Did the scent of dried bonito ever waft through the financial heart of Japan? Here in Nihonbashi Kobunacho, it once did. In the 1950s, Nihonbashi Kobunacho was a “bonito riverbank.” Dried bonito wholesalers lined the streets. Mats laden with bonito drying in the sun were a common sight. The air, thick with the aroma of aged bonito being scraped, was a defining characteristic of this area. Nihonbashi Kobunacho held a key piece of Tokyo’s financial history too. This is where Zenjiro Yasuda, founder of Mizuho Financial Group, began his dried bonito wholesale and money changing business. Legend says a golden Ebisu statue, the god of fishing and fortune, inspired his venture. Today, the Mizuho Bank’s Kobunacho branch stands on that very spot. It’s a constant reminder of the deep connection between the area and its history. Another important piece of Nihonbashi Kobunacho’s history is its vibrant community spirit. Shop owners, deeply attached to their town, would help customers in need without seeking profit. This tradition of helping each other continues to this day. The “Ha Group,” a fire brigade dating back to the Edo period, still plays a crucial role in local festivals. They even perform traditional scaffolding builder acts. For over 350 years, Nihonbashi Kobunacho has maintained a unique tradition: dedicating a giant lantern to Sensoji Temple in Asakusa. This lantern, 3.9 meters high and 2.7 meters around, is a symbol of faith and community. Every eleven years, a new lantern is crafted in Kyoto at a significant cost. The unveiling at Yakumo Shrine and the dedication ceremony at Sensoji Temple are major local events. It’s a testament to Nihonbashi Kobunacho’s commitment to preserving its heritage. Today, the dried bonito wholesalers have moved on. However, the spirit of Nihonbashi Kobunacho remains. The streets are still lively, filled with businesses descended from the old wholesale district. As you walk through Nihonbashi Kobunacho, imagine the scent of dried bonito filling the air, a reminder of a vibrant past.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to