Reviews
Soho Tokutomi studied at Kumamoto Western School and Doshisha in Kyoto (he dropped out), returned to his hometown in 1882 (Meiji 15), and opened this school as Oe Gijuku.
Journalist Soho Tokutomi (Iichiro) was born in Minamata in 1863 (3rd year of Bunkyu), and younger brother Roka (Kenjiro) of the literary great was born five years later in 1868 (1st year of the Meiji era).
The wives of Soho and Roka's father, Ikkei, and their teacher, Yokoi Kokusu, a thinker who was active from the end of the Edo period to the Meiji Restoration, are sisters, and the brothers are Kogusu's nephews. Okusunoki passed away in 1869 (Meiji 2), but he inherited his philosophy from his father, who was his disciple. His father was a headman in Minamata, but moved here in 1870 (Meiji 3) to work for the Kumamoto Domain Office.
Roka was influenced by Soho, but unlike his brother who gradually became nationalistic, he loved the soil all his life and lived a liberal life, which seems to have caused a rift. When he passed away at the age of 60, his older brother Soho said, ``My younger brother was a genius, but he was a weakling and a crybaby.His success was due to his own strength, not my influence.'' By the way, Soho has reached his full natural life at the age of 95.
There is a difference in the expression of ``Tomi'' in Soho and Tokutomi in Roka.
I went on a graduation trip with my daughter in March.
My daughter loves Bungo, so I was looking forward to going there because they were collaborating with Bun-Al.
I went after Kumamoto Castle and had the impression that it would be small, so I wonder if I could see it in 30 minutes? If you think so, you are wrong!
The curators were very kind and guided us through every corner.
Above all, the director Tokutomi ``Ai'' was very thorough and fun, and I found myself talking for an hour and a half...
Although it was past closing time, he also explained about the garden.
I didn't even know his name, but we had a wonderful time.
This is a place I had visited when I was a child, but when I went there as an adult, I found it quite interesting.
The Tokutomi residence has been carefully preserved. The director and staff were also kind and polite.
There is a big tree, and it is a relaxing space.
A must-see for anyone who loves literature.
I was also able to unexpectedly see a photo of Tolstoy.
Camille McLennon
a year ago
Walking around the neighborhood for the first time in a while, I was shocked to learn that Roka Memorial Garden was closed. The old house inside was also in a state where the damage from the recent earthquake was vividly felt. I felt 100% that it had been left untouched, and I felt very sad that this memorial garden was ruined. The reconstruction of Kumamoto Castle is important, but it is also a memorial garden connected to local cultural figures. I hope some sort of recovery measure will be taken as soon as possible.
When I passed by this garden for the first time in three years, I was happy to learn that the memorial garden had completed its restoration work from the earthquake and was no longer closed. Since it was already past opening hours, I didn't have time to look inside in detail, but the staff at the memorial garden kindly explained the general outline of the garden, so I was able to understand it well and learn a lot. . I would like to visit this place again soon and learn about the history again from the memorial garden.
It was quite interesting.
In this place, the Tokutomi residence was carefully preserved.