Nihonmatsu

(by Setsuko)

Nihonmatsu is a city 30km south to Fukushima. The city began as a castle town in 14th century. That castle took ten years to be built by the first lord, Niwa Mitushige in 1643. It was called Kasumiga-jo. In and around the castle, there are about 1800 cherry trees. They look excellent in full bloom. In spring time, peony, azalea and wisteria are at their best, too. In summer greens are fine. In autumn tints of maple leaves are beautiful. In winter snow view is fantastic. Every season many people gather and enjoy this beautiful scenery.

Kaisekimei

At the east entrance of the castle stands a big stone inscribed with teachings of samurai. it is called 'Kaisekimei' The teachings are as follows:
Your salary is from people's sweat and effort. Peasants are easy to persecute but not to deceive god. If you forgot these teachings, you are certainly punished.

In Nihonmatsu, there is another sad story of 'Nihonmatsu Shonentai' a group of young samurai, who fought against the Meiji government and died for their lord in 1868. People still remember this story.

Nihonmatsu is also famous for its lantern festival, which has a long history. The seven floats parade in the town for three days. People enjoy lantern-decorated floats as well as drums sounds.

Another well-known festival is the Chrysanthemum Figure Display in the park of Kasumiga-jo.

Such traditional industries as sake-brewing and furniture making still flourish in Nihonmatsu, while modern electronics and machinery factories have recently appeared.

(10/2002)