北野神社 (北野天満宮) to F. M.トラウツ *

These two cards, dated 1932 and 1933, are intriguing for several reasons.

• First, they were sent not by a priest of the shrine but by an administrative staff member named 金津泰鯉 (Kanatsu Tairi), who was also the author of "石清水八幡宮由緒略記" (Abbreviated History of Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine, published in 1939).
• Second, Kanatsu's decision to address Trautz as 殿 (tono) instead of 様 (sama) is of particular interest. This linguistic distinction implies that Kanatsu may have regarded Trautz not as his superior, as is typically the case in correspondence, but perhaps as an equal or someone of lower status.
• Third, it's worth noting that the shrine has undergone a name change and is currently known as Kitano Tenmangu.
• Fourth, the card dated 1933 is addressed to エフ・エス・トラウツ (F. S. Trautz) when it should have been エフ・エム・トラウツ (F. M. Trautz).

金津泰鯉 Kanatsu Tairi 北野神社

Kitano Tenmangu (北野天満宮) is a famous Shinto shrine located in Kyoto, Japan, in the northern part of the city, in an area known as Kamigyo Ward. It is dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, a scholar and politician from the Heian period (794-1185), who is revered as the deity of learning and academics. The shrine is also known for its beautiful plum trees, making it a popular destination for tourists, especially during the plum blossom season in late winter and early spring.

トラウツの墓 Oku-no-In 奥の院 Mount Koya 高野山

トラウツ博士の五輪塔

Obtaining information about Trautz is exceedingly challenging. First, few people actively search for details about him. Second, the limited information available is often in Japanese or German. Third, no new information about him has surfaced. Therefore, I was pleasantly surprised when I came across a website called Nara Nichi Doku Kyokai (Die Japanisch-Deutsche Gesellschaft Nara) or The Japanese-German Society Nara. From this source, I discovered that Trautz has a grave in Japan. The following information was obtained from: https://www.daianji.or.jp/jdgn/pdf/nin_no82_omote.pdf

トラウツ博士は１９５２年にカールスルーエで７５才の生涯を閉じられました。その後、日本をこよなく愛された博士の為に、先代はそのご遺骨を高野山に分骨することを願い出て各所に働きかけ、奥の院の一角に五輪塔を建立して供養をしたのです。この度、杉木立の中にひっそりたたずむトラウツ博士の五輪塔に、参加者全員で香を手向け、また、伽藍の中心に聳え立つ根本大塔に入って、日独の架け橋たらんとした二人の在りし日々を偲んだことでした。

The rough translation is as follows:

"Dr. Trautz passed away in 1952 at the age of 75 in Karlsruhe. Following his passing, in honor of the doctor who held a profound love for Japan, his predecessor made a request to divide his remains and worked diligently to establish a five-story pagoda in a secluded corner of the inner sanctuary at Mount Koya for memorial purposes. On this occasion, all the participants offered incense at Dr. Trautz's five-story pagoda nestled within the cedar forest. They also took a moment to reflect on the days when the two of them strived to build bridges between Japan and Germany as they entered the central pagoda within the temple precinct."

I couldn't determine from that specific piece of writing whether they acquired his ashes or bones for his gravesite, or if it's intended more as a memorial or dedication.

岩井武俊 1933 Card to Dr. Trautz 都良宇津 **

岩井武俊 to Dr. Trautz 都良宇津

Although the backside of this postcard appears to be handwritten, it is actually printed. The cardstock seems to be made from sturdy rice paper (hanshi). In it, Taketoshi Iwai addresses this New Year's card to F. M. Trautz, using an uncommon written form of his name in kanji, 都良宇津. 

Taketoshi Iwai (1886-1965) was a historian, journalist, author, and a Kyoto bureau chief of the Osaka Mainichi Newspaper from about 1927-1942. He authored a number of works on historical houses, temples, shrines, and architecture around Kyoto. One of them is titled 京郊民家譜 (Kyōkō Minkafu), Traditional Folk Houses of Kyoto Suburbs.

