| After the Meiji Restoration that put an end to the
Tokugawashogunate, the former Aizu clan decided to continue as the Tonami clan. The Aomori
Prefecture applied the government to accept the clan, and got approval from the Ministry
of Finance.
Yasuto Hirosawa, who was a member of the clan, constructed the first modern, Western-style
farm in Japan, at Yachigashira in Misawa City. He contributed to the development of the
livestock industry in Japan. Yasuto and Hiroki Ota, who was a member of the former
Hachinohe clan, invited two Englishmen, Lusiy and Mckinnon, in 1872, just after the
establishment of Aomori Prefecture.
They founded a company named "Kaibokusha" to run the new stock farm. They bred
and improved cattle and horses at the vast ranch. Their business succeeded through good
planning and timely action, as well as through consideration for their workers.
Their frontier spirit caused a drastic change in the Japanese livestock industry.
Recently, the "Tourist Village Commemorating the Tonami Clan" was created
at Yachigashira in Misawa City, on the site of the first modern Western farm in Japan.
A historic area to gain knowledge of the local history, a recreation area and a memorial
hall are scattered about a natural field to offer visitors an intellectual experience. The
Pioneer Memorial Hall exhibits materials related to Yasuto Hirosawa, as well as displaying
the history of reclamation visually. There are also a thatched cottage called Rokujukyushu
Sodo, ume-orchards, a pony riding ground, an open-air theater, a small animal park, and a
model pioneer village. The visitor can enjoy strolling the 110,000 square meters
of ground
amid the dynamic natural beauty.
~ This passage
courtesy of the Misawa City Home Page
|
