How about a bridge that stars in a comic? This is Midori Bridge. It is not just any bridge. It is a place of connection in art and reality.
Midori Bridge, or Midori-bashi, is located in Ogaki. It is a key location in the anime “Silent Voice.” This bridge is a beautiful sluice river. It appears several times. Shoya and Shoko gather here in the story.
Look closely at the cover of comic Volume 2. This bridge is featured there. Shoko feeds bread to the carp here. Many giant carp swim here. This may be because Shoko fed them.
Shoya jumps into the river in a courage trial from Midori Bridge. The cover of the sixth volume comic features this bridge too.
Take a moment to feel the refreshing air. The scenery around Midori Bridge is beautiful. Stand here to clear your mind.
Before 1878 this bridge was named Sodetome Bridge. In 1615, Hidemasa Ogasawara departed for war. His two sons followed him. Hidemasa, the younger brother wore a Furisode Kimono under his armor.
His mother felt anguish. She did not want her son to die in battle. She followed Hidemasa. She caught up to him at the Nagasawa River.
She pleaded with him. She grabbed Hidemasa’s sleeves. She did not want to let go. Hidemasa felt sentimental. But Hidemasa exclaimed he must go. He shook her off.
The mother held the sleeves of Hidemasa’s Kimono. This is why it was named Sodetome bridge or the sleeve pulling bridge. Later it was named Midori Bridge.
Remember Midori Bridge. It is more than a structure. It is a place of courage, farewells and art. It connects us to stories. It connects us to each other.