Learning about history fosters a love for one's hometown. I think this town is a symbol of that.
CATEGORY: History
THEME: Architecture
Interviewee: Masao Kondo, Aizuwakamatsu Tourism Bureau
When you interact with the people of Aizu, you are often deeply moved by the depth of their love for their hometown.
Even in casual conversation, you can strongly feel their love for their hometown.
For example, when talking about history.
I wonder how many people across Japan are confident they can recount the historical facts of their own hometown with confidence.
In that respect, people from Aizu are incredibly knowledgeable about their local history. You can sense their absolute pride in Aizu from that. Perhaps that's why interacting with the locals is so interesting when traveling in Aizu.
There is a person who was once active in the field of education and is now contributing to the revitalization of Aizuwakamatsu City through the tourism industry.
Having dedicated himself to historical research for a period, he is particularly knowledgeable about history and has earned the approval of local residents. He has also appeared on television, making him a well-known figure in his field.
If you want to learn about Aizu history, this is the only person who will do!
Mr. Masao Kondo of the Aizu-Wakamatsu Tourism Bureau. He not only caters to general tourists, but also teaches children and those interested in Tsuruga Castle and its history how to enjoy sightseeing at Tsuruga Castle through his explanations.
"Have you noticed that the shape and construction of these stone walls are slightly different?"
"Tsuruga Castle can be broadly divided into the Gamo era and the Kato era. The easiest way to see the transition between these eras is through the stone walls. From here to here is the Gamo era, and from here to here is the Kato era..."
The explanation is easy to understand both visually and narratively. It makes you feel like you're being taught thoroughly, and you become completely absorbed in the explanation.
"Look! This spot offers a beautiful view of the castle."
They even teach you things like that.
"Aizu was the stage for the Boshin War throughout the entire city. One of its distinguishing features is Tsuruga Castle, which stands tall in the middle of the city. That's why people who love history probably visit Aizu at least once. The whole city is imbued with history, so it has a romantic feel to it."
Having a background in education, Kondo says this:
"I believe that love for one's hometown is nurtured by knowing its history. Aizu has that kind of environment, which is probably why the local people are so proud of their hometown. Aizu-Wakamatsu's Tsuruga Castle is truly a symbol of that."
Fostering a love for one's hometown through local education may have its key in history.
Perhaps the reason it feels so strangely persuasive is because I've somehow touched the souls of the people of Aizu.
"I believe there is a connection between local pride and history education, and I think the potential is great. Of course, it's dangerous to talk about history from a fixed perspective, but knowing history plays an important role in fostering love for one's hometown."
If you're going to learn about the history of Aizu, I'd want Mr. Kondo to be the one to teach you. I can totally see why.
If you start from Tsuruga Castle and reflect on the entire Aizu-Wakamatsu area, your trip to Aizu might become even richer.
Place:
1-1 Otemachi, Aizuwakamatsu City
Nearest station: Nishi-Wakamatsu Station