Thursday, December 28, 2023

津田繁二: 歴史家・古銭収集家 ー エフ・エム・トラウツ **

津田繁二(Tsuda Shigeji)

Given the presence of multiple individuals sharing the same name, inherent ambiguity clouds the identification of this particular Tsuda. The conclusion drawn regarding his potential role as a historian rests on inferred deductions from the available timeline and his address, rather than being a definitive assertion. The assessment tends towards the likelihood of Tsuda's involvement in historical pursuits due to the apparent alignment of the timeline and his address with such interests.

津田繁二(Tsuda Shigeji)長崎市本紙屋町五八 Nagasaki-shi, Motokamiya-machi 58

I lean towards the belief that our Tsuda was indeed a historian. His historical fascination, notably his specific focus on old Japanese coinage, hints at a profound connection to historical study and enthusiast engagement in that field. Moreover, his association with 福岡古泉会 (Fukuoka Kosenkai) notably bolsters the likelihood of his active participation in a group dedicated to antiquities and historical artifacts.

長崎談叢 26

One of his notable works, '我長崎県の先史時代及び原史時代の遺蹟及び遺跡物の概略に就て' in 長崎談叢#26, delves into the overview of relics and remains from the prehistoric and protohistoric eras in Nagasaki Prefecture.

I believe our Tsuda Shigeji might be the same person referenced on a Japanese old coins blog site: https://kosenmaru.sub.jp/kannei0-10.html - dated May 18, 2014, and July 12, 2014 as well. But unless we can definitively identify his handwriting, absolute attribution remains elusive. Nonetheless, the evidence at hand strongly leans towards our Tsuda's promising identification in this context.

Friday, December 22, 2023

中川善教 Buddhist Monk to トラウツ博士 **

中川善教からの年賀状

On January 1, 1933, 中川善教 (Nakagawa Zenkyo) sent a postcard from 紀伊高野山 親王院内 (Kii Koyasan Shinnoin Nai) addressed to トラウツ博士 (Dr. Trautz), accompanied by a reference to 侍者 (Jisha), which potentially denotes Trautz's 'associates,' though its precise meaning remains ambiguous.

Nakagawa was an extraordinary figure in the world of Shingon Buddhism: a luminary who dedicated his life to its study and propagation. Born on February 2, 1907, in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture, this remarkable individual became the 476th Chief Administrator (法印) of Kongo-ji Temple within the Shingon sect of Koyasan. His journey was marked by an unwavering commitment to scholarly pursuits and spiritual practices until his passing on March 26, 1990.

Having entered Koyasan in 1915 and subsequently becoming a monk under the tutelage of Kyo'ei Mizuhara, he pursued his academic endeavors at the Horyu-ji Kann Gakuin Graduate School, graduating in 1938 with a Doctor of Literature degree.

His career path took him through various roles, from a professor at Kyoto Specialized School to an associate professor at Koyasan University in 1951. His expertise in rituals and doctrines paved the way for positions as a professor, president, and director at the Esoteric Buddhist Culture Institute, culminating in the distinguished title of Professor Emeritus.

Beyond his academic prowess, which allowed him to conduct significant rituals and contribute extensively to the understanding of Shingon doctrines, his influence extended through the numerous works he authored. His research, guidance, and dedication to compiling doctrinal texts significantly enriched the study and dissemination of Shingon Buddhism, leaving an indelible mark on its history and teachings.

Monday, December 18, 2023

神龜法壽 Jingi Hoju 高野山 *

From Kongobuji Temple and Koyasan to Trautz

New Year's Card from Koyasan to F. M. Trautz

This card, similar to the one sent by Nakashima (as previously mentioned), was likely delivered through the same method and probably included multiple cards from several or more senders. While this card lists three names from Kongobuji Temple and two from the Koyasan Archival Office, I believe the crucial individual is one named 神龜法壽(神亀法壽)- Jingi (Jinki?) Hoju 

