It tickles your intellectual curiosity. Masashi Asada takes a "model course related to MotooriNorinaga Motoori"

This main visual was shot by Masashi Asada.
(Click here for photographer Masashi Asada's profile!)

At MotooriNorinaga the former home of Norinaga Motoori where he spent most of his life, Mr. Asada picks up a book and wonders, ``I wonder if Norinaga-san read books like this too.''
During the mid-Edo period, MotooriNorinaga lived there, he probably spent the daylight hours using only natural light. The light coming in from the garden is fantastic.

What kind of person is MotooriNorinaga? Let's learn about the "MotooriNorinaga Memorial Museum"

MotooriNorinaga Memorial Museum is a museum located within the Matsuzaka Castle ruins.
There are approximately 16,000 items in the collection, including books written by MotooriNorinaga himself, personal belongings, and items related to him.

What kind of person was MotooriNorinaga in the first place? I tried to summarize it a little.

At the age of 17, Norinaga, a young boy, created a detailed depiction of Japan.

This time, curator Ida will be showing us around MotooriNorinaga Memorial Museum.

This is the ``Dainippon Tenka Shikai Paintings''. This is a map of Japan that Norinaga, a 17-year-old boy, drew by himself.

The fact that he drew this at the age of 17 is truly amazing. And it's big!

It's big, isn't it? This is displayed in actual size, measuring approximately 1.2m in height and 1.9m in width. It seems that he made a large piece of paper by pasting together about 20 small pieces of paper and drew it.

Norinaga drew this map entirely at home. Although this is just a guess, it is believed that he completed it by referring to various books and stories he heard from people.

In other words, no measurements were taken. However, it is depicted quite accurately. Tadataka Ino is well known as the creator of maps of Japan, but...

It was about 70 years after Norinaga Motoori created the Dainippon Tenka Shikai Gazu that MotooriNorinaga Ino and others surveyed and created a map of Japan.

That's right! Mr. Norinaga created a detailed map at a time when accurate maps were not yet available in the world.

``Dainippon Tenka Shikai Gazu'' is filled with 3,019 place names and 254 castle lord names.
Some of them include fictitious place names such as ``Kan-Tang'' and ``Langoku,'' but even so, I'm overwhelmed by how detailed they are.
It clearly shows MotooriNorinaga 's information gathering ability, amount of knowledge, and intellectual inquisitiveness.

Mr. Ida, the curator, told us about Norinaga's story leading up to his painting of ``Dainippon Tenka Shikai Gazu.''

oh….

Inside this map, there are words written with confidence: ``Correcting the errors in the maps that are being circulated.'' It can be said that this was Norinaga's starting point as a Japanese scholar, and it can be seen that he had a strong interest in ``clarifying what Japan is.''​

“Kojikiden” handwritten by Norinaga

``Kojikiden'' is a commentary on ``Kojiki,'' which MotooriNorinaga spent 35 years writing from around the age of 35.
Moreover, it is not only a mere commentary on the Kojiki, but also has a great influence on later research on ancient literature and history, and is still considered a highly valuable research book.

MotooriNorinaga Memorial Museum exhibits Kojiki biographies handwritten by Norinaga.

picture? ! Handwritten? ! ! I thought it was a printed book... It remains so beautiful.

The reason it has remained in such good condition is because Norinaga's descendants and people with ties to Norinaga have taken good care of it. It really looks like a printed book.

The item is in good condition and the handwriting is beautifully written. I can't believe it's handwritten!

It seems that Norinaga was very particular about ``readability'' when he wrote the book. The line spacing and number of characters are precisely determined, and there is no "fading" or "bleeding".

The handwriting is so beautifully arranged that you can't help but stare at it and wonder, "Is it really handwritten?"

At MotooriNorinaga Memorial Museum, you can always see the Kojiki biography written by MotooriNorinaga.
Also, the Kojikiden, which has 44 volumes, is displayed in different volumes and pages, so you might see a different page each time you go!
You can also enjoy it in a slightly maniac way, thinking, ``I got to see this volume this time!''

