fukushima Prefecture? Koseki composed a wide variety of songs throughout his life, including children's songs, popular songs, school songs, company songs, fight songs, marches, and symphonies, totaling approximately 5,000 pieces. Even if you don't know the name Yuji Koseki or that he was from Fukushima City, many people have likely heard his music. Here's a brief introduction to his life and the many songs he composed. [Links: Representative works of Yuji Koseki / Fukushima City Official Website; Life of Yuji Koseki] Yuji Koseki was born on August 11, 1909, in Fukushima City, Fukushima Prefecture, in the family business of a kimono shop...

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Route 23: Ou South Line (JR Ou Main Line/Yamagata Line)

Nearby is a famous spot for stones where Shinobu-mojizuri prints begin, and the railway to Yonezawa branches off from this town

"Shinobu-mojizuri" refers to a type of woven garment with a disordered pattern that was made in the Shinobu region of Fukushima Prefecture (around Fukushima City and Date City) . Some people may recognize the term as it appears in the Hyakunin Isshu (One Hundred Poets, One Poem Each).

And the "famous stone spot" refers to the place where the large stones used to create this "Shinobu Mojizuri" are located. The "Shinobu Mojizuri Stone" is located about 5km northeast of Fukushima Station. It is within the grounds of Fumon-in Temple, a temple of the Soto Zen sect

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

https://jp.neft.asia/archives/28825

Are you familiar with the term "Shinobu Mochizuri"? It frequently appears in the world of Japanese poetry (waka), but it actually has ties to what is now Fukushima City in Fukushima Prefecture. While it's rarely seen in everyday life today, it was a highly prized local product in the capital, leaving its mark on waka poetry, folk tales, and historical sites even after a long time. This time, using "Shinobu Mochizuri" as a keyword, we'll introduce a part of Fukushima's history. First of all, what does "Shinobu Mochizuri" mean? "The Shinobu Mochizuri of Michinoku, for whose sake did it begin to become disordered? It was not because of me...".

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The railway line branching off at Fukushima Station towards Yonezawa is the currentJR Ou Main Line. The current Ou Main Line runs from Fukushima to Aomori, passing through Yonezawa, Yamagata, Shinjo, Yokote, Omagari, Akita, Odate, Hirosaki, and other stations. The section from Fukushima Station to Shinjo Station is sometimes called the Yamagata Line. It is also part of the route for the Yamagata Shinkansen.

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Why are there so many unusual names? Station names on the Ou Main Line [Fukushima, Yamagata, Akita]

https://jp.neft.asia/archives/31566

The Ou Main Line is a JR East line that runs from Fukushima Station to Aomori Station, passing through stations such as Yamagata Station and Akita Station. It is one of the main lines that runs north-south through the Tohoku region, and in the past, limited express trains operated all along the line. Even today, some sections of the line are used by trains such as the Yamagata Shinkansen "Tsubasa," the Akita Shinkansen "Komachi," and the limited express "Tsugaru." For some reason, the Ou Main Line is notable for its many stations with unusual names, so we'll introduce some of them here. The Ou Main Line, a major trunk line in the Tohoku region, runs from Fukushima Station in Fukushima Prefecture, passing through Yamagata Station in Yamagata Prefecture and Akita Station in Akita Prefecture, before reaching Aomori Station in Aomori Prefecture.

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Why was the Yamagata Shinkansen "Tsubasa" mini-shinkansen created? [Yamagata Prefecture]

https://jp.neft.asia/archives/32125

The Yamagata Shinkansen, also known as "Tsubasa," is a direct train that runs between Tokyo Station and Yamagata Station or Shinjo Station in Yamagata Prefecture. In this article, we'll explain why this train was created. What is the Yamagata Shinkansen "Tsubasa"? The E3 Series 2000 "Tsubasa" (foreground) and E5 Series "Yamabiko" (background) are coupled together. "Tsubasa" is a JR East Shinkansen/Limited Express train that primarily runs between Tokyo Station and Yamagata Station or Shinjo Station in Yamagata Prefecture without transfers. The journey between Tokyo Station and Yamagata Station takes approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes, and the journey from Fukushima Station to Yamagata Station takes approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes. The journey from Yamagata Station to Shinjo Station takes 45 minutes to 1 hour...

