五藤池の沿革 Statue

Gazing at the 五十池の沿革 Statue, imagine the bygone era it represents. This statue commemorates the historical Gotogai-ike pond, a vital part of Neyagawa’s history. Gotogai-ike, once Neyagawa’s largest reservoir, nourished approximately 30 town blocks of rice paddies in old Takatsuki Village. The pond was divided by a causeway. It had two sections, upper and lower, spanning nearly 50,000 square meters. The name “Gotogai-ike,” meaning “Five-Town Pond,” reflects this impressive size, initially referring to its five-townblock area. The statue before you stands as a testament to this once-thriving pond. While the exact date of Gotogai-ike’s construction remains a mystery, local lore suggests it predates the Edo period. A tale recounts a land swap between the lords of Takatsuki and Hada. The exchange involved land where the present-day Municipal Central Elementary School stands. This exchange hints at the pond’s existence during or before the Edo period. Gotogai-ike’s construction involved building embankments on flat land, unlike traditional reservoirs carved into valleys. This unique structure required an external water source. Water was ingeniously diverted from the Shin-ike pond in Hada domain through the Soen-gawa River. Takatsuki Village even paid a yearly water fee until the 1930s. Near the intake point of the Soen-gawa River stood a large Zelkova tree. This landmark gave rise to the name “Sendan no Hashi,” or “Zelkova Bridge,” for a nearby bridge. You can still find a remnant of this historical landmark west of the No. 1 Junior High School gymnasium. The area around Gotogai-ike was a bustling intersection where the Kaho-michi (present-day Kawauchi Street) met the village’s central path. This location was significant for transportation and commerce. Yet, it retained a peaceful, rural charm. The pond was adorned by the fresh greenery of willows in spring. It boasted the vibrant hues of water lilies and white flowers in summer. The pond also offered the unique sight of “kaitsuburi” birds in autumn and winter. A memorable annual event was the “jako-tori” (small fish catching), where large quantities of freshwater fish were scooped from the water, marking the end of the year. Gotogai-ike served as a lifeblood for the community. It supported livelihoods, industries, and local development. This statue serves as a reminder of the pond’s importance and its lasting impact on Neyagawa’s cultural heritage.