It may be easier to understand if you think of Kojiki commentaries as ``books that make the Kojiki readable.'' I think everyone has had the opportunity to come into contact with Japanese mythology at some point, and most of these myths were originally written in the Kojiki.

I see.

In other words, many people living in Japan have almost certainly come into contact with Norinaga's achievements.

surely!

MotooriNorinaga is not only a great figure in Japanese studies, but also seems to be a familiar figure to us today.

Norinaga valued “preserving”

This is "Self-congratulatory statue MotooriNorinaga 61 years old."
``Self-painting self-praise'' means writing ``praise'' (poetry or text written on the painting) by oneself on the painting one has drawn.
Norinaga is said to have thought of conveying himself to future generations by drawing pictures of himself and writing songs about the parts of his heart that cannot be understood through pictures alone.

What is written as a ``praise'' is the most famous song written by MotooriNorinaga, ``The Yamato heart of Shikishima is a human question, the scent of the morning sun, the mountain cherry blossoms''.
The meaning is, ``If you were to ask me what my heart as a Japanese person is, I would answer that I would be moved by the sight of mountain cherry blossoms in full bloom shining in the morning sun.''
MotooriNorinaga is also known for his great love of cherry blossoms, as mentioned in this tribute.

Norinaga was a person who was very conscious of how he wanted to be seen from the outside. It seems that he published books that were easy to read and left images of himself praising himself, all from a self-produced perspective.

The black robe worn in this picture can also be taken as part of the production. I also have the real thing, but it's not just pure black cloth, it has a watermark pattern on it, and there's a pattern on the hem. It is said that he designed it himself and had it made so that it would look beautiful when sitting on it. It is said that this robe was worn as a substitute for formal attire when going to formal lectures or in front of the lord.

Mr. Ida told us a short story about this garment.

By the way, if you calculate the length of this robe, it is said that Norinaga's height would have been about 170 cm.

Me too! I'm honored just because we're the same height...

It was a time when there were no photographs, so it was important to draw and preserve them. I guess because I'm doing work that spans eras, such as researching the Kojiki, I've been able to focus on preserving things with an eye to the future.

I agree. I think I was thinking about things over a fairly long period of time. I thought it was a good thing that by preserving my work, future generations would know about my work, it would receive more and more criticism, and new and good ideas would be born.

Norinaga wanted many people to learn and develop his works in the future, just as he himself had learned from the past.

Get the “bell” goods loved by MotooriNorinaga

In addition to cherry blossoms, MotooriNorinaga also loves bells.
He hung a bell (Hashirakake bell) on the pillar of his study at home, and when he got tired of studying or when his research stopped making progress, he would ring it, and the sound would refresh his mood and allow him to devote himself to studying and research.

Norinaga described the sound of the bell as "sayasaya." That's a very pleasant expression to read.

The photo is a replica of the ``Ekirei'' sent by Yasudaira Matsudaira, the 12th lord of Hamada in Shimane Prefecture, to Norinaga. Sold at the shop corner of MotooriNorinaga Memorial Museum!

In addition to bell goods, the shop at MotooriNorinaga Memorial Museum carries many books related to MotooriNorinaga, so if you want to learn more about MotooriNorinaga, please stop by.
Among the books, be sure to check out the limited edition reprint of the historical manga “Suzu Sensei”! It is said to be a bestseller in the book section of MotooriNorinaga Memorial Museum.

Various goods can also be purchased at MotooriNorinaga Memorial Museum online shop.
(Click here for online shop)

Asada-san also bought a bell!
This is a set of bells modeled after the seven bells called ``Shichiku Suzu (Shichiko Suzu)'' that were once given to Norinaga by his disciples.

