【新米まであとひと月 備蓄「古米」とわが家の十二穀米】

令和の「コメ騒動」、わが家は一応、蚊帳の外で過ごしてきました。わが家では知人で宮城県でコメ農家を営む方から「ひとめぼれ」を一括直接購入し続けてきていて、その「備蓄」が数ヶ月分買い置きしてあったのです。ただし、わが家ではそのお米に黒豆・小豆や十穀米をブレンドして楽しんでいまして、基本は夫婦ふたり用で、なおダイエット的食習慣なのでブレンド米としても１日２合程度の分量。
　最近は以前の会社スタッフのための「お寿司」握りもご無沙汰しているので、コメ騒動とはほぼ無縁で過ごしてきておりました。ただ、そうは言っても８月に入ってついに備蓄米は心細くなってきた。ことしの新米はもうすでに農家の方にお願いはしているので、ほんの少しの「予備」として、２枚目写真のように「古米」を購入してきました。まだ未開封で食べておりません。上写真は冷凍保存を解凍したわが家の「ごはん」。
　購入してきたカミさんによると５kgで2,000円を切って販売していたということで、どういう食味であるのか、一種楽しみにしています。どうなのかなぁ。
　わたしは大勢に順応する素直な性格（笑）なので、日本人としてお米に対しては四の五の言うのではなく、ただひたすら農家のみなさんに感謝して食べさせていただく、という心理一択。なので、値段の高低で差を付けて考えることには否定的。むしろいちばん低価格なお米にも、感謝を込めて食べさせていただきたいと思っているところ。ただそれも普段の暮らし方最優先で、いよいよ底を突いた段階でと思っております。この古米にはいまのところ、米びつのそばで備蓄としてひっそりとしてもらっている。
　やがて食べさせていただくわけですが、食感感受性を総動員して、真剣に吟味したいと考えています。
　それにしても、農家の表情がわかっていて食べさせていただくというのはありがたい。日本人は長い年月、こういう「関係性」を大切にして生きてきたのだと思います。日本人にとってはそういう規律的な「生活文化性」がはるかに意味が大きい。

●お知らせ
拙書「作家と住空間」幻冬舎から電子書籍で発刊
お求めはAmazonで。
https://amzn.asia/d/eUiv9yO


English version⬇

[One month until the new rice harvest: Storing old rice and our family's twelve-grain rice]
Rice culture and the Japanese people are the foundation of a way of life that will never end. Regardless of price, it is the spirit of gratitude that matters most. ...

During the rice shortage in the Reiwa era, my family managed to stay out of the fray. We have been purchasing Hitomebore rice directly from a friend who runs a rice farm in Miyagi Prefecture, and we had several months' worth of rice in stock. However, we enjoy blending this rice with black beans, azuki beans, and ten-grain rice. The basic amount is for two people, and since we follow a diet-conscious eating habit, the blended rice is about two cups per day.
Recently, we haven't been making sushi for former company staff, so we've been largely unaffected by the rice shortage. However, even so, by August, our stockpile of rice had started to run low. We’ve already requested this year’s new rice from the farmers, so as a small “reserve,” we purchased some “old rice” as shown in the second photo. It’s still unopened and we haven’t eaten it yet. The top photo shows our family’s “rice” after thawing it from frozen storage.
According to my wife, who purchased it, it was sold for under 2,000 yen per 5 kg, so I’m curious about the taste and looking forward to trying it. I wonder how it will be.
　I have a straightforward personality that adapts to the crowd (laughs), so as a Japanese person, I don't nitpick about rice. I simply feel grateful to the farmers and eat it with a single-minded mindset. Therefore, I am opposed to distinguishing between rice based on price. Instead, I want to eat even the cheapest rice with gratitude. However, this is also a priority in my daily life, and I plan to do so only when we've run out of options. For now, I'm keeping this old rice quietly stored next to my rice bin.
Eventually, I'll eat it, but I want to seriously evaluate it by mobilizing all my sensory perceptions.
Still, it's wonderful to be able to eat rice while understanding the farmers' expressions. I think Japanese people have lived for a long time valuing such “relationships.” For Japanese people, such disciplined “lifestyle culture” is far more meaningful.

●Announcement
My book “Writers and Living Spaces” has been published as an e-book by Gentosha.
Available for purchase on Amazon.

【母性からのやさしい直球命令（笑）】

　わたしはカミさんといっしょに近所のスーパーで買い物するのが大好きです。自分でも料理するのがいちばんの「ストレス発散」なのでその食材をあれこれ眺めている時間が楽しい。
　最近、というかことしの早春から「ニシン」が北海道では豊漁続きのようでこの８月に至っても大ぶりなニシンが３尾399円という手頃な値段で販売されている。すっかり今年はその「捌き」にハマっていますが、またまた購入して焼き魚で楽しんでおります。やはり北海道での暮らしでいちばん楽しいのは、回りの海からの新鮮な魚介類が非常に安価に、季節感豊かに店頭を賑わしてくれること。
　最近のスーパーでは鮮魚コーナーでも包装された魚貝が中心でちょっとさみしいのですが、その点、お馴染みの店では鮮魚コーナーに元気の良い魚たちが踊ってくれている。
　というような買い物を楽しんでいたら、写真のような商品に出会ってしまった（笑）。
　人間、高齢になればなるほど童心に戻ってくる部分があって、母性への服従に従順になる。生物種としての人類はみな等しく母親にその生命を育まれてこの世に生まれ出る。男子として生きてきて、ようやくにしてこの厳粛な事実に深く帰依させられています。
　その「母性」からの直球命令。この煮干し魚類は絶対にカラダにいいんんだから、というメッセージをそのまま商品名に仕立てているのに完全に「やられた」感。
　「毎日たべなさい！」と命令しといて、しかし最後には「そのまま食べてね」とやさしく諭してくれている。瀬戸内かあちゃんと地名が表示されているけれど、まことに海のごとき慈愛が伝わってきた。
　母という字は「海」という字にそのコアとして表記されている。

●お知らせ
拙書「作家と住空間」幻冬舎から電子書籍で発刊
お求めはAmazonで。
https://amzn.asia/d/eUiv9yO


English version⬇
　
[A gentle command from motherhood (lol)]
At a supermarket with an abundance of seafood, next to the fresh fish, I heard a “scolding voice” from motherhood (lol). It was a roar of love that resonated with my heart, which was gradually returning to that of a child. ...

