城島小橋

“Koma no Murotsumi?” a curious visitor might have asked, standing on the Koraibashi Bridge centuries ago. Koraibashi Bridge gracefully arches over the Higashiyokobori River in Osaka. This bridge, with a name whispering tales of ancient connections, has witnessed centuries of Osaka’s vibrant history. Its story begins long ago, possibly even during the Toyotomi era. The name “Koraibashi” suggests a link to Korea, likely derived from the “Koma no Murotsumi” located nearby. This welcoming point for envoys from the Korean Peninsula hints at a history of trade and diplomatic exchanges. Koraibashi Bridge was more than just a crossing. It became a vital hub during the Edo period. A shogunate bulletin board at its western end declared the laws of the land. The bustling Koraibashi-suji, home to prominent merchants like Mitsui Gofukuten, thrived nearby. Legend claims that during the Keicho era (1596-1614), Koraibashi Bridge glittered with imitation jewels, a testament to its importance. In the Meiji era, Koraibashi Bridge became the starting point for measuring road distances in western Japan, solidifying its place in the nation’s infrastructure. Its transformation into Osaka’s first iron bridge in 1870, imported from England, astonished onlookers. The black sheen of the “Kurogane Bridge,” as it was then called, illuminated by gas lamps, marked a new era of progress. Today’s Koraibashi Bridge, rebuilt in 1929 as a reinforced concrete arch bridge, retains echoes of its rich past. The imitation jewels on its railings and the pillars styled after a western turret mansion serve as reminders of its fascinating journey through time. Koraibashi Bridge stands not only as a passage over the river but also as a bridge between Osaka’s past and present.