“Another bridge?” you might ask. Well the \u4e0a\u5c0f\u7530\u4e2d\u4e09\u53f7\u6a4b is not just another bridge. It is located in the heart of the Nakahara Ward in Kawasaki City. This area has a rich history dating back centuries.
The name \u4e0a\u5c0f\u7530\u4e2d itself is quite intriguing. The origin of the name is unknown. Some believe “田” which means rice field, and the prefix “小” which means small, were added because the area was a paddy field. Later it was divided into \u4e0a\u5c0f\u7530\u4e2d and \u4e0b\u5c0f\u7530\u4e2d.
In medieval times \u4e0a\u5c0f\u7530\u4e2d was part of the 藤原 Fujiwara clan’s 荏原 manor. They paid taxes with eight lengths of silk cloth. The separation of \u4e0a\u5c0f\u7530\u4e2d happened around the Sengoku period.
During the Edo period \u4e0a\u5c0f\u7530\u4e2d was divided into 大ヶ谷戸 and 神地. 神地 received special treatment as a branch village. 大ヶ谷戸 was originally called 大茅野. The Hara clan built the 瀬ヶ丸 Inari Shrine there. It was renamed after the 大谷 valley. At the end of the shogunate some of the area was under the 天領. Other parts were under the 旗本領 and 寺領.
In modern times with the establishment of the village system, \u4e0a\u5c0f\u7530\u4e2d became the central area. It prospered with the construction of village offices and banks. Peach production also flourished. The 南武鉄道 railway now the 南武線 line opened. 武蔵中原 station was established. Factories like 富士通信機 now 富士通 and 中島飛行機 changed the area. It became an area for military demand industries. It suffered air raids.
After the war 日本鋼管 now JFE built employee residences on the former 中島 aircraft site. Small and medium factories were established.
In 1996 the 住居表示 system was implemented. \u4e0a\u5c0f\u7530\u4e2d was divided into one to seven chome.
Today \u4e0a\u5c0f\u7530\u4e2d is a vibrant mix of residential and industrial areas. It has a population of over 27000 people. The area is served by the JR 南武 line with Musashi-Nakahara Station nearby. Buses also run through the area.
So while crossing the \u4e0a\u5c0f\u7530\u4e2d\u4e09\u53f7\u6a4b take a moment. Think about the history and the people who have shaped this community.