總本山金剛峯寺 
  • 執行長 釋 法傳 
  • 執行  眞淵 實榮 
  • 執行  徳守 清鳳
 
高野山史編纂所
  • 主任 神龜法壽 
  • 外  掛員一同

中島正國(1896-1954) 宮司 *

1933 New Year's Card to Trautz

中島正國からトラウツへの年賀状

Amidst my collection of New Year's cards lies an intriguing puzzle surrounding one from 中島正國 (Nakajima Masakuni). This card, devoid of individual recipient names, suggests a wider distribution strategy. Curiously, it landed among a few others in my possession that reached F. M. Trautz without utilizing the postal system or featuring any recipient names. The absence of specific addressees, coupled with preprinted sender details, hints at a broader distribution intention, possibly from multiple senders but unquestionably intended for F. M. Trautz. A curious riddle, indeed. 

This card reads:

官幣中社赤間宮社務所 (Kanpeichusha, Akama-gu Shamusho - Office of the Akama Shrine)

中島正國 (Nakajima Masakuni)

下関市園田町住  (Shimonoseki-shi, Sonoda-machi, Resident)

Chronology of Positions:

Early Life and Education

  • 1896 Born in Shimane Prefecture
  • 1916 Graduated from Kokugakuin University with a degree in Japanese and Chinese literature 

Shrine Appointments

  • 1925 Became a priest at Sangawa Shrine
  • 1929 Moved to Akama Shrine as a priest
  • 1933 Became the priest of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine
  • 1937 Transferred to Meiji Shrine as the chief priest
  • 1945 Became the priest of Suwa Taisha Shrine
  • 1946 Became the priest of Mihoya Shrine

Other Roles

  • 1947 Headed the Shimane Prefecture Association of Shinto Shrines

Passing: 

  • March 20, 1954 at the age of 58

Tuesday, December 12, 2023

辻松子(津田塾大学)からの年賀状(1933年)**

辻松子(津田塾大学)からの年賀状(1933年)

Apart from a write-up in the Yomiuri newspaper dated 2/8/1919, which can be found at the following link: https://da.lib.kobe-u.ac.jp/da/np/0100356669/, there is no other online information available about Tsuji Matsuko. Below is a translated version of that Japanese newspaper. 

The head of the Women's English Academy, Miss Umeko Tsuda, suffering from diabetes and mild neurasthenia, is currently hospitalized for recuperation at St. Luke's Hospital in Tsukiji. In her absence until full recovery, Miss Tsuji Matsuko, a teacher, has taken charge as acting headmistress. A private presentation was held around 3 o'clock on the fifth day, where Dr. Nitobe introduced Miss Matsuko to all attendees, followed by her speech before the gathering was adjourned. Despite Miss Tsuda's stay at St. Luke's Hospital, she appeared remarkably energetic, receiving numerous visitors and attending to each of them with vigor, belying the assumption of her being unwell. Seated in a comfortable chair, she calmly mentioned, "The academy will be transformed into a university based on the recently issued University Ordinance. Currently, we are deeply involved in planning, although there are no concrete plans as yet. In essence, we aim to raise a basic fund of 250,000 yen over the next three years and have already commenced preparations." She spoke cheerfully. The hospital room resembled a greenhouse with the abundance of flowers and bonsai trees brought as get-well gifts.

女子英学塾長津田梅子女史は糖尿病と軽微の神経衰弱で、築地の聖路加病院に入院療養中ですが御全快迄塾長代理として教諭辻松子女史が其の事務に鞅掌さるることとなり、五日午後三時極く内々にて其の披露会を催されました、新渡戸博士は松子女史を列席者一同に紹介され、次いで女史の挨拶があって散会しましたが、津田梅子女史を聖路加病院に御訪ねしますと、引ききりなしに見舞わるる多くの来客に対し一々応接に力めらるる御様子は御病人とは思われぬ程の御元気でした、安楽椅子に馮り、赤十字社の慈善事業に寄贈すべき靴下を編みながら、落ちついた調子で『英学塾も今度発布された大学令に依って愈単科大学とする決心で、目下其の計画に多忙を極めて居ます、未だ今の処では具体案という程のものもありませんが、大体を云えば向う三ヶ年間に二十五万円の基本金を集める筈なので、既に其の準備にも着手して居るのです」と愉快気に語られました、病室には御見舞の生花や盆栽で温室のように思われました。