I'm so happy to be able to buy Nanatsu Suzu! I was drawn to the beautiful tone. Actually...I already have a pillar bell (lol) that I ring when I'm stuck in an idea or when I want to change my mind♪

Before leaving MotooriNorinaga Memorial Museum, we took a commemorative photo with the face-fitting panel at the entrance.

``Is this the expression on Norinaga-san's self-congratulatory statue?'' Mr. Asada said with a serious look on his face.
After fully enjoying the first spot on the model course, we headed to the next spot!
* MotooriNorinaga Memorial Museum access information is posted in the Suzuya introduction section below.

MotooriNorinaga 's former residence "Suzunoya"

Within the Matsuzaka Castle ruins is MotooriNorinaga 's former residence, Suzu-no-ya, which you can tour inside.
Suzuya was originally located in Uomachi, MatsusakaCity, but was moved to its current location for preservation and public viewing.

Suzuya where Norinaga lived from the age of 12 until his death at the age of 72.
Norinaga had a family of seven, including a wife and five children.
During the day, he went from house to house as a doctor carrying a medicine box, and after returning home he gave lectures on classics such as The Tale of Genji and Manyoshu to the townspeople and visitors from all over the country. After the evening ended and everyone went home, he deciphered the Kojiki and wrote the Kojikiden by himself.

Singing parties and lectures were being held in the ``Okuma'' room where we are now. During his lectures, Norinaga not only spoke one-sidedly, but there were also occasions when the audience taught him things that he did not know, and notes were left in a book that looked like an audience list. Masu.

This is an episode that shows Norinaga's deep interest in learning.

When Norinaga turned 53 and was halfway through writing Kojikiden, he renovated the storeroom on the second floor and created a study in the style of a tea room.
Norinaga's residence came to be called ``Suzuya'' because there was a bell hanging in his study.
(You cannot go up to the study on the second floor when you tour, but you can see the study from outside.)

The cozy space will make you want to take your time.
Some people actually stay there for about half a day and enjoy it.

Access information

↓Suzuya is a facility attached to MotooriNorinaga Memorial Museum.

`` MotooriNorinaga Poetry Monument'' where you can immerse yourself in waka poetry with beautiful scenery

This monument is located within the ruins of Matsuzaka Castle and was erected in 1959.
MotooriNorinaga 's 6th grandson, Yayoi Motoori, has written an inscription of Norinaga's poem, ``Shikishima's Yamato heart is human, the morning sun smells, the mountain cherry blossoms''.

You can enjoy beautiful scenery around the monument in all seasons.
When I visited the model course this time around late November, the ginkgo trees were changing color. It is said that wisteria blooms in spring.

“Motoori Norinaga no Miya” protected by the descendants of Norinaga’s disciples

``Motoori Norinaga'' is a shrine dedicated to MotooriNorinaga, located about a 4-minute walk from Suzuya and the monument.
It was originally founded next to Yamamuro Yamaokutsuki, the personal grave of MotooriNorinaga, and was called Yamamuroyama yagami.

MotooriNorinaga Motoori (Ushi) is enshrined as the god of academic studies, and the votive tablets used to pray for academic success and success are popular.
(At shrines, "adult" (ushi) is added after the name as a sign of respect.)

We spoke to the chief priest, Arimaro Uematsu.

There is a stone monument with a poem by a person named ``Arinobu Uematsu'' in the Yamamuro Mountain Oku Tomb, and this person was Norinaga's disciple and my ancestor.

Really!

After being initiated under Norinaga, Arinobu Uematsu is said to have accompanied Norinaga's lectures to Matsusaka and Wakayama. There is also a story that after Norinaga passed away, he stayed at the Yamamuro Mountain Oku Tomb for eight days and took care of the grave.

In addition to enshrining MotooriNorinaga, the shrine is also protected by the descendants of his disciples, which makes it seem like it will bring even more blessings.

When you visit Motoori Norinaga no Miya, be sure to get a goshuin stamp as well. (First fruit fee 300 yen)
Along with the cherry blossoms and bell marks that Norinaga loved, the poem ``The Yamato heart of Shikishima is a human intercourse, and the mountain cherry blossoms smell in the morning sun.''