　I love going grocery shopping with my wife at the local supermarket. Cooking is my favorite way to relieve stress, so I enjoy browsing through the ingredients.
Recently, or rather since early spring this year, there has been a bumper catch of herring in Hokkaido, and even in August, large herring are being sold at a reasonable price of 399 yen for three fish. I’ve become completely hooked on preparing them this year, and I’ve been buying them again and enjoying them as grilled fish. The best part of living in Hokkaido is that fresh seafood from the surrounding seas is available at very affordable prices, adding a seasonal touch to the store shelves.
At recent supermarkets, the fresh fish section mainly features packaged fish and shellfish, which is a bit disappointing, but at the familiar store, the fresh fish section is lively with vibrant fish swimming around.
　While enjoying such shopping, I came across a product like the one in the photo (laughs).
As humans age, there's a part of us that returns to childhood, and we become obedient to maternal instincts. As a species, all humans are nurtured by their mothers and born into this world. As a man, I've finally come to deeply embrace this solemn truth.
　This direct command from “motherhood.” The message that these dried fish are absolutely good for your body is directly incorporated into the product name, leaving me completely “hooked.”
It commands, “Eat them every day!” but then gently advises, “Just eat them as they are.” The name “Seto Inland Sea Mother” is displayed, but the compassion of the sea truly comes through.
　The character for “mother” is written with the character for “sea” at its core.

●Notice
My book “Writers and Living Spaces” has been published as an e-book by Gentosha.
Available on Amazon.

【活力ある「少子高齢」国家社会の経済創造とは？】

　写真は東京・中川の河辺で「鵜」（違うかなぁ？）と思えた鳥さん個体と庭の花。
　いま欧州と日本が直面している社会危機は、資本主義の経済で人口膨張がクールダウンしていく「民族」国家社会の現実に対しそれをどう乗り越えていくのか、というテーマに対しての葛藤。アメリカは伝統的な移民国家であり、内部に複雑化する諸問題はかかえながら欧日とはテーマ領域に違いがある。
　資本主義発展の基礎はやはり市場・購買力パワーと同時に、労働力としての人口の確保ということが死活的な大問題。市場については世界にその需要を拡大探究していくことで、一定の可能性は確保できるけれど一方の労働力確保についてが、直面する巨大テーマ領域。
　欧州社会はアメリカ同様に「移民受け入れ」という方向に舵を切ってきたが、その問題点が露呈してきている。フランスの治安状況やドイツの政権危機などに顕著に表れている。
　一方日本では表向きは移民政策は取らず、しかし内実は労働力確保としてさまざまな「現実策」で対応してきている。けれど先の参院選での参政党の「日本人ファースト」スローガンは、端的にいまの日本人社会の広範な潜在的思いを汲み取っていたと思える。アメリカ・ファーストやMAGAというスローガンがアメリカ社会に広範に広がっていることと近似的だと思えた。
　労働力として移民を受け入れることは同時に、その国の伝統的社会価値観と抵触する部分がある。政治はそうしたテーマについて論議を避けることはできない。移民を無制限に受け入れたい勢力には、それによる国家社会規範の破壊危機にどう対応するのかというテーマが突き付けられる。一方伝統を重視したい勢力には、なによりも「ではどうやって経済を運営するのか？」というテーマが突き付けられるだろう。
　参院選である「民意」は突き付けられた。それは伝統重視が大きな民意であるということ。しかし、ではどうやって国家社会を運営していくのか、経済政策の未曾有の再創造が求められる。「消費税を守る」と言ってのけた財務省主導の増税一択政策などは、見向きもされないだろう。
　否応なく自分のあとの世について思索を巡らせなければならない年代になって来て、その孫子の世代がシアワセに過ごせるにはどうしたら良いのかと思い惑う。あまりに大きなテーマに思考停止し、高校時代には新左翼学生運動にムード的に流れていった自分自身から立ち直って、経済という基盤構造に立ち向かってきて、いま高齢期の自分はあると思う。
　どうも最後のテーマ領域と見定めさせられつつある。

●お知らせ
拙書「作家と住空間」幻冬舎から電子書籍で発刊
お求めはAmazonで。
https://amzn.asia/d/eUiv9yO


English version⬇

What is economic creation in a vibrant “aging and declining birthrate” society?
Moving away from knee-jerk reactions of opposition and focusing on the economy in old age. How can the vitality of the Japanese economy be guaranteed in the era of our grandchildren?

　The photo shows a bird that I thought might be a cormorant (or maybe not?) on the banks of the Nakagawa River in Tokyo, along with flowers in the garden.
　The social crisis currently facing Europe and Japan revolves around the theme of how to overcome the reality of “ethnic” nation-states where population growth is cooling down in a capitalist economy. The United States, as a traditional immigrant nation, faces complex internal issues but differs from Europe and Japan in terms of the thematic scope.
The foundation of capitalist development lies not only in market and purchasing power but also in the critical issue of securing a labor force through population growth. While expanding and exploring global demand for markets can ensure a certain level of potential, the issue of securing labor remains a massive challenge.
European societies, like the United States, have shifted toward “immigration acceptance,” but the problems with this approach are becoming evident. This is particularly evident in France's security situation and Germany's political crisis.
　In Japan, while the government has not officially adopted an immigration policy, it has been addressing the issue of securing a labor force through various “practical measures.” However, the “Japanese First” slogan of the opposition party in the recent Upper House election seemed to reflect the widespread latent sentiments of Japanese society. This is similar to how the “America First” and “MAGA” slogans have spread widely in American society.
　Accepting immigrants as laborers inevitably conflicts with a country's traditional social values. Politics cannot avoid discussing such issues. Those who advocate unrestricted immigration must address the threat of societal norms being undermined. On the other hand, those who prioritize tradition must confront the question of how to sustain the economy.
　The “public opinion” in the Upper House election has been made clear. It is that traditional values are a major public opinion. However, the question of how to run the national society and the unprecedented re-creation of economic policies are now required. Policies such as the Ministry of Finance's tax increase policy, which claims to “protect the consumption tax,” will likely be ignored.
　As I have reached an age where I cannot help but reflect on the world after my time, I find myself puzzled about how to ensure that my grandchildren's generation can live happily. Overwhelmed by such a vast theme, I have come to terms with my past self, who was swept up in the mood of the new leftist student movement during high school, and have confronted the foundational structure of the economy. Now, in my elderly years, I believe I have reached this point.
It seems I am being led to this final theme.