Taketoshi Iwai (circled) image credit: https://discoverjapan-web.com/article/12413

This book provides valuable insights into the traditional folk houses and architecture found in the suburbs of Kyoto, Japan. While Taketoshi Iwai may not be a widely recognized figure, his contributions to documenting and preserving knowledge about the traditional architecture in the Kyoto region are noteworthy, especially for those interested in Japanese history and culture.

This book offers valuable insights into the architectural heritage of the Kyoto region, focusing on the lesser-known, everyday structures found in suburban areas. These houses often exemplify traditional Japanese architecture, showcasing elements such as tatami mat rooms, shoji screens, and wooden beams. Iwai's work goes beyond mere documentation; it aims to celebrate and preserve the architectural traditions that have played a vital role in shaping the unique cultural landscape of Kyoto.

京郊民家譜 photo credit: Yasuda Shoten

By cataloging these folk houses and providing detailed descriptions, "京郊民家譜" contributes to the broader understanding of how architectural styles evolved in Japan and reflects the cultural and historical significance of the Kyoto region. This book is not only a valuable resource for scholars and researchers but also for anyone interested in Japanese architecture, history, and culture.

Taketoshi Iwai's dedication to documenting and celebrating these suburban folk houses is a testament to the importance of preserving cultural heritage. "京郊民家譜" continues to be a valuable resource for those looking to explore the architectural and cultural traditions of Kyoto, and it serves as a reminder of the rich history and craftsmanship found in everyday structures that have often been overshadowed by more famous landmarks.

Kuze Michifumi 久世通章 toトラウス（F. M. Trautz) **

Kuze Michifumi 久世通章 toトラウス

This 1933 dated postcard is addressed to トラウス (To-Ra-U-Su), instead of To-Ra-U-Tsu, by 久世通章, Kuze Michifumi or Michiaki (1859－1939), and his second wife 田鶴（Tazu). He is the father of 久世章業 Kuze Akinari (1898-1976), Kotohira Shrine priest (read Sept. 12, 2023 post about him).

Kuze Michifumi, a nobleman, politician, author, and chairman of the Kemari Preservation Society, among other roles, provides a window into the personal connections and historical context of the Kuze family during this era with Trautz. 

都良宇津 F. M. Trautz の 印

都良宇津 F. M. Trautz の 印

While this image is not part of my personal collection, I believe it holds significant value for our readers, particularly those interested in the study of Trautz. This distinctive personal stamp (印鑑) features an unconventional pentagonal shape, setting it apart from the more common round or rectangular designs. Notably, it bears six characters rendered in 篆書 (tensho, Seal script), with four of them being 都良宇津 (To-Ra-U-Tsu). However, the remaining two characters on this stamp currently elude our deciphering efforts.

It's important to note that many foreigners, often referred to as 'gaijins,' residing or working in Japan have their "hanko" crafted by transliterating the sounds of their names into Japanese characters. During this process, the resulting kanji characters may carry meanings that are unusual or not directly related to the individual's name. This practice reflects the fusion of cultures and languages, resulting in hanko with unique and sometimes enigmatic meanings.

The use of hanko, or personal seals, is deeply rooted in Japanese culture and carries historical significance dating back centuries. These seals serve various purposes, including the authentication of documents, signing contracts, and authorizing official paperwork. Each individual's hanko is a reflection of their identity, and the characters chosen for it often hold personal or symbolic meaning.

For foreign residents in Japan, adopting a hanko can be both a practical necessity and a cultural experience. It involves the selection of appropriate kanji characters that not only approximate the sound of their names but also convey meanings that resonate with them. This process can be a fascinating exploration of the Japanese language and culture, as well as a reflection of one's unique journey in a foreign land. It's not uncommon for gaijins to engage in discussions and consultations with experts to craft a hanko that aligns with their identity while respecting Japanese traditions.