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Hozugawa Rafting: A Strategic Lifeline in Sengoku and Edo Periods

Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s Vision: Timber and Trust

Toyotomi Hideyoshi also known as Taikō, the unifier of Japan in the late 16th century, recognized the Hozugawa River’s potential as a transportation artery. With his ambitious project of building Osaka Castle in 1583, a symbol of his power, Hideyoshi needed a steady supply of high-quality timber. The upstream Tanba region, accessible via the Hozugawa, proved to be the perfect source.

To secure this vital resource, Hideyoshi granted “exemption from all duties” to 15 skilled Hozugawa raftsmen in December 1583. These individuals became responsible for transporting timber from Tanba, ensuring a smooth flow of building materials for Osaka Castle.

Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s Seal of 1588 (Tenso 16)

Beyond Hideyoshi: A Legacy of Expertise

Hideyoshi’s decision reflected the growing demand for construction materials due to population booms in Kyoto and Osaka following the turbulent Sengoku period. The Hozugawa River, with its skilled raftsmen and Tanba’s renowned timber, offered an ideal solution. This reputation for skilled rafters and high-quality wood likely predated Hideyoshi’s era.

Further evidence of Hozugawa’s significance comes from a document issued by Akechi Mitsuhide, another prominent Sengoku figure. The document instructs a priest named Nonoguchi Saizobo to transport building materials, including “shinbashira” (central pillars) and “kasagi” (horizontal beams), for Tanba Kameyama Castle, one of Mitsuhide’s projects.

Akechi Mitsuhide: A Warlord with an Architect’s Eye

Akechi Mitsuhide’s Letter

Mitsuhide wasn’t just a military leader; he was also a renowned castle builder. Portuguese missionary Luis Frois, who witnessed Mitsuhide’s architectural prowess firsthand, praised him as “deeply versed in castle construction and possessing exceptional architectural skills.” Mitsuhide’s strategic use of waterways for castle construction – Lake Biwa for Sakamoto Castle, the Hozugawa River for Tanba Kameyama Castle, and the Yura River for Fukuchiyama Castle – highlights his understanding of logistics and resource management.

A Castle Town Embraces the River

Tanba-no-kuni Kameyama-jo Ezu(Tanba Kameyama Castle Map)

A detailed map of Tanba Kameyama Castle town reveals the extensive use of the Hozugawa River for both transportation and defense. The castle’s design clearly integrates the river as a crucial element.

Enduring Legacy: From War to Prosperity

The Hozugawa River rafting tradition continued to thrive under the Edo Shogunate, with established guilds in Hozu and Yamamoto villages. The Edo Shogunate recognized the river’s economic importance and maintained oversight while entrusting management to the local Tanba Kameyama Domain. This arrangement exemplifies the enduring importance of Hozugawa River rafting, transcending political eras.

Beyond Construction: A Priest’s Influence

Nonoguchi Saizobo, mentioned in Mitsuhide’s document, played a crucial role in transporting materials for Tanba Kameyama Castle. His presence in Mitsuhide’s correspondence and his documented involvement in building Kyoto’s Shijo Bridge suggest his influence in managing Tanba’s forests and the Hozugawa River’s transportation network.

Intrigue and Uncertainty: The Enigma of Saizobo

Adding to the mystery is Honjo Soemon, a retainer of Mitsuhide who documented the Honnoji Incident. Interestingly, Soemon served Saizobo. This connection highlights the complex web of relationships surrounding the Hozugawa during the Sengoku period.

Saizobo’s fate after Mitsuhide’s defeat remains shrouded in mystery. Though he reportedly sided with Hideyoshi and became a Tanba deputy, his later activities are unknown, despite Hideyoshi’s interest in Tanba’s resources. Saizobo’s disappearance deepens the intrigue surrounding the Hozugawa River’s history.

 

In Japanse: 

丹波に明智水軍がいた? 丹波の筏師と明智光秀との関わり

Related:

Unveiling the Enigma: Akechi Mitsuhide and the Secrets of Kameoka

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