From two humble wells springs a tale of resilience. We stand before the Futatsu Ido Ato, the memorial to the Futatsu Ido, or “Two Wells.” These wells, initially situated at the eastern edge of Dotonbori near the moat’s end, trace their origins back to 1634. Futatsu Ido, meaning “two wells side-by-side,” earned renown for their remarkable water quality. The wells were so important they were featured in the 1794 “Famous Places in Setsutsu,” lauded as a source of pure water for local residents. Their water was also pivotal in casting coins at the nearby Takatsu Goemoncho mint, and even prestigious swords like the Kanei Tsuho.
During the Meiji era, modernization threatened the Futatsu Ido. Road expansions meant demolition. But a local confectioner, “Tsu no Kiyo,” cherished the wells. This shop owner, located on the west side of present-day Dotonbori 1-chome East 3-23, took it upon themselves to save the wells. They moved them to their shop. The area, grateful for their preservation, was renamed Futatsu Ido-cho. The relocated Futatsu Ido even found their way into literature, appearing in Sakunosuke Oda’s “Meoto Zenzai,” a story deeply intertwined with Osaka’s culture.
However, the wells faced another challenge when the Matsuzakaya Osaka store was built in Nipponbashi around 1923. This construction disrupted the water source, leaving the wells dry. The air raids of World War II then shattered their granite frames, rendering them beyond repair. Undeterred, the resilient spirit of Futatsu Ido lived on. In 1952, Tsu no Kiyo relocated again, to the west side of Kiyotsu Bridge. They painstakingly reconstructed the well frames at their new location. The Futatsu Ido, though changed, remained a cherished part of the town’s history. Even after their eventual disappearance in 2000, their legacy endured.
The rediscovery of an old signboard and marker post prompted a remarkable revival. In April 2012, a replica of the Futatsu Ido, approximately 85% of the original size, was erected near the National Bunraku Theatre. It stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of these two simple wells. They nourished the community, inspired art, and now, reborn, continue to share their tale of resilience. The nearby plaque even features calligraphy by the famed calligrapher Minami Sumiyama. This connects the Futatsu Ido Ato to another piece of cultural heritage.