In 1820 (Bunsei 3), the final days of the Edo period when Japan was experiencing the significant change from national isolation to being open to the rest of the world, “Hamaguchi Goryou,” renowned for “the fire of rice sheaves,” was born here in Hiro-mura village (currently Hirogawa-cho), Arida-gun in Kishu.
He was born in a branch of a family who owned a large store which had been engaged in brewing soy sauce from the Genroku era, and was named “Shichita.”
He later changed his name to “Gita” and then to “Gitarou.” In 1853 (Kaei 7), he inherited the family property when 34 years old and took the name of “Hamaguchi Gihee VII.”
A great tsunami caused by the Nankai earthquake in the Ansei era hit Hiro-mura village.
Goryou saved the villagers by setting “the fire of rice sheaves” and also accomplished a far-sighted disaster prevention project in Hiro-mura village by building a large embankment.
We affectionately call him “Goryou-san” through respect of his historical accomplishment.
However, “Goryou” was also the name he himself used (a pen name used in addition to his actual name) after he transferred the family property to Gihee VIII at the age of 51.
What did Goryou feel and seek as he passed through the renaming stages?
At “Inamura-no-Hi no Yakata,” his social achievements together with his consistent spirit of “governing a nation and providing relief to people” and “respecting human lives” can be reviewed while getting in touch with the personality of Goryou.
You will discover that he lit “the fire of rice sheaves” for use as a landmark to save people’s lives and continued this way throughout his life.
“Inamura-no-Hi no Yakata” consisting of the “Hamaguchi Goryou Archives” and the “Tsunami Educational Center” was established on land related to Goryou in order to learn from and hand down his spirit.
We hope you can learn about protecting lives and livelihoods and being prepared for any oncoming disasters.
Light the fire of rice sheaves that will last forever in your heart.