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Sakata thrived as a shipping base for trade between Tohoku and the Kansai/Kanto regions when Zuiken Kawamura opened a western sea route in 1672. The Honma Family was a prominent shipping agent and the biggest landowner in Japan until most of the family’s land was taken over by the government after World War II. The Honma Family’s riches were noted in a song that attests to the family’s prosperity. “I’ll never be like Honma, but I’d at least like to become a lord.”
Not only was the Honma Family the richest in Japan, but the family also contributed greatly to regional development and the local people’s lives. Honma hired people to plant pine trees along the coast in Sakata to protect the rice and vegetable fields from sand. At the same time, the project helped the poor by providing jobs. The family helped protect the people and farms in Shonai through endeavors such as the creation of a relief system to assist the needy. The family also donated 1200 tons of rice to the feudal lord to be used so that people would not starve in times of famine. During the Edo period there were several famines, and in regions outside Shonai many died from starvation or resorted to selling their daughters for rice. However, that never occurred in this area. The Honma Family also focused on education and built Kokyu Library.
Although the Honma Family was the richest in Japan, they made a point of living simply and frugally. This humble lifestyle was continued from generation to generation. The Honma Family used only 20% of their income for their living expenses and the other 80% for developing this region. As a result, people still have respect and adoration for the Honma Family.
The Honma residence was built by the Honma Family to accommodate officials sent by the government to inspect this region. Later, it was given to the feudal lord, Sakai before it was returned to the Honma Family. The Honma Family added a merchant-style home onto the existing samurai-style building, which was constructed in an upper-class fashion with heavy walls around the residence, a gated entrance, and expensive wood.
The first thing that catches the eye is the pine tree outside the entrance. It is named the “sitting dragon” since it looks like a crouching dragon. (The dragon is an imaginary animal from China that is believed to bring good luck). The tree sits low and grounded, symbolizing the humble lifestyle the Honma Family believed in leading.
Once inside, the difference between the two buildings is apparent. For example, using the room with the Buddhist altar as a dividing point, the front portion was built in the style of a samurai residence, while the back construction reflects the style of a merchant home. More expensive wood was used in the samurai-style portion.
The many rocks placed in the garden were brought by kitamae ships on the return trip to Sakata from the Kanto and Kansai regions. The rocks were used as ballast to balance the ships.
(Koichi Ito et al., VIPS)
The photos on this page are courtesy of the Shonai Visitors Association.
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