久世章業 から都良宇津 (TO-RA-U-TSU) Trautz - Kuze Akinari **

Trautz opted for the distinctive kanji characters 都良宇津 (To-Ra-U-Tsu) for his surname. Despite thorough online searches across popular search engines, only a few results were retrieved. This highlights the apparent obscurity surrounding any records linked to the name 都良宇津, indicating that it has largely eluded inclusion in online repositories.

The sender of this card is 久世章業 Kuze Akinari (1898-1976). In 1931, he assumed the role of Negi (lower-ranking priest) at Kotohira Shrine. In 1937, he was appointed as Guji (chief priest) of Bizen and Kibitsuhiko Shrines, and from 1942 to 1948, he served as the Guji of Kotohira Shrine.

久世章業 Kuze Akinari (1898-1976)

Kotohira Shrine, also known as Kotohira-gū (金刀比羅宮) and sometimes referred to as Konpira Shrine, is a significant Shinto shrine located in the town of Kotohira in Kagawa Prefecture, Japan. The shrine is particularly famous for its long stone staircase, known as the "Konpira Grand Theater," which consists of 1,368 steps that lead up to the main shrine complex on Mount Zōzu. The climb to the main hall is a pilgrimage and a test of endurance for visitors, offering breathtaking views along the way. 

photo of Kuze Akinari (age 12), photo credit: http://easthall.blog.jp/archives/33146699.html

The shrine has a rich history and is a place of worship and cultural significance. It has been a center of religious activity and pilgrimage for centuries and is considered one of the most important Shinto shrines in the Shikoku region of Japan. The deity enshrined here, Takama-no-Hara, watches over matters of water and maritime pursuits. Sailors, fishermen, and travelers have, for centuries, sought the blessings of this benevolent guardian, making Kotohira-gu a symbol of hope and protection on the open seas.

Fritz Karsch to F. M. Trautz **

This nengajō 年賀状 (New Year's card) was sent from ドクトル・フリッツ・カルシュ / 松江市、奥谷町、高等学校、官舎 (Dr. Fritz Karsch, Matsueshi, Okutanicho, Koto Gakkou, Kansha) to ドクトル・エフ・エム・トラウツ (Dr. F. M. Trautz). 

The writing is in German cursive, making it very difficult to decipher or translate. But I believe he writes, in part, something similar to: 'It's a pity that you didn't find time to call on us in Matsue. I would have liked to show you some things. Hopefully later! But I thank you for your kindness. How long will you stay? I wish you all the best, especially during your stay.'"

Dr. Fritz Karsch taught German at Matsue High School (today's Shimane University 島根大学) from 1925 to 1939. 

フリッツ・カルシュ から エフ・エム・トラウツ はがき 

This particular postcard, with the address written in Japanese, was undoubtedly penned by Karsch himself. The handwriting exhibits untrained characters, as if written by a Japanese grade school student.

For much more about Karsch, see https://mechtild.web.fc2.com/

1938 Postcard from Germany to Professor F. M. Trautz **

Friedrich Max Trautz (1877–1952) was a prominent Japanologist who played pivotal roles in fostering German-Japanese cultural exchange during the interwar period. He served as the inaugural German director of the Japan Institute in Berlin from 1926 to 1930 and later became the first director of the German Research Institute in Kyoto, serving from 1934 to 1938.

This postcard, dated January 31, 1938, was sent from Berlin, Germany, via Siberia. As I do not understand German, I relied on an online translator.

"Thank you very much, esteemed Professor, for your most sincere wishes for the New Year that I just received. Since it's never too late to congratulate, I would like to warmly reciprocate your wishes and express my gratitude, with fond memories of our shared beautiful moments in Kyoto. Yours faithfully." 

It seems to be signed by A. Oster(?). 

1938年、ドイツから F. M. Trautz教授へのはがき