文化堤

I visited the Bunka Embankment on an early winter day with my wife. After studying hard to take a test at the Shunan University, it can be nice to relax by visiting historical sites. After a short hike to the crying stone near the Hirabara tunnel, I want to return to the village to learn about agricultural engineering in the late Edo period! With this in mind, drive south to Kume to visit the Bunka Embankment. When I arrive the sun is setting. With the day ending, it gives the right feeling to consider the events of the past. For those who are concerned with details, the day is Sunday, December 1. The time is 5 pm.For those who prefer to drive, please be cautious! ! The streets of Kume near the Bunka Embankment are narrow and in some cases end with no warning. Remember, the safe driver has a slow heart. Please proceed carefully towards the embankment. Even in a Subaru Sambar, my wife and I had to slowly back out of a street when it was suddenly too narrow for the truck.When we arrive, see three stone monuments. I can feel my excitement level raise when I see the multiple momuments. Look around . . . is there an embankment to be seen? Actually, you may find it takes some time to find the embankment itself, but if I walk 100 metres north of the monument, I can find a small reservoir. Why is there such a fine monument for such a small pond? When I read the informational sign, the reason is clear . . .Near the three stones is an informational sign that describes the history of the Bunka Embankment. It seems that in the late Edo period, Kume village had trouble with drought due to the gentle river. When I look at the surrounding area now, it seems to describe the Saikoji river. Even if the village headman and the village calculator requested the Hagi domain for a reservoir, because of financial difficulty the Hagi domain denied the request. However, in Bunka 11, a severe drought and poor harvest came. The magistrate Sato Gonbei Noritada inspected the harvest, and with the village headman, Hamada Izaemon, requested again for a reservoir. The Hagi domain finally approved the request in Bunka 15. It gives me a sad feeling when I think the struggles of a severe drought were required to approve the reservoir. When I think that 3550 villagers participated in the construction of the reservoir . . . well, it becomes clear how important the reservoir is for the farmers. If the Hagi domain had improved finances, perhaps the drought could be avoided.As for the monument, the center stone is the true monument. Older than the stones on the left and right, there is moss growing, but I can still see the inscription of 「Fukuju Benzaiten」 on the front. Perhaps the hope is that the water goddess Benzaiten will keep the reservoir filled. On the sides are the names of the magistrate and the headman who built the reservoir.To the left is a polished stone with the names of many people who were authorized to use the water from the embankment. It seems that all the way into Reiwa the embankment was used, so I can feel a happiness that for two hundred years the farmers benefitted from the work of their ancestors.To the right is a monument celebrating the people who restored the original stone. Even if I can be proud of restoring the monument . . . well, the size of this stone is almost as big as the original momument ! ! Is it too much? Please allow the work of Sato Gonbei Noritada to be the focus.I think the embankment can be easily recommended for agricultural engineering lovers, but is also recommended for enthusiasts of Hagi Domain economics.When I think about the drought that led to the creation of the embankment, I can feel a strong feeling of togetherness in the village. Today, the rice paddies have been replaced by parking lots and shopping centers. Maybe the economic need focuses on the individual . . . when I begin to feel sad about the changing times, I can feel calm when I think about the Kume community’s efforts to create 200 years of water for the farms. Please take it in slowly.Thank you for your consideration.