【Strolling through Nishi-ward 54】A story of Wasuke Yamashiroya ; trace of the adventurer’s dream 【Strolling through Nishi-ward 54】A story of Wasuke Yamashiroya ; trace of the adventurer’s dream
Spot information
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| Web site | https://www.city.yokohama.lg.jp/nishi/shokai/kanko/spot/sozoroaruki/ |
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Description
Strolling through Nishi-ward: A story of Wasuke Yamashiroya ; trace of the adventurer’s dream
In a hidden place of Teramachi (temple town) of Kuboyama, there is an elegant modern temple called Torimine-sanrin-kozenji Temple. It is one of the oldest temples in Yokohama. There is Kuboyama Cemetery next to the temple, where you can find a big grave engraved “Grave of Yamashiroya Wasuke”.
Wasuke Yamashiroya was from Choshu. It is said that he performed well in Boshin War as imperial loyalist. Later he was engaged in trading in Yokohama and became a merchant under Ministry of War’s patronage. With the help by Aritomo Yamagata, who came from the same hometown, Yamashiroya borrowed huge amount of money (\500,000) from the Ministry. He started trading raw silk, but unfortunately due to the impact of Franco-Prussian War, he went bankruptcy. Later he borrowed extra \149,000 and he lived it up in Paris. But soon he squandered all money. In order to take the responsibility, he committed suicide through disembowelment at Ministry of the Army office. Well, he had such a dramatic life.
Writing and picture by Tai Hasewaga (Nishi ward Cultural Association/Chairman of Kiko Society)
※This is a sketch and writing published in Yokohama Public Relation Nishi ward edition between November 1997 and April 2004. Please be noted that there’s a possibility that information in the article may be changed.
(Published April in 2002)