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In 1900, the Ou Line was divided into the South Ou Line, which was under construction from Fukushima, and the North Ou Line, which was under construction from Aomori. As of April 1900, the South Ou Line had already opened from Fukushima Station to Akayu Station in Yamagata Prefecture, via Yonezawa Station

The railway line between Fukushima and YonezawaItaya Pass, characterized by steep slopes and heavy snowfall in winter. The entire section of the Ou Main Line from Fukushima to Yonezawa is sometimes referred to as "Itaya Pass," and the railway has been battling the harsh natural environment of Itaya Pass ever since its construction.

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The Itaya Pass Railway tackles steep slopes and harsh weather [Fukushima and Yamagata Prefectures]

https://jp.neft.asia/archives/33737

Itaya Pass, located on the border between Fukushima and Yamagata prefectures, is served by JR East's Yamagata Shinkansen and Yamagata Line, officially the Ou Main Line. The Ou Main Line currently serves an important role, connecting the Kanto region, Fukushima, and various parts of the Tohoku region, as evidenced by the Yamagata Shinkansen Tsubasa. However, Itaya Pass has always been known as a difficult crossing. Here we introduce the railway history of Itaya Pass. What is Itaya Pass? Itaya Pass is one of the passes near the border between Yamagata and Fukushima prefectures, crossing the Ou Mountain Range. It connects the Itaya and Osawa settlements in Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture. JR East's Ou Main Line...

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The station located midway up the Itaya Pass is not served by Yamagata Shinkansen trains; only local trains stop there. The "Toge no Chikara Mochi" ( Mountain Pass Power Rice Cake ) sold at the station along the way has become a local specialty.

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Street vendors still selling these at train stations today | What is Yonezawa City's hidden specialty, "Toge no Chikara Mochi"? [Yamagata Prefecture]

https://jp.neft.asia/archives/6959

Are you familiar with station street vendors? As the name suggests, this style of street vending involves vendors with food boxes around their necks selling bento boxes and other items on the station platform. You've probably seen this in old movies. There's a place that still continues this tradition: Toge Station on the Ou Main Line in Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture. The "Toge no Chikara Mochi" sold there is a hidden gem of Yonezawa City, adding to the enjoyment of train travel. This article will introduce you to Toge no Chikara Mochi. (The text then mentions Toge Station's daily life, Fukushima Station in Fukushima Prefecture, and the Ou Main Line...).

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Number 24: Nagaoka (now Date), Koshikawa, Shiraishi

Some people get off at Nagaoka and head to Iizaka for hot spring treatments, and I hear that beyond Kosugō, Shiroishi is already in the province of Rikuzen

Nagaoka refers to the current Date Station. The station was renamed in 1914 because it was being confused with Nagaoka Station in Niigata Prefecture

Currently, you can get to Iizaka Onsen from Fukushima Station by taking the Fukushima Kotsu Iizaka Line . However, back then, there was no railway to Iizaka Onsen, so perhaps the song is about people traveling to Iizaka Onsen on foot from Nagaoka Station.

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How Fukushima Transportation was born & A descendant of the founder of Fukushima Transportation tried out the Iizaka Line

https://jp.neft.asia/archives/34459

The Iizaka Line, a railway line operated by Fukushima Transportation Co., Ltd. and running through Fukushima City in Fukushima Prefecture, connects Fukushima Station and Iizaka Onsen Station. How did Fukushima Transportation and the Iizaka Line come about? What is the Fukushima Transportation Iizaka Line? The Iizaka Line is a 9.2km line operated by the private railway company Fukushima Transportation, connecting Fukushima Station in Fukushima City with Iizaka Onsen Station, spanning 12 stations. It has been nicknamed the "Iizaka Train" or "Iiden." The Iiden logo also features the English characters "GOOD TRAIN," a play on the "ii" (good) character. It serves as a means of transportation for commuting to work and school within Fukushima City, as well as a route to Iizaka Onsen, as its name suggests...

