“What if former samurai became silk farmers?” That’s the intriguing story of Matsugaoka. We’re standing at a site with a rich history. Matsugaoka showcases Japan’s transformation during the Meiji period.
Matsugaoka began after the Boshin War. The Shonai Clan’s samurai found themselves on the losing side. To restore their honor, they embraced silk farming. They aimed to control every step, from growing mulberry leaves to crafting silk products.
Suge Mitsuhide, a former official, spearheaded this initiative. In 1872, he relocated a former post station. He hired 360 former Shonai Domain samurai. They were organized into six companies. Initially, they cultivated the Akagawa riverside. Later, 3,000 more samurai joined, clearing 106 hectares at Gotayama.
The samurai cleared forests and planted mulberry trees. These trees fed the silkworms. The former daimyō of Shōnai Domain, Sakai Tadaaki, named the site “Matsugaoka”. By 1874, they had planted over half a million mulberry seedlings.
In 1875, they raised their first silkworms. Cocoons were shipped to Yokohama. They also started producing raw silk thread. From 1875 to 1877, ten large buildings arose. These housed silkworms and silk production. They even used roof tiles salvaged from Tsuruoka Castle. Matsugaoka became a large-scale sericulture operation.
In 1881, the “Matsuoka Company Pledge” solidified the project. A silk mill was constructed in 1887. Even Emperor Hirohito visited in 1947. Today, descendants of the original samurai continue the tradition. 64 families still maintain this legacy.
One sericulture building has been preserved as a museum. It shows how things looked during the early Meiji period. In 1989, the site gained recognition as a National Historical Site.
Interestingly, the Matsugaoka Silkworm Industry Inari Shrine has its own story. It originally stood in Tokyo at a Sakai family residence. It moved here in 1875. In 1895, it was renamed to honor the silkworm industry’s guardian deity.
Today, you can explore wooden structures from the 19th century. These structures reveal the samurai’s traditional techniques. Some machines here are over 150 years old and still work. You can visit the Archive Building to learn about samurai silk production.
Matsugaoka’s Silk Farms achieved recognition as a “Japan Heritage” site in 2017.
Matsugaoka is more than just a historical site. It’s a symbol of resilience. It embodies the spirit of the samurai. They adapted to a new era. They contributed to Japan’s industrial growth. Their legacy lives on in the silk produced here today. As you leave Matsugaoka, remember this story. Remember the samurai who traded their swords for silk threads.