●Notice
My book “Writers and Living Spaces” has been published as an e-book by Gentosha.
Available for purchase on Amazon.

【日本列島が「熱帯に突入」気候の2025盛夏】

　さて本日からは世間全般はちょっと長めの「お盆休暇」突入のようです。同居している会社も本日から来週いっぱいまでの休暇。直接仕事などにタッチはしないけれど、やはり同じ建物を共有していると「雰囲気」は感じられる。ということで9日間ほど、夫婦でのゆったりとしたお盆の日常。
　写真はなかなかに「真夏感」をただよわせてくれていた札幌周辺の石狩湾の夏雲と、先週末からの旅程最後、8/4東京からの帰還のフライトで見た富士山の夕陽背景写真。先日も富士山ぐるっと回る行程を行脚しましたが、やはり神々しいお姿にうっとりさせられる。
　今回の旅程では盛夏の東日本の各所の住宅群を撮影してきたのですが、レンタカーでの移動なので車中ではエアコンで快適室内気候とはいえ、一歩外の酷暑の世界ではほぼボーッとした感覚の世界で夢遊して彷徨っておりました。
　一方札幌も体験したことのない超酷暑でご近所の金融機関の看板下の「気温計」ではなんと40度という表示も見たりしていた。体感的にはやはり湿度が本州地域とは違うので、暑さの重量感はそれほどでもない。なんですが、北海道に生きてきてたしかに未体験ゾーンの温度帯での暮らしでした。それでも家の中ではクーラーの働きで、夜間寝苦しいというのはなかった。「蓄冷」効果なのでしょう。
　・・・と、書いてきたのですがおかげさまで、ここ数日札幌地方ではようやく記録的酷暑からややトーンダウンして、ふつうの北海道の夏になってきております。酷暑が去ってくれて、天国です。
　ことしの酷暑、本州地域では九州や沖縄では酷暑日の観測報告がないそうで、本州島の内陸部でのフェーン型の気温上昇が特徴的という。気候変動はたぶん未体験ゾーンに突入してきている。気候データが記録されてきた年代では人類も初めて体験するような領域なのではないかと思いますね。
　しかしまぁ、直接的にすぐにダウンさせられるほどではなく、エアコンや蓄冷建築などの人知の暑さ回避策で対応して行くことは可能なように思えます。ただこれからは「夏の気候への断熱作戦」の必要性が高まるでしょう。

●お知らせ
拙書「作家と住空間」幻冬舎から電子書籍で発刊
お求めはAmazonで。
https://amzn.asia/d/eUiv9yO


English version⬇

[The Japanese archipelago enters a tropical summer in 2025]
The long Obon holiday has begun. Sapporo is cooling down, but for those in areas where the intense heat continues, please take care of your health. ...

　Well, it seems that from today, most people will be enjoying a slightly longer “Obon holiday.” The company I work for is also closed from today until the end of next week. Although I am not directly involved in work, I can still feel the “atmosphere” of the office since we share the same building. So, for about nine days, my wife and I will be enjoying a relaxed Obon holiday.
　The photos capture the “midsummer feel” of the summer clouds over Ishikari Bay near Sapporo, and the sunset backdrop of Mount Fuji seen from the flight returning to Tokyo on August 4, the final leg of the journey that began last weekend. I recently took a trip around Mount Fuji, but its majestic presence still leaves me spellbound.
　During this trip, I photographed residential areas across eastern Japan in the midst of summer. While the car was comfortable with air conditioning, stepping outside into the intense heat felt like wandering in a daze.
Meanwhile, Sapporo also experienced an unprecedented heatwave, with the thermometer under the sign of a nearby financial institution showing a staggering 40 degrees Celsius. In terms of how it feels, the humidity is different from the main island regions, so the heaviness of the heat isn't as intense. Still, living in Hokkaido, it was definitely a temperature range I'd never experienced before. However, thanks to the air conditioner, I didn't have any trouble sleeping at night. It must be the “cooling storage” effect.
...And as I was writing this, thankfully, over the past few days, the record-breaking heatwave in the Sapporo area has finally eased up a bit, and it's starting to feel like a typical Hokkaido summer again. With the extreme heat gone, it's like heaven.
This year's extreme heat saw no reports of extreme heat days in Kyushu or Okinawa in the Honshu region, with the characteristic feature being a foehn-type temperature rise in the inland areas of Honshu Island. Climate change is probably entering an uncharted territory. I think this is an area that humanity has never experienced before in the recorded history of climate data.
　However, it does not seem to be severe enough to immediately bring everything to a halt, and it appears possible to cope with the heat using human-made measures such as air conditioning and thermal insulation buildings. Nevertheless, the need for “heat insulation strategies for summer weather” will likely increase from now on.

●Announcement
My book “Writers and Living Spaces” has been published as an e-book by Gentosha.
Available for purchase on Amazon.

