The great man of Kanazawa Shintaro Ohashi

(Ohashi family storehouse)

Born in 1863 (1863) under Echigo Nagaoka Castle.
He took over the publisher "Hakubunkan" established by his father, Sahei Ohashi in 1887 (1887), and the magazine "Japan Big Theory" invented by Shintaro became a huge hit. After that, he started many magazines such as "Sun" and built an era in the publishing world.
In addition, Sahei started to establish a library, but died without waiting for the opening. Shintaro took over his will and built Japan's first full-fledged private library, the Ohashi Library, in 1902. At that time, there were few libraries that were open to the public, and it was a great success.
When the management of Hakubunkan is on track, Shintaro expands his range of activities from the publishing world to the political and business world. After earning the trust of Eiichi Shibusawa at Tokyo Gas Co., Ltd., he became a director, and from there he will be involved in the management of more than 50 large companies, including Nippon Kokan, Nippon Yusen, and Dai-ichi Life.
He also played an active part in the political world as a member of the Tokyo City Council, a member of the House of Representatives, and a House of Lords.

Botanen (Kusuyama Nagao Collection Kanagawa Prefectural Kanazawabunko)

Shintaro liked the scenic Kanazawa, and around 1905 (1905), built a villa on the site of Kaiganniji, east of Shomeiji Temple. After that, he built Botanen on the adjacent land and moved the peony planted in Nagashima's house. At the time of the flowering, the garden was opened and a large number of visitors came.
Shintaro also engages in activities that link Tokyo with the local economy. When Nippon Steel moved into Kanazawa, Shintaro realized the protection of Kanazawa's landscape and the active hiring of local people with high wages.

In 1928 (1928), Kanagawa Governor Hiroshi Ikeda asked Shintaro to donate 50,000 yen (current amount of about 500 million yen) to rebuild Kanazawabunko, which was destroyed by the Great Kanto Earthquake. Shintaro accepted it on condition that Kanagawa Prefecture maintains and preserves it forever. Even after construction, Shintaro set up Kanazawabunko, continued donating, and advertised it.

Ochikei ceremony at Hakkakudo (provided by Nobuko Sakai)

Shintaro and Mrs. Sumako, who had a strong religion of Buddhism, made a donation to rebuild the main hall and bell tower of Shomeiji Temple, which had been devastated by the Great Kanto Earthquake.
Also, in 1935 (1935), in commemoration of the 660th anniversary of the founder Sanetoki Hojo, 100 Kanzeon Bodhisattva were placed in Miyama, including Kanazawa on the precincts, and a pilgrimage course was created. Was made.
It was said that worshiping all 100 Kannon-sama would benefit, and it was very lively as a tourist destination.

Current octagonal (photographed by Junichi Kataoka)