After the Meiji restoration,
high-ranking government officials began wearing Western-style clothing, and some even commuted to work by horse-drawn carriage.
Some might call this a luxury.
However, these were men who, in their determination to revise the unequal treaties with Western powers, cast aside their traditional culture in an effort to stand as equals on the world stage.
He, an official at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was one of them.
I wonder how many mountains I have crossed.
I should be able to see the town soon, but...
【Location】
Ikuta Ryokuchi Park
15-minute walk from Mukogaoka-Yuen Station (Odakyu Line)
Or, 30-minute walk from Ikuta Station (Odakyu Line)
I wonder how many mountains I have crossed.
I should be able to see the town soon, but...
【Location】
Ikuta Ryokuchi Park
15-minute walk from Mukogaoka-Yuen Station (Odakyu Line)
Or, 30-minute walk from Ikuta Station (Odakyu Line)
🐺Introduction to My Attire🧮
While my attire rarely changes regardless of where I go, I thought this would be a good opportunity to introduce the items I carry with me.
1. Soroban (Abacus)
I hang this soroban from my hakama. It is a model with five beads. I used to carry it purely as an accessory, but recently I have started attaching a compass to it as well, which comes in handy for stargazing.
2. Warajaku (Straw Ruler)
This is a ruler made by braiding straw into a three-strand plait. It is capable of measuring lengths up to one ken (approximately 1.8 meters). Since I have marked it at one-shaku intervals, I can use it in combination with my compass and abacus to perform basic surveying.
3. Waraji (Straw Sandals)
These are waraji that I hand-wove myself. In the past, we could harvest large amounts of straw during September, which we would use to weave footwear. After we stopped receiving our samurai stipend, my parents and I would quietly weave these sandals and take them to a wholesaler. It brings back memories.
4. Shoiko (Backpack Frame)
It might be a little hard to see, but what I am carrying on my back is a shoiko. Unlike a modern backpack where the pouch and the carrying frame are a single unit, this is just the frame—constructed from wood or bamboo and lashed together with straw rope or cloth. I have a kori (wicker trunk) strapped to the back of it. Those familiar with Chinese culture might recognize the kori.
Additionally, I keep a slide rule and writing implements in a small pouch, and I always carry two or three books in my breast pocket, the titles of which change daily.
I will introduce those another time.