【未知の世界を伝えるビジュアル表現者／松浦武四郎-11】

　松浦武四郎は叔父で画家であった松浦青田（せいでん）から画業を学んだという。この人物についての記録はなかなか探せないけれど、たぶん父親の弟にして名家の出身者らしく自由を謳歌して生きた人物と想像される。武四郎の出版活動ではその伝達力を高めた属性として、ビジュアルコミュニケーションの力量を感じさせられるが、一族の血脈にそうしたDNAが宿っている証拠なのかもしれない。
　ある作品では武四郎は人物の表情だけ描いて、背景の描写は叔父さんが描いたとされている。
　武四郎は生涯で350点以上の著作があり100点近くを出版している。蝦夷地関係にとどまらず四国、九州、青森、秋田、佐渡の旅行記や晩年の各地の旅の記録など多岐にわたる。出版物は当時の江戸や上方で「多気志楼物（たけしろうもの）」と呼ばれるほど人気だったと言われる。ことしはNHK大河ドラマで江戸期の出版世界が紹介されているけれど、世界有数の「識字率」社会で「売れる」作家として人気を博していた様子がわかる。その社会的な影響力の大きさは現代の「作家」たちのレベルをはるかに超えた社会的なインパクトを持っていたことがわかる。想像力を飛躍させて今日社会であえて比喩するとすれば放送局としてのNHK総体程度の「存在感」だったのではないだろうか。
　はるかな後世、住宅写真ビジュアルで「伝える」仕事をしてきた人間として、衝撃的に見させていただいている。北方の蝦夷の世界への人びとの興味を激しく刺激してくれたことで、いまに続く日本社会での「北海道」への愛の籠もった視線が醸成されていったと考えられる。感慨はより大きい。
　また、武四郎は北海道ものだけではなく、国内旅行の探訪ものも多く出版している。「道中記」とビジュアルがワンパッケージされて双六のような親しみやすい構成ものもみられる。出版元と作家の企画についてのやり取りもほのぼのと伝わってきて興味深い。
　
●お知らせ
拙書「作家と住空間」幻冬舎から電子書籍で発刊
お求めはAmazonで。
https://amzn.asia/d/eUiv9yO


English version⬇

[Visual artist who conveys the unknown world / Takeshi Matsuura-11]
A new media artist who conveys extremely interesting themes to many people with extraordinary clarity. His social presence is remarkable. ...

　Matsuura Takeshiro learned painting from his uncle, Matsuura Seiden, who was also a painter. Records about this person are hard to find, but he was probably his father's younger brother and came from a prominent family, so he probably lived a life of freedom. In Takeshiro's publishing activities, his ability to communicate visually stands out as a trait that enhanced his ability to convey information, but this may be evidence that such DNA runs in the family.
　In one work, Takashiro is said to have drawn only the expressions of the characters, while his uncle drew the background.
Takashiro produced more than 350 works in his lifetime and published nearly 100 of them. His works cover a wide range of topics, including travelogues of Shikoku, Kyushu, Aomori, Akita, and Sado, as well as records of his travels in various places in his later years, not limited to Ezo. His publications were so popular that they were referred to as “Takashiro-mono” in Edo and Kyoto at the time. This year, the Edo-period publishing world is being featured in an NHK historical drama, but it is clear that he was a popular writer who sold well in a society with one of the world's highest literacy rates. The magnitude of his social influence far exceeded that of modern-day writers, demonstrating a level of social impact that was truly remarkable. If we were to use a metaphor from today's society, his presence was perhaps comparable to that of NHK as a broadcasting station.
As someone who has worked in the field of residential photography and visual communication, I am deeply moved by this. His work sparked intense interest in the world of the Ainu people in the north, which likely contributed to the development of the affectionate gaze toward Hokkaido that continues in Japanese society today. The sense of awe is even greater.
　Additionally, Takashi published not only works about Hokkaido but also many about domestic travel. Some of these works combine travelogues with visuals in a user-friendly, board-game-like format. The interactions between the publisher and the author regarding the project are also charmingly conveyed, making it an intriguing read.

●Announcement
My book “Writers and Living Spaces” has been published as an e-book by Gentosha.
Available for purchase on Amazon.

【終の空間＝立って半畳、寝て「一畳敷」／松浦武四郎-10】

　70歳の古希を前に足腰の衰えから旅を続けることが難しいと感じた松浦武四郎は、畳１枚と多少の付属空間による書斎「一畳敷」を東京神田五軒町の自宅に建てた。
　写真は松浦武四郎記念館（松阪市）のエントランス正面に展示されている原寸模型。
　生涯を旅とともに過ごしてきた先人として、その最期に当たって住宅建築にその「思い」を仮託したのだと直感できて、参観させていただいた。上は「外観」で下は「内観」。あまり詳細な解説ではなかったので、推測になるけれど、奥の引き建具から本屋への出入り口になっていると思われた。また、１畳のタタミ空間の他に向かって手前側左手に「床の間」があり小スペースながら「縁」空間もあるので正しくは１坪程度の面積ではないか。たった一枚の畳に板縁を廻らせ、床の間と神棚、書棚をしつらえた空間。
　建築の実物は、東京都三鷹市大沢の国際基督教大学キャンパスに移築保存されている。＜下に写真＞

　旅を重ねてきた人生をふりかえって、結局は「立って半畳、寝て一畳」という実感に至った、かれ松浦武四郎の「肉声」が伝わってくるように思えた。言うまでもないだろうが、このことわざは「人間が生活する上で必要なスペースは、立っている状態では畳半畳、寝ている状態では畳一畳あれば十分であるという意味」とされている。
　ただし、松浦武四郎はこの空間を装丁建築するにあたって全国の友人知己に手紙を書いて、数年かけて各地の霊社名刹などの建造物の「古材」を集め、1886年自邸に一畳敷を増築した。90もの歴史ある木片で組み上げられており、その空間構成の来歴は古くは白鳳時代から江戸時代にまで遡ることになる。神社建築の世界では伊勢神宮の外宮の殿舎建築は「式年遷宮」で20年ごとに建て替えられ、その構成部材は全国の有力な神社建築に分け与えられる。わたしの地元の北海道神宮も明治以降のその分与された古材が社殿のどこかで使われている。その「伝統」に即したいとかれは思ったのだろう。
　松浦さんの「内意」としてはどうも、空間は人生で思う存分に「巡り」回ったけれど、最期は「時間」も縦横に１畳敷のなかでその「旅」を味わい尽くしたいと願ったのではないかと妄想させられた。なんとも「数寄」の極致なのではないだろうか。
　そしてかれのその希望は実際に叶えられたということにまた、目を瞠らされる。すごい。ひとり外宮か。

●お知らせ
拙書「作家と住空間」幻冬舎から電子書籍で発刊
お求めはAmazonで。
https://amzn.asia/d/eUiv9yO


English version⬇

[Final space = half a tatami mat standing, one tatami mat lying down / Takashiro Matsuura-10]
Composed of old materials from famous temples that have been visited, just as old materials from the Ise Grand Shrine's periodic relocation ceremony are distributed to shrines throughout the country. It's like traveling through time from the Asuka period to the Edo period. ...

