My great-grandfather

(by Reiko)

Kono Hironaka

l would like to tell you about my great-grandfather, Hattori Kikuji. His tombstone is in Iino-machi. His name inscribed on the stone was written by Kono Hironaka, a famous statesman.

When my great-grandfather was young, he was poor but he overcame a lot of hardships. He became a successful businessman by the trade of cocoon and silk. He also became a member of the prefectural assembly, Ken Gikai. That was when he met Kono Hironaka.

In winter he traveled a long distance from Iino-machi to Fukushima to attend Ken Gikai by 'jinrikisha' a vehicle pulled by man power, wearing formal clothing 'hakama' and 'haori.'

My great-grandfather died before I was born. So this is all I know about him, which I have heard from my mother. I am proud to have such a great great-grandfather.

(10/2002)