The horse saddle cover directly from the Shogun(本田家鞍/拝領葵紋付馬具)

Originally, the Honda family served as horse trainers and veterinarians in Kawagoe during the Edo period. The second head of the family showed such exceptional dedication to the Tokugawa Shogun that he was honored with a gifted saddle cover (kura-ooi) directly from the Shogun.

Later, in 1621, the family relocated to Yaho by the Shogun’s direct order.

Where is Yaho?

Where is Yaho?

Town

Town

Culture

Culture

Nature

Nature

Yabo Tenmangu

Yabo Tenmangu

History

History

名称旧本田家住宅(※修復工事中)
所在地〒186-0011 東京都国立市谷保5122

manner(躾)

This kanji is made up of two components. The left side means “body” (originally depicting a pregnant woman), and the right side means “beautiful” (showing a person dancing with flowers and feathers). Therefore, this kanji represents “manners,” carrying the meaning of training yourself to behave beautifully and elegantly from childhood.

左側の「身(身体)」と、右側の「美(美しい)」が組み合わさった漢字(日本で作られた国字)です。幼い頃から立ち居振る舞いや身体の所作を美しく整えるように育てることを表し、「しつけ(身だしなみ・礼儀作法)」を意味します。

safe(安)

This kanji depicts a woman feeling relaxed under the roof of a house. Therefore, it carries the meaning ‘safe’ or ‘peaceful’.

家の屋根(宀)の下で、女性(女)が外の危険に怯えることなくゆったりと心安らかにくつろいでいる様子を描いた漢字です。危険がなく穏やかな状態を表す「やすい」「あんしん(安全・平安)」を意味します。

Toshizo Hijikata(土方歳三)

Toshizo Hijikata(1835-1869), who formed the Shinsengumi in 1863 to protect the Tokugawa shogunate, used to visit his relatives in Yaho to study literature and learn about world affairs.

Later in life, he came to be known as the ‘Last Samurai.’ It was during his younger days here in Yaho that his samurai spirit was truly forged.

名称土方歳三資料館
所在地〒191-0021 東京都日野市石田2丁目1−3
Homepagehttps://www.hijikata-toshizo.jp/
Where is Yaho?

Where is Yaho?

Town

Town

Culture

Culture

Nature

Nature

Yabo Tenmangu

Yabo Tenmangu

History

History


calm(凪)

This kanji is composed of the radical for ‘wind’ and the radical for ‘stop,’ which represents a human footprint. Therefore, it carries the meaning ‘calm’—the quiet moment when the wind stops as the airflow shifts direction.

「風」の枠の中に、足跡が止まる様子を表す「止」が入った漢字(日本で作られた国字)です。風の向きが変わり、ピタッと風がやんで海が穏やかに静まり返る「凪(なぎ)」を表します。

stop(止)

This kanji depicts a footprint left in the sand. Therefore, it carries the meaning ‘to stop’—staying in the same place.

砂浜や地面の上に残された、くっきりとした足跡の形を描いた漢字です。足を一歩も動かさずその場に留まっている様子から、「とまる(止まる・停止)」という意味を表します。

disaster(災)

This kanji depicts two major natural elements: river and fire. Since ancient times, both have brought disasters into human life.

大洪水を起こす「川(巛)」と、すべてを燃やし尽くす「火」の2つが合わさった漢字です。古代から人間を苦しめてきた自然の猛威を表し、「わざわい(天災・災害)」という意味になりました。

discuss(談)

This kanji is composed of two parts: ‘speech’ on the left and ‘fire’ on the right. Therefore, it carries the meaning ‘to discuss’—representing people speaking with a passionate fire in their hearts.

この漢字は、左側は言葉を交わす「言(ごんべん)」、右側は情熱や温かさを表す「炎(ほのお)」です。胸に熱い思いや情熱を抱きながら、親しくじっくりと言葉を交わすことから、「語り合う・話し合う(会談・談話)」という意味になりました。

speak(話)

This kanji is composed of two parts: ‘words’ on the left, which signifies a sacred promise to God made with a sword and a mouth, and ‘tongue’ on the right, which shows a tongue coming out of a mouth. Therefore, the combination of these elements creates the meaning ‘to speak’.

この漢字は、左側は神様への誓約の言葉を表す「言(ごんべん)」、右側は口からペロリと出ている「舌(した)」を描いています。舌を滑らかに動かして心の中の言葉を相手に伝える様子から、「はなす(話す・会話)」という意味になりました。

tongue(舌)

This kanji depicts a long tongue sticking out of a mouth. Therefore, it carries the meaning of ‘tongue’.

口の中から、細長い「舌(した)」がペロリと外へ突き出ている形をそのまま描いた漢字です。言葉を話し味を感じる器官である「した(舌)」を表します。