“Why is there a monument here in a park?” you might ask. This is the Tian’oji Mura Suzu Casting Site.
Let’s delve into the story of Osaka’s 天王寺村\u9233\u9233\u6240跡, the Tian’oji Mura Suzu Casting Site. This site was once a vital part of Osaka’s economic history. It operated during the Edo period.
In 1740, a man named Tokukura Chojoemon and Hirano Rokurobye received permission from the shogunate to establish a copper coin mint here. This was the beginning of the 天王寺村\u9233\u9233\u6240跡. The 天王寺村\u9233\u9233\u6240跡 was also known as the Tian’oji Mura Suzu seat. At that time, there were also copper mints in the Kajima area of Naniwaku and the Nanba area of Chuo Ward. So this mint was called the Tian’oji Mura Suzu seat to distinguish it from the others.
The site covered a large area. It spanned approximately 36000 square meters. It was heavily fortified with earthen walls and fences. The 天王寺村\u9233\u9233\u6240跡 produced a significant amount of currency. At its peak, it produced 200000 kan of coins per year. That is about two billion coins. These coins were called “Gennaji Tsuho”. They had the character “元” on their backs.
However, the 天王寺村\u9233\u9233\u6240跡 was short-lived. Due to mismanagement and fraud, it ceased operations in 1745. It only operated for five years.
After its closure, the site was repurposed. In 1752, the shogunate established the Tian’oji rice granary here. This granary stored rice transported from the Dotonbori area via the Takatsu Canal. But the granary was closed in 1791.
Eventually, the land was returned to the people. Townhouses were built on the site.
Today, a stone monument marks the location of the former 天王寺村\u9233\u9233\u6240跡. The city of Osaka erected it in March 2004. It serves as a reminder of this area’s industrial past.
So next time you are in the Kuromon Market area, remember the 天王寺村\u9233\u9233\u6240跡. This small park was once a hub of economic activity. It played a crucial role in Osaka’s history during the Edo period. A place where fortunes were made. A place where fortunes were lost.