Ichimura Family Documents

The Ichimura family in Sakahama has preserved numerous ancient documents and historical materials from the Edo period to the Meiji period. The Ichimura family served as village officials in Sakahama during the Edo period, and most of the documents were created as a result of their official duties. The contents include land survey records of Sakahama village during the Edo period, documents related to tax, documents concerning the appointment and dismissal of village officials, and documents related to shrines and temples, covering a wide range of topics. The 1,066 ancient documents from the Edo period, which are the most in the city, can be considered among the finest historical materials in terms of both quality and quantity. The documents were created over a period of 239 years, from the 6th year of the Kan'ei era (1629) to the 4th year of the Keio era (1868), providing valuable resources to understand the conditions of Sakahama village at that time and the lives of the farmers who lived there.

Water Collection Record of Tada, Sakahama Village, Tama District, Musashi Province (Documents of the Ichimura Family 36)

This is the land survey record of Sakahama Village created in the 3rd year of the Horeki era (1753). A land survey record is an official document that records the results of land surveys conducted for each village. The land survey record includes details such as the location of the land, its classification (grade), area, and the name of the cultivator. By confirming this information, the aim was to secure the annual tax (harvested rice) collected each year. The city and village office has preserved a total of 10 land survey records from the 3rd year of the Horeki era and the 10th year of the Tenpo era (1839).

Sakahama Village Tax Allocation Document (City and Village Family Documents 1)

The tax allocation document is a billing document that specifies the taxes to be paid for that year by location. This document was issued by the shogunate's deputy, Mr. Nakano, to the village officials of the Ichimura family, and it is the oldest tax allocation document created in the city, dating back to the 6th year of the Kan'ei era (1629). Additionally, there are many documents remaining that serve as receipts for the taxes paid, known as the tax payment completion certificates.

Notice Regarding Appointment of Village Head and Permission for Surname and Sword Carrying (Ichimura Family Documents 290)

This is a directive issued by the local magistrate's office upon the change of the village head in 1857. In that year, the village head of Sakahama changed from Tominaga Isaeemon to his son, Ginpei. The new village head, Ginpei, was granted permission to bear a surname and carry a sword. Since Ginpei was ill, it was instructed that the group leader would perform official duties such as traveling to the government office on his behalf. This document provides insight into the Ichimura family, who served as the group leaders of Sakahama Village.

Certificate Regarding the Settlement of a Dispute Concerning the Lion Head at the Tenman Shrine Festival (City and Village Family Documents 108)

This is a document from the 6th year of Bunsei (1823) regarding the festival of Tenman Shrine in Sakahama. At that time, the festival of Tenman Shrine was held every year on August 25, and during this festival, the lion head would parade around the house of the head role. This document records a dispute that arose over trivial matters regarding this, which was settled through negotiation.

Kayakawari Cooperative Ledger (City and Village Family Documents 89)

During the Edo period, re-roofing of houses was carried out as a communal task among villagers. This was because the re-roofing work required many hands and considerable expense. This document, created in 1814, records a mutual aid association (where members contribute funds to carry out a project) conducted in Sakahama Village for re-roofing. Each villager contributed 200 mon in cash, 5 bundles of rope, and 2 bundles of firewood, and it was decided that each would assist for three days during the re-roofing work.

Reference Bibliography: "Ancient Documents of Inagi City (Volume 1)", "Inagi City History, Upper Volume", "Inagi City Historical Materials, Volume 2"