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Iizaka Onsen: A famous hot spring loved by Matsuo Basho! Introducing recommended public baths and inns in Fukushima Prefecture

https://jp.neft.asia/archives/4835

Along with Akiu Onsen and Naruko Onsen in Miyagi Prefecture, Iizaka Onsen in Fukushima Prefecture is one of the "Three Famous Hot Springs of Oshu." Iizaka Onsen has nine public baths, popular with tourists and locals alike for their daily bathing. Historical figures are also known to have enjoyed the hot springs; Matsuo Basho wrote about staying here during his journey through the Narrow Road to the Deep North, and other visitors include Yosano Akiko, Masaoka Shiki, and Helen Keller. This time, we'll introduce some of the most recommended baths and inns in Iizaka Onsen. Public baths generally cost around 200-300 yen! There are many public baths...

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The Sato brothers, who assisted Minamoto no Yoshitsune, and Iizaka Onsen (Fukushima Prefecture)

https://jp.neft.asia/archives/35058

In Fukushima City, Fukushima Prefecture, lies the historic Iizaka Onsen hot spring resort. While famously known for being a place where Matsuo Basho stayed, other figures have also been associated with Iizaka. These include the Shinobu Sato clan, who produced the Sato brothers, Tsugunobu and Tadanobu, who accompanied Minamoto no Yoshitsune. What is Iizaka Onsen? To the south of Iizaka Onsen flows the Ogawa, a tributary of the Surikami River. It is believed that people lived around 3000 BC near where this Ogawa intersects with the current Iizaka Highway. Around the 2nd century, when Yamato Takeru no Mikoto fell ill during his eastern expedition...

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Although not mentioned in the lyrics, the stations in Fukushima Prefecture at that time ended with Kori and Fujita, following Nagaoka (Date). Kaida was not yet open. Incidentally, Kori, Fujita, and Kaida were all post towns on the Oshu Highway. The area around Kori is also the birthplace of Date Terumune, the father of Date Masamune

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[Fukushima Prefecture] Is the northern town of Koorimachi the birthplace of the Date clan?

https://jp.neft.asia/archives/17958

Koori-machi, Date-gun, Fukushima Prefecture, is a town located in the northern part of the central region of Fukushima Prefecture. The town of Koori is home to the "Former Date County Office," a nationally designated Important Cultural Property. ©Koori-machi The Tosan-do, one of the major highways of ancient (Kofun period to Heian period) and medieval (Kamakura period to Azuchi-Momoyama period), connected Kyoto with the Tohoku region (Mutsu Province and Dewa Province). From the Edo period onward, the Tosan-do was known as the Oshu-kaido, and Koori was a junction point with the Ushu-kaido, which led towards Akita, thus becoming a post town, Koori-juku...

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A tragic end or a conspiracy by Masamune? The life of Date Masamune's father, Terumune [Fukushima Prefecture]

https://jp.neft.asia/archives/37518

Many people who have a connection to Yonezawa or Sendai are familiar with the military commander and feudal lord Date Masamune, even if they aren't particularly interested in history. But what about Masamune's father, Terumune? Without Terumune, Masamune would not have been born, of course, but it's fair to say that Terumune also laid the foundation for Masamune's expansion. However, Terumune's end was, at the very least, tragic, and some believe it may have been the result of Masamune's conspiracy. The Birth of Date Terumune: Date Terumune was born in 1544 (Tenbun 13) as the second son of Date Harumune, at Nishiyama Castle in Date County (present-day Fukushima...).

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Kosugo is the first station in Miyagi Prefecture, and after passing Kosugo, you arrive at Shiroishi. Both Kosugo and Shiroishi were post towns on the Oshu Kaido road

That's all for today

Yuto Ono

A former railway engineer and current freelance writer who has loved trains since childhood, his dream is to make train travel his career