In addition, stone statues of station bells are also displayed on the grounds.
Please take your time and explore.

Access information

History happened here! "New warehouse ruins"

Next, we visited the historic site ``Shingoya Ruins''.

From here on, Mr. Nakase from Vacant (Vacant LLC), a regionally specialized creative team based in Matsusaka, will guide you.
The second half of the model course tour begins, incorporating the perspective of Mr. Vacant Nakase, who publishes the "Matsuzaka Preference Map" packed with local love!

The Shingoya ruins are the place where Norinaga met Kamo Mabuchi, a Japanese scholar who was active in the middle of the Edo period.
I would like to introduce the story of how the two met.

We hope to shine a spotlight on Mr. Norinaga's crazy side in a good way, so that you can enjoy touring Matsusaka even more.

said Mr. Nakase.

This is my interpretation... Norinaga-san loves Mabuchi-san so much that he's become a stalker! That's it.

surely! lol

Obtain personal information such as ``I was staying the night'' or ``I'll be coming back.'' Even though we met for the first time, he stormed into the hotel where I was staying... However, even though I liked him so much that I chased after him, he was actually excommunicated.

Eh! !

Even though I love the person, I end up exchanging opinions with him so much that I end up excommunicating him. Both of them are really stoic in their approach to academics.

A surprising (but somehow understandable) side of Norinaga and Mabuchi. Your imagination expands and you get excited.

Lunch at Japanese French “Shinueya”

There is currently a Japanese-French restaurant called "Shingoya" in the building Carillon Plaza, which is built on the site of the Shingoya.
How about having lunch at "Shin-ueya" during your tour of MotooriNorinaga?

Access information

MotooriNorinaga spots are everywhere in town!

After filling your stomach with lunch, let's head out into town again.
In Matsusaka, there are MotooriNorinaga spots all over town!

Mr. Asada is pointing his camera at Mr. Norinaga in what appears to be a telephone booth. I've been writing something down.
(It's along the Ise Kaido road, between the Hinocho and Nakamachi intersections, so be sure to find it and take a photo♪)

As I continued walking, I suddenly looked at my feet and found a manhole with a station bell painted on it!
When you walk, please check your feet from time to time.

In the rotary park in front of Matsusaka Station (JR side), there is a huge station bell.
Additionally, right in front of Matsusaka Station (Kintetsu side), there is a monument with a poem engraved with the poem ``Shikishima's Yamato heart talks to people, smells the morning sun, and mountain cherry blossoms''.

It's fun to walk around town looking for MotooriNorinaga Points that are scattered around.

Famous sweets associated with MotooriNorinaga Japanese confectionery store “Yanagiya Hozen”

Yanagiya Hozen is a long-established Japanese confectionery shop founded in 1575 in Hino-cho, Shiga Prefecture.

In the 16th year of Tensho, when the military commander Ujisato Gamo built Matsuzaka Castle, Hozen Yanagiya, who served as the official confectioner of the Gamo clan, also moved to Matsusaka by order of Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
The confectionery "Oinotomo" created at the time of the company's founding is still a famous confectionery loved by many people.

Yanagiya Hozen sells famous confections related to Norinaga, ``Norinagaame'' and ``Suzumonaka.''

``Norunagaame'' is a candy based on ``Amegusuri,'' which was prepared by Norinaga, who was also a Chinese herbalist. (297 yen including tax for 13 pieces)
The scent of cinnamon, the spiciness of ginger, and the simple sweetness make it addictive.

``Suzu Monaka'' is a confectionery made with four types of bell shapes filled with bean paste containing green seaweed or white bean paste containing red bean. (1,674 yen including tax for 8 pieces)
The design of the bell is cute.

