阿波和紙伝統産業会館：イベント情報

Birthplace of Count Yoshikawa Masaaki

During the Meiji era (1868-1912), Count Yoshikawa Kenjo held important government posts, including Minister of the Interior, Minister of Justice, Minister of Communications, and Minister of Education, and when he was Minister of Education, he was instrumental in the promulgation of the Imperial Rescript on Education. His childhood name was Kenkichi, and he later took the name "Koshiyama. He was born on December 10, 1841, in the former Kawada Town. His family, together with his grandfather Shohaku and father Tamibe, had been doctors for generations. Count Kenjo himself studied in Nagasaki as a medical student of the clan.
　In the Meiji and Taisho eras, he became one of the most prominent figures in the political world, and eventually became the Vice President of the Privy Council.
　One of the major achievements that Haku Yoshikawa made for his hometown was the renovation of the Yoshino River. It was a difficult project costing 10 million yen in the money of the time. Since then, the Yoshino River basin has been saved from flooding every year to this day.
　The house where Haku Yoshikawa was born still exists in Aza Kitajima, Yamakawa-cho, and has been preserved in its original form as a town property. The house is surrounded by hedges and large enoki trees on the west and north sides, which were probably built for the winter season, just like the houses in this area. The house is only a main house of about 66 square meters. Many farmhouses have a barn, but as a doctor's house, there is no need for a barn.
　In particular, the exterior of the house is different from that of ordinary houses in that it has a 1.8-meter entrance on the south side, which is also thought to be the style of a doctor's house at that time.
　In commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the promulgation of the Imperial Rescript on Education, his birthplace and his belongings have been collected and preserved here as a way of honoring his great achievements. There is also a basket hanging under the eaves of the house, which reminds us of the time when he lived here.