　As he approached his 70th birthday, Matsura Takashiro felt that his declining physical strength made it difficult to continue traveling. He therefore built a study called “Ichijōshiki” in his home in Kanda Gokenchō, Tokyo, consisting of a single tatami mat and a small adjoining space.
　The photo shows a full-scale model displayed at the entrance of the Matsura Takashiro Memorial Museum (Matsusaka City).
As a pioneer who spent his entire life traveling, I sensed that he had entrusted his “vision” for residential architecture to this space as he neared the end of his life, and I had the opportunity to visit it. The top image shows the “exterior,” and the bottom shows the “interior.” Since there wasn't much detailed explanation, this is just speculation, but I think the sliding doors at the back lead to the entrance of the bookstore. Additionally, besides the one-tatami-mat space, there is a “tokonoma” (alcove) on the left side of the front area. Despite the small space, there is also an “engawa” (veranda), so the actual area is likely around one tatami mat. The space features a single tatami mat with wooden borders, a tokonoma, a shrine shelf, and a bookshelf.
The actual building has been relocated and preserved at the International Christian University campus in Ozawa, Mitaka City, Tokyo. [Photo below]

Reflecting on a life spent traveling, I came to realize that, in the end, “half a tatami mat when standing, one tatami mat when lying down” is all that is needed. It seemed as if the ‘voice’ of Matsura Takashiro was being conveyed to me. Needless to say, this proverb means that “the space necessary for human life is half a tatami mat when standing and one tatami mat when lying down.”
　However, Matsura Takashiro, when designing this space, wrote letters to friends and acquaintances across the country, spending several years collecting “reclaimed wood” from historic shrines and temples, and in 1886, he added a one-tatami-mat extension to his residence. The space is constructed using 90 pieces of historically significant wood, with its origins tracing back as far as the Asuka period and the Edo period. In the world of shrine architecture, the outer shrine buildings of Ise Grand Shrine are rebuilt every 20 years as part of the “Shikinen Sengu” ritual, and the structural components are distributed to other prominent shrines across the country. My local Hokkaido Shrine also uses some of these reclaimed materials in its shrine buildings. I suppose he wanted to adhere to that “tradition.”
　As for Matsura's “inner intention,” it seems that he had fully experienced the “cycle” of life through space, but in the end, he desired to savor the ‘journey’ within the confines of a single tatami mat, both vertically and horizontally. It is truly the pinnacle of “suki” (a Japanese aesthetic sensibility).
And the fact that his wish was actually fulfilled is truly astonishing. Amazing. A solitary outer shrine.

【北海道・樺太の探検地図とその出版／松浦武四郎-9】

　江戸末期以降の近代国家形成過程で北海道は、日本人と日本国家にとってその存亡が掛かった地域だった。はるかな後世の第２次大戦後の社会環境で生きてきたわたしのような人間にとっては、父祖の代の人びとの意識はただ推量するに過ぎないけれど、いわば「波動」的として深く感じることがら。そこに巨大な民族の思いが込められていることに気づき、遠雷のようにその肉声を受け取っているのだと思う。
　その後の社会進展の中でも常に北海道はある特別な地域としてあり続け、日本社会から愛惜され続けてきた。北海道人としてそのことには尽きせぬ父母的な愛を感じさせられる。この地に移住してきた父祖たちは血統としてこの地で骨を埋め民族のそうした思いに応えようとしてきているのだと思う。
　写真は、松浦武四郎の北海道・樺太探検地図の一部とその出版本類。いちばん上の図は「三航蝦夷全図」（1854年）の自筆によるタテ340cm×ヨコ250cmにもなる大型地図。そのうちの「道央部分」拡大図。現地測量しながら丹念に山川を明示し続けている。近代国家経営の基礎としてその全体像を明瞭に把握できたことで、政治経済軍事のすべてにおいて情報基盤が提供されたことになる。どの地域が開発に適しているか、どのように殖産移民させることで領土地域としての繁栄を獲得できるのか。
　もしこの北海道がロシアの手に落ちていたら、この地の発展は想像も出来なかったに違いない。狩猟型領土侵略獲得が基本の国家と、あくまでも地道な農業食糧生産開発主体の国家では、地域発展に大きな格差が発生してしまったことだろう。その礎を提供してくれた松浦武四郎の仕事に、深く打たれている。
　先般は稚内を探訪して南樺太の日本国領土として40年ほどの「歴史」を知る機縁を得たけれど、つくづくと「国体の違い」を認識せざるを得なかった。やはり北海道は日本の領土となってすばらしい輝きを持てたのだと思う。日本国家にとってもっとも歴史は浅いけれど深い民族的「愛情」を感じさせてくれる。
　一方で出版・作家としての松浦武四郎にも深く敬愛の念をいだく。現代社会では情報のカタチはこれから大きく変貌していく可能性が高いけれど、その中身についてはやはり作家としてこの情報領域に掛けた松浦武四郎の肉声が伝わってくる。偉大な民族の資産だと思う。
　
●お知らせ
拙書「作家と住空間」幻冬舎から電子書籍で発刊
お求めはAmazonで。
https://amzn.asia/d/eUiv9yO


English version⬇

[Exploration Map of Hokkaido and Karafuto and Its Publication / Takashiro Matsuura-9]
The history of Hokkaido and Japan since the end of the Edo period is deeply intertwined with a poignant affection. It is truly a bloodline. We continue to focus on the work that laid the foundation for this. ...