Thursday, December 7, 2023

川村麟也 (病理学者) からトラウツへのはがき **

川村麟也 (病理学者) からトラウツへのはがき

Unearthing a New Year's card dating to 1933, exchanged between Kawamura Rinya, a revered pathologist known for his work on diseases, and Dr. Friedrich Max Trautz, a prominent scholar studying the history of Philipp Franz von Siebold, offers a unique glimpse into an unexpected connection between two seemingly distinct fields.

Kawamura Rinya's expertise in pathology illuminated the medical landscape from the late 19th century well into the mid-20th century, providing crucial insights into diseases like scrub typhus. Meanwhile, Dr. Trautz delved into the vast legacy of von Siebold, exploring the intersections of culture, history, and Japan's transformative era.

The convergence of these luminaries from diverse realms—medicine and Japanology—sheds light on the intellectual exchanges transcending disciplinary boundaries. Their correspondence hints at a fascinating dialogue, possibly intertwining medical knowledge and cultural narratives.

川村麟也 (Kawamura Rinya) was an expert in the field of pathology in Japan, renowned for his significant contributions to the study of scrub typhus, also known as tsutsugamushi disease or Orientia tsutsugamushi infection. Scrub typhus is a disease caused by the Orientia tsutsugamushi bacterium, transmitted by mites in rural areas of Asia, Australia, and the Pacific Islands.

Kawamura Rinya's research primarily focused on the pathology, clinical manifestations, laboratory diagnosis, and treatment of scrub typhus. His work aimed to deepen our understanding of this disease, encompassing its epidemiological characteristics, pathogenic mechanisms, and strategies for prevention and treatment.

As a pathologist, Kawamura Rinya's contributions involve in-depth pathological studies of diseases, aiding in diagnoses, and advancing our comprehension of disease mechanisms. His research endeavors are instrumental in improving healthcare and enhancing treatment outcomes for patients.

Saturday, December 2, 2023

江馬勉からトラウツへの年賀状 **

江馬勉からトラウツへの年賀状

Ema Tsutomu (1884-1979) was a professor at Kyoto University and a renowned folklorist and cultural anthropologist. He dedicated his career to the study of Japanese customs, traditions, folklore, and ethnography. His research focused on various aspects of Japanese culture, including rituals, beliefs, mythology, and regional customs.

Ema Tsutomu's work involved extensive fieldwork and research to document and analyze the diverse cultural practices and traditions across Japan. He made significant contributions to the understanding and preservation of Japan's cultural heritage, providing valuable insights into the rich tapestry of Japanese society.

江馬勉(左)

In 1907, he entered Kyoto Imperial University as a member of the inaugural class in the Department of History in the Faculty of Letters and graduated in 1910. His graduation thesis was on "The History of Kyoto City." That same year, he enrolled in the graduate school of the university to study "Japanese Customs and Manners." After graduating, he became a faculty member at the Kyoto City School of Fine Arts and Crafts and established the "Customs and Manners Research Society" in 1911.

He didn't just conduct historical research on past customs and manners from literary and historical materials; he also adopted a method of reconstruction and wearing of costumes to conduct analyses. Starting from 1915, he held a "Period Costume Demonstration" every month and in 1916, he founded the society's journal, "Customs and Manners Studies." Additionally, he established a dyeing research society, contributing to the dyeing industry as well.

Throughout the pre-war and post-war periods, he excelled as a leading figure in the study of customs and manners as well as the knowledge of historical customs. In 1949, he became a professor at Kyoto Women's University. In 1960, he founded the Japan Society for the Study of Customs and Manners and became its first president. He was posthumously awarded the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Third Class. His final resting place is at Kodai-ji Temple in Kyoto City.

His studies and publications have been influential in both academic circles and in fostering a broader appreciation and understanding of Japanese customs and traditions among the general public. Ema Tsutomu's contributions continue to be highly regarded in the field of Japanese folklore and anthropology.