“Factory? Why is the Emperor resting at a factory?” someone asked. The \u660e\u6cbb\u5929\u7687\u5fa1\u99d0\u8f26\u6240\u88fd\u5de5\u5834\u962f Stele marks a moment in history. It shows where Emperor Meiji rested during his travels.
Let’s step back to 1877. Emperor Meiji journeyed through the Kansai region. This trip occurred during the Seinan War. The war prolonged the journey. The Emperor stayed in Kyoto from January 28 to February 6 and February 16 to July 28.
On February 7, the Emperor was on his way to Nara. He planned to visit the mausoleum of Emperor Jinmu. On the way, he took a break at this very factory. This factory was no ordinary place. It was established in 1873 by Kyoto Governor Tani Tateki. It was part of an industrial policy. The factory produced water wheels and iron machinery.
The \u660e\u6cbb\u5929\u7687\u5fa1\u99d0\u8f26\u6240\u88fd\u5de5\u5834\u962f Stele commemorates this event. It marks the spot where Emperor Meiji rested. The stele was erected in March 1938 by Kyoto Prefecture. The \u660e\u6cbb\u5929\u7687\u5fa1\u99d0\u8f26\u6240\u88fd\u5de5\u5834\u962f Stele stands 190 cm tall. Its width and depth are both 27 cm.
The stele’s inscription tells its story. The east side reads \u660e\u6cbb\u5929\u7687\u5fa1\u99d0\u8f26\u6240\u88fd\u5de5\u5834\u962f. The north side says Meiji 10th Year February 7th Imperial Rest. The west side states Showa 13th Year March Kyoto Prefecture Built This.
This \u660e\u6cbb\u5929\u7687\u5fa1\u99d0\u8f26\u6240\u88fd\u5de5\u5834\u962f Stele is more than just a marker. It represents Emperor Meiji’s commitment to industry. It symbolizes Kyoto’s efforts to modernize. It connects us to a pivotal moment in Japanese history.
Imagine the scene that day. The Emperor arrives. Workers pause. The air buzzes with anticipation. A brief respite before the journey continues. The \u660e\u6cbb\u5929\u7687\u5fa1\u99d0\u8f26\u6240\u88fd\u5de5\u5834\u962f Stele reminds us of this intersection. It bridges imperial history with industrial progress.
So next time you pass by the \u660e\u6cbb\u5929\u7687\u5fa1\u99d0\u8f26\u6240\u88fd\u5de5\u5834\u962f Stele. Remember its story. Think of the Emperor’s journey. Consider the factory’s role. The stele invites us to reflect. It connects us to the past. It enriches our understanding of Kyoto’s heritage.