In the process of forming a modern nation after the end of the Edo period, Hokkaido was a region whose survival was crucial to the Japanese people and the Japanese state. For someone like me, who has lived in the social environment of the post-World War II era, the consciousness of my ancestors can only be speculated upon, but it is something I deeply feel as a kind of “wave.” I realize that the thoughts of a great nation are contained there, and I feel as if I am receiving their voices like distant thunder.
　Even as society has progressed, Hokkaido has always remained a special region, cherished by Japanese society. As a Hokkaido native, I feel an endless parental love for this fact. I believe that my ancestors who settled in this land did so to fulfill the aspirations of their ethnic group, to be buried here as part of their lineage.
The photo shows a portion of Matsura Takashiro's Hokkaido and Sakhalin Exploration Map and related publications. The top map is a large-scale map measuring 340 cm in height and 250 cm in width, hand-drawn by Matsuura Takashiro in 1854. This is an enlarged view of the “Central Hokkaido” section. It meticulously depicts mountains and rivers based on on-site surveys. By clearly grasping the overall landscape as the foundation for modern state governance, it provided the informational infrastructure necessary for politics, economics, and military affairs. Which regions are suitable for development? How can territorial prosperity be achieved through industrialization and immigration?
If Hokkaido had fallen into Russian hands, its development would have been unimaginable. Between a nation whose basic strategy is hunting-based territorial conquest and a nation focused on steady agricultural food production and development, a significant gap in regional development would have emerged. I am deeply moved by the work of Matsura Takashiro, who laid the foundation for this.
Recently, I visited Wakkanai and had the opportunity to learn about the 40-year “history” of Southern Sakhalin as Japanese territory, but I couldn't help but recognize the “differences in national identity.” I believe that Hokkaido has truly shone brightly as part of Japanese territory. Although it is the youngest in terms of history, it evokes a deep sense of ethnic “affection” for the Japanese nation.
　On the other hand, I also deeply admire Matsura Takashiro as a publisher and writer. In modern society, the form of information is likely to undergo significant changes in the future, but the essence of it still conveys Matsura Takashiro's voice as a writer in this field of information. I consider it a great asset of the nation.

●Notice
My book “Writers and Living Spaces” has been published as an e-book by Gentosha.
Available for purchase on Amazon.

【揮毫の文化・日本人の書の世界／松浦武四郎-8】

　さて昨日夕方に札幌帰還。常時34-5度で多湿な気候の中、体力消耗。都内以外ではレンタカー移動でエアコンに守られるけれど外気に触れ続ける都内はなかなか。
　そんななか松浦武四郎シリーズの連載。たまたま金田一京介先生の松浦武四郎の生家訪問の記録写真に誘われ、その「揮毫」の写真記録。昨日は貴人接遇の建築空間文化・床の間について考察しましたが、本日は関連して「日本人の書の文化」。
　現代社会ではパソコンがほぼレギュラーの位置になって、人間性表現の「揮毫」文化はまったく廃れている。ちょうど住宅から床の間が消滅してきているのと同時進行的。現代人としてこのことにそろそろ明確な意識を持って対応していく必要性はあると思わせられる。
　写真は金田一先生の揮毫と参会者一同が固唾を飲んで集中して参観している様子。たぶん日本社会での「貴人」対面の定番としてこの行為と場面が文化成立していた。
　こういう文化がすっかり消え入りつつある。

　そんな思いを持っていたら好きな上野の森美術館で、奇遇にも書道の展覧会が開催されていた。不思議な「ご縁」と感じて吸い寄せられてしまった。写真は東京の平山寛川氏の展示作「日本童謡四曲」から「春がきた」。会の名前は「雪心会選書作展」＜撮影自由＞。こういう書の文化にはずっと無縁に生きてきた人間だったので、これも松浦武四郎の「お導き」かとも思えた（笑）。
　入口ではなんと名前を筆で書けというスフィンクスの問いかけ（笑）。う〜む、小学校以来の筆を持って白紙に向かわせられる体験。しかも会場運営の書の愛好家のみなさんの厳しい視線を感じながら（冷汗）。こころを決めて誠心誠意、署名。なにやら金田一先生の心境のほんの一端にも触れる思い。そしてその短時間ですが、みなさんの視線がわたしに集中し、その筆先に注目されるのがわかる。ありがたくも、なんとも恥ずかしい・・・しかし逃げることなく無教養・無作法はゴメンと書いてみた。

　書き上げるとみなさんのあたたかい視線を感じさせられる。きっとわたしの内心を「見ている」のだろうと気付かせられた。オモシロい。
　そこからみなさんの素晴らしい作品を鑑賞して忘我の心理に至っていました。「数寄」の拡張がこれ以上になると困惑するけれど、楽しさがジワジワわき上がっていた。帰り際、運営の方と親しく会話させていただき「中国では日本のひらかな・カタカナの美感はわかるのですか？」などと心底にあり続けていた疑問を投げかけたりしておりました。奥行きが深すぎる世界の予感。
　
●お知らせ
拙書「作家と住空間」幻冬舎から電子書籍で発刊
お求めはAmazonで。
https://amzn.asia/d/eUiv9yO


English version⬇

[The Culture of Calligraphy: The World of Japanese Calligraphy / Takashiro Matsuura-8]
Guided by the pioneers of documentary photography, I became fascinated by the world of calligraphy in Ueno. At the end of my life, I encountered a new “suki” (a Japanese aesthetic sensibility). ...

　Yesterday evening, I returned to Sapporo. The constant humidity and temperatures of 34-35 degrees Celsius took a toll on my physical strength. Outside of Tokyo, I was protected by the air conditioning in my rental car, but in Tokyo, where I was constantly exposed to the outside air, it was quite difficult.
Amidst all this, I continued my series on Takashiro Matsuura. I happened to come across a photograph of Kyosuke Kindaichi visiting Takashiro Matsuura's birthplace, which led me to a photograph of his calligraphy. Yesterday, I reflected on the architectural space culture of receiving distinguished guests and the tokonoma, and today I will discuss the related topic of “Japanese calligraphy culture.”
In modern society, computers have become almost ubiquitous, and the culture of “calligraphy” as an expression of humanity has completely faded away. This is happening simultaneously with the disappearance of the tokonoma from residential homes. As modern people, I feel it is necessary to develop a clear awareness of this issue and respond appropriately.
　The photo shows Professor Kaneda's calligraphy and the participants intently observing it. This act and scene likely established as a cultural norm for “guest of honor” encounters in Japanese society.
Such culture is now fading away.

　With that in mind, I happened to find a calligraphy exhibition being held at my favorite Ueno Royal Museum. I felt a strange sense of “fate” and was drawn to it. The photo is from Hiroshi Hirayama's exhibition piece, “Four Japanese Children's Songs,” titled “Spring Has Come.” The name of the event was “Yukishin-kai Selected Works Exhibition” (photography permitted). Having lived my entire life completely disconnected from the culture of calligraphy, I couldn't help but think this might be Matsura Takashiro's “guidance” (laughs).

