"Within the city limits, there are 1800 names", says Mr. Shimada. When names
were changed and regions amalgamated under the 'District numbering' regulation of 1876,
nearly all the old historical names were lost. Mr. Shimada clarified the etymology of the
place names using 'Kanbunjuninensuicho', an Edo period land register, and by speaking with
older citizens.
He also produced an index cross-referencing district numbers with place names. 74 maps
of old Kiryuu used at City Hall are being amended as a result of Mr. Shimada's research.
Each region is notated in the following way - ○○ city ○○○ district number; there
are some cases where the traditional place name has been erased. "Place names are
evidence of people's lives and culture. It is a shame to just leave them buried in the
past." |