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``Motoori Norinaga's Residence'' can be enjoyed by enthusiasts

The site of Nobunaga Motoori's house in Uomachi, where Suzuya once stood, is currently designated as a national special historic site and preserved.
​The pine tree in the garden that Norinaga was said to have loved, as well as the house and storehouse where his eldest son Haruba lived, remain, allowing you to imagine the scene at that time.

The relocated ``Suzuya'' and this ``Motoori Norinaga House Ruins'' have been designated as a national special historic site. It is said that it is rare for two identical buildings located in different locations to be designated as a national special historic site. The major one is Suzuya located on the ruins of Matsuzaka Castle. On the other hand, the ``Motoori Norinaga Residence Ruins'' doesn't seem to get many people, but there are some things you can enjoy here as well, so I highly recommend you come.

First of all, what's interesting is that even though it's a special national historic site, it's open all day long and you can come and go as you like! That's what I mean. I like this open style because it's typical of Matsusaka. lol

Apparently it is always open between 9:00 and 16:30 (at night, the entrance fence is locked for safety reasons. Even when the fence is closed, you can still view it from the outside). One of its attractions is the sense of familiarity that comes from being able to access it at any time during the day.

In the first place, the reason why Suzuya and the site of Norinaga Motoori's house remain is because Emperor Meiji ordered him to preserve MotooriNorinaga 's former house because he would pay money for it. It is said that in response to Emperor Meiji's order, the wealthy merchants of the time, including the Mitsui family and the Ozu family, representing the wealthy merchant town of Matsusaka, all contributed money to relocate and preserve the structure.

Thanks to Emperor Meiji and the wealthy merchants of the past, you can still see this precious place where the foundations of Japanese learning were laid.

As I mentioned earlier, it's extremely open, so you can even touch the remaining foundations of the old house.

happy! So without further ado...

Mr. Asada enjoys the basics of Norinaga's former residence.

Norinaga was researching the Kojiki here. I'm really happy to be able to come to this sacred place...

The valuable ``Motoori Norinaga Residence Ruins'' is a place where you can have fun in a slightly maniacal way. Please come and visit us.

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Let's buy souvenirs at "Matsuzaka Tourism Exchange Center, the town of wealthy merchants" ♪

At the end of MotooriNorinaga tour, let's buy some souvenirs!

The Matsusaka Tourism and Exchange Center, a town of wealthy merchants, is located a two-minute walk from the ruins of Nobunaga Motoori's house, and has a large selection of souvenirs related to Nobunaga and local specialties.

This is "Norunaga Okaki".

In addition to okaki inspired by Norinaga's favorite wild cherry blossoms, you can enjoy 7 different flavors, including black bean, sea lettuce, wasabi flavor, and plum meat glaze.
(Photo right: 3 bags for 325 yen including tax / Photo left: 9 bags with drawstring bag for 1,080 yen including tax)

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Enjoy MotooriNorinaga to the fullest!

How did you like the "model course related to MotooriNorinaga Motoori" that you tour with Mr. Asada and guides from each spot?
MotooriNorinaga is a fascinating Japanese scholar. I introduced a few anecdotes in this article, but if you actually go around the model course, you'll encounter even more surprises and discoveries.

Please come and enjoy it♪

“One Night in Matsusaka” event will be held from February 1st to 4th, 2024!

“Matsusaka Night Museum Matsusaka One Night” will be held from February 1st (Thursday) to February 4th (Sunday) in MatsusakaCity City, Mie Prefecture!

Projection mapping onto the stone wall of the MatsusakaCity Castle Ruins, a symbol of Matsusaka City, recreates the Edo period landscape when Matsusaka merchants were active in Nihonbashi, Tokyo, which has deep ties to Matsusaka. This is the first time in MatsusakaCity that a special nighttime exhibition will be held, focusing on the Matsuzaka MotooriNorinaga Memorial Hall, MotooriNorinaga Residence (Suzuya), the former Hasegawa Jirobee House, and the Harada Jiro Former Residence. Please enjoy "Night Museum".

Further details can be found at this link.