　At the entrance, there was a sphinx-like question asking us to write our names with a brush (lol). Hmm, it was my first time holding a brush since elementary school and facing a blank sheet of paper. Plus, I could feel the strict gaze of the calligraphy enthusiasts running the venue (cold sweat). I made up my mind and signed my name with all my heart. It felt like I was touching on a small part of Mr. Kindaichi's mindset. And in that short time, I could feel everyone's gaze focused on me and their attention on the tip of my brush. It was both humbling and embarrassing... but I refused to back down and wrote it anyway, despite my lack of education and manners.
After finishing, I felt the warm gaze of everyone around me. I realized they must have been “seeing” into my inner thoughts. Interesting.
From there, I immersed myself in admiring everyone's wonderful works. While the expansion of “suki” (aesthetic sensibility) left me a bit overwhelmed, the joy slowly began to well up within me. On my way out, I had a friendly conversation with the staff and asked questions like, “Do people in China understand the aesthetic appeal of Japanese hiragana and katakana?” It felt like a world with too much depth.

●Announcement
My book “Writers and Living Spaces” has been published as an e-book by Gentosha.
Available on Amazon.

【貴人接遇の床の間文化と現代住宅／松浦武四郎-7】

　わたしは北海道の「高断熱高気密の性能革命」の進行に随伴するように、その動向のリアルタイムを住宅雑誌出版というカタチでユーザーと情報共有してきた。企業経営面からは退いて、いまは「見守り隊」のような立ち位置ですが、一方でその延長・継続認識から離陸して、より「人間」に寄った住宅のテーマを深掘りしたいと全国各地の「古住宅」を訪ね歩くことをライフワークと考えています。情報事業としては「性能とデザイン」という領域から、そこで人間が「どう暮らしてきたか」に移ってきていると自己認識。
　そういう意味では「寒冷地の現代住宅」という基本取材対象から、むしろ「温暖地域の過去住宅と人間生活の相互関係」という領域に転進してきている。
　ちょうどいまは、三重県松阪市に残る北海道の名付け親・松浦武四郎の生家を訪ねるシリーズですが、その「離れ」には床の間和室という伝統的文化価値感にもとづく空間が残されている。北海道の現代住宅では、まったく皆無とは言わないけれど、こうした「貴人接遇」が主目的の住空間の必須必要性は、現代住宅からは大きく喪失してきてほぼ見かけない。
　生活文化・民俗としての貴人のための「仮の宿」機能は、全国の都市文化発展の大きな要素として旅館・ホテル建築が盛況をきわめて発展し、さらに「移動交通」手段も飛躍的に高度化したことで、一般の住宅文化からはほぼその必要性が失われてしまっている。40-50年前頃にわたしの叔父がそれまで函館から来ると札幌のわが家に宿泊していたものが「最近は、ホテルいっぱいあるから」とわが家で接遇を受けたあと、タクシーで駅前のホテルに移動して宿泊したことをなぜか鮮明に記憶している。そういう「接遇文化の基盤変容」が、わたしの生きてきた時代の日本に起こったということでしょう。
　わたしの高断熱高気密住宅ウォッチを大きなテーマとした住宅情報事業の過程では、取材していた住宅事例からこうした住の機能空間はほぼ「絶滅」してきていた。
　で、今回松浦武四郎の生家取材で記録写真の中に武四郎没後、この家を1960年に取材探訪された金田一京介教授（言語学者、民族学者。日本のアイヌ語研究の本格的創始者として知られる）が撮影されていて、それが「床の間」に床柱を背にして多くのひとと歓談している様子。まさに「貴人接遇」そのもの。

　そして日本の当時の「最高学識」を迎えた記念に「植樹」まで松岡家から所望されて、庭にサクラを植えられたとのこと。日本民俗の「応接文化」の実像・象徴を見させられる思いがしていました。
　松浦武四郎の取材テーマとも離れて、このような「日本住宅の機能性変容」の証拠写真のようにも思われた次第。松浦さん、金田一先生に感謝であります。

●お知らせ
拙書「作家と住空間」幻冬舎から電子書籍で発刊
お求めはAmazonで。
https://amzn.asia/d/eUiv9yO


English version⬇

[The Culture of Reception Rooms for Distinguished Guests and Modern Housing / Takeshiro Matsuura-7]
A culture of hospitality in which guests are seated with their backs to the bed pillar to show respect. Japanese folk culture, in which the spatiality of the room also expresses the status of the house. Experiencing the real-time disappearance of that culture...

　I have been sharing real-time information on the progress of the “high insulation and airtightness performance revolution” in Hokkaido with users through the publication of housing magazines. While I have stepped back from corporate management, I now take on a ‘watchdog’ role. However, I also aim to delve deeper into housing themes that are more “human-centric,” visiting old houses across the country as a lifelong pursuit. In terms of information business, I recognize that the focus has shifted from the realm of “performance and design” to how humans have lived in such environments.
In that sense, I have transitioned from the basic subject of “modern housing in cold regions” to the realm of “the mutual relationship between past housing and human life in warm regions.”
　Currently, I am working on a series visiting the birthplace of Matsura Takashiro, the namesake of Hokkaido, which remains in Matsusaka City, Mie Prefecture. The “detached house” there still retains a traditional cultural space based on the concept of a tokonoma (alcove) and a Japanese-style room. While it is not entirely absent in modern Hokkaido housing, the necessity of such living spaces primarily intended for entertaining guests has largely disappeared from modern housing.
　The function of a “temporary lodging” for distinguished guests, as part of living culture and folklore, has largely disappeared from general residential culture due to the flourishing development of ryokan and hotel architecture as a major element of urban cultural development nationwide, as well as the dramatic advancement of transportation methods. Around 40-50 years ago, my uncle, who had previously stayed at my family's home in Sapporo when visiting from Hakodate, mentioned, “These days, there are plenty of hotels,” and after being hosted at our home, he moved to a hotel near the station by taxi. I vividly recall this incident. Such a “transformation of the foundation of hospitality culture” occurred in Japan during the era I lived through.
　In the process of my residential information business focused on high-insulation, high-airtightness homes, I observed that such functional living spaces had nearly “disappeared” from the residential cases I was researching.
　During my recent research on Matsura Takashiro's birthplace, I found a photograph in the records showing Professor Kaneda Ichikyo (a linguist and ethnologist known as the pioneer of Ainu language studies in Japan) visiting the house in 1960 after Takashiro's death. In the photo, he is seated against the bed pillar in the tokonoma, engaging in lively conversation with many people. It was truly a scene of “hosting distinguished guests.”
　And to commemorate the visit of Japan's leading intellectuals at the time, the Matsuoka family requested that cherry trees be planted in the garden. I felt that I was seeing the reality and symbolism of Japan's “entertaining culture.”
This seemed to be evidence of the “functional transformation of Japanese housing,” which was unrelated to Matsura Takeshiro's research theme. I am grateful to Mr. Matsura and Professor Kindaichi.

●Notice
My book “Writers and Living Spaces” has been published as an e-book by Gentosha.
Available for purchase on Amazon.

【2025現代世相／激変の社会環境〜「既成構造」不整合】

　さて本日は連載記事はひと休み。
　わたしは現在、いつもの単独行動での取材旅行中。行路は東北を縦断するような行程でしたが、本日はようやく宇都宮まで南下できた。東京都内である会合に昼から終日参加予定であります。写真は激変する天候の合間、山形県鶴岡での真夏の晴れ間の入道雲。いかにも猛暑を象徴するかのよう。
　今年、北海道ではまだ聞いていないセミの鳴き声も数カ所で確認しておりました。ただ、緑の中にいれば環境全体でこだましてくるほどの迫力音響ではない。こころなしか、弱々しい。
　旅路ではクルマで自由気ままに移動するのが好きなので、このように「雲を追う旅」という様相を呈すことになります。人生行脚もそろそろ終盤戦に差し掛かってきて、こういう「無念無想」で沸き立ってくる思いに漠然と「対話」する時間が数寄であります。
　ということで、社会的な役割の最前線からはやや一歩引いて現代ニッポンの、あるいは世界の状況を見ていて来し方行く末を思うことも多い。ただ主体としては自分自身というより自分以降のひとびとという設定。やや客観視していると言える。
　昨年末の衆院選、東京都議会選、そして参院選と現代日本の「変化」する社会環境が露わになってきている。政治の世界に既成政党ではない新勢力・必ずしも明確な社会の見通しを示しきっていないと思える勢力が伸張してきている。目指そうとしている方向性はどうもこれまでの既成構造とは異質とは言えそうだけれど、いま現在でハッキリ見えているのは、主権者へのアピールがSNSなどの「共感性」ツールを主戦場にしていること程度か。このSNSの世界では批判意見と正面から向き合う対話姿勢は感じにくい。
　既存メディアを利用したり既得権益の意向を体現してその実現に動くというこれまでの勢力とは相違しているとは感じられる。動機の部分では大きくは「保守」の伸張ということになるけれど、既成の価値観とどう違うのかはまだ見通しづらい。主権者としても現状既成体制にはNOを感じているけれど、さりとて新勢力の「真価」もまだ見定めようという局面。かれらにも正念場はすぐにもやってくると思う。
　そんな局面でこれまでの常識では考えられない「居座り」という政治行動を取っている権力者は、社会の既成の倫理的価値観からも逸脱している。これまでのそれなりの「社会倫理」があっさりと崩壊していく行程を見せられている。どうも「幕末」とも似た価値観の更新が迫られてきているのかも知れない。庶民としては「ええじゃないか」とは思えない段階だと思う。なかなかな「混迷」状況ですね。

●お知らせ
拙書「作家と住空間」幻冬舎から電子書籍で発刊
お求めはAmazonで。
https://amzn.asia/d/eUiv9yO


English version⬇

[2025 Contemporary Social Conditions / Rapidly Changing Social Environment - Inconsistencies in the Existing Structure]
Can the legitimacy of the administration be preserved by clinging to power, despite deviating from the ethical values of the past? Can the new forces escape from the overprotective world of social media? ...

　Today, I will take a break from my series of articles.
I am currently on a solo reporting trip. My route was supposed to take me across the Tohoku region, but today I finally made it south to Utsunomiya. I am scheduled to attend a meeting in Tokyo from noon until the end of the day. The photo shows cumulonimbus clouds on a sunny summer day in Tsuruoka, Yamagata Prefecture, taken between sudden changes in the weather. It seems to symbolize the intense heat of summer.
　This year, I have also heard the sound of cicadas in several places in Hokkaido, which I had not heard before. However, the sound is not as powerful as it would be if I were surrounded by greenery. It seems a bit weak.
I enjoy traveling freely by car, so this journey takes on the appearance of a “cloud-chasing journey.” As my life journey nears its final stages, I find myself engaging in vague “dialogue” with these “unspoken, unthought” emotions that well up within me.
Thus, I often step back from the front lines of societal roles to observe the current state of modern Japan or the world, reflecting on the past and future. However, my focus is not on myself but on those who come after me, adopting a somewhat objective perspective.
　The recent House of Representatives election, Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly election, and Senate election have revealed the changing social environment of modern Japan. New political forces that are not established parties—and which do not necessarily have a clear vision for society—are gaining momentum in the political world. The direction they are aiming for seems to be quite different from the existing structure, but what is clear at present is that their appeal to the sovereign is mainly through “empathy” tools such as social media. In the world of social media, it is difficult to sense a willingness to engage in dialogue that directly confronts critical opinions.
They seem to differ from the existing forces that utilize existing media or embody the intentions of vested interests and work to realize them. In terms of motivation, it largely boils down to the expansion of “conservatism,” but how it differs from established values remains unclear. As sovereign citizens, we feel a sense of rejection toward the current established system, yet we are also in a phase where we are still assessing the true value of the new forces. I believe their critical moment will come soon.
　In such a situation, those in power who are taking the unprecedented political action of “clinging to power” are deviating from the established ethical values of society. We are witnessing the collapse of the previously established “social ethics.” It seems that a values update similar to the ‘Bakumatsu’ period may be imminent. As commoners, I don't think we can simply say, “That's fine.” It's quite a confusing situation.

●Announcement
My book “Writers and Living Spaces” has been published as an e-book by Gentosha.
Available for purchase on Amazon.