The head of Okimakuro Tomozawa Family succeeded to the name of ‘Hikoshichi’ at the 4th, 5th, 6th, and 8th generation. According to the anniversary of their death, these four people seem to have parent‐child relationships, and tombstones for each couple are standing in Kannondo grave site. The 7th generation head was Yasaburo, but he died young. He seems to be the eldest son of Hikoshichi VI, and the elder brother of Hikoshichi VIII.
My grandfather had left a book entitled Hakuseiji-rebuilding Story. This book seems to be written by Tando (Yataro) Hayashi in May 1966 (Showa 41st), printed in October 1974 (Showa 49th), and distributed to supporters of Hakuseiji (in the period of 20th generation Chief Priest of Hakuseiji, Reiyo). This seems to be written about reconstruction of the main building of Hakuseiji carried out between April 1816 (Bunka 13rd) and November 1821 (Bunsei 4th) based on archives left in Hakuseiji.
In a description about the donation record at that time, it was found in the list of expensive donation ‘One-kanme from The Sake Dealer (Tomozawa in later period)'. The name ‘The Sake Dealer in Susaki’ was also found in the donor list of roofing tiles on a board at east side of the main building of Hakuseiji. In addition, it was also described that ‘The Sake Dealer Hikoshichi’ was among the managers of construction, demonstrating that Okikamuro Tomozawa Family was making a living by running a liquor shop at that time.
It seems that the matter of money on reconstruction of the main building lead to the resignation of the chief priest and Shoya (Village chief) after the completion. It was described that Tomozawa Family took Shoya from Ishizaki Family in 1822 (Bunsei 5th). It seems that the new Shoya from Tomozawa Family was Hikoshichi VI.
Hikoshichi VI died in 1832 (Tempo 3rd), and then the 11th Chief Priest of Hakuseiji, An-yo (died in 1862, Bunkyu 2nd), seems to have put the Kako-cho (Hakuseiji record book) of Okikamuro Tomozawa Family in order. I think the Originator Soemon-Noriaki (Daikoin), and maybe the mother of Hikoshichi IV (Jissoin), were awarded their Ingo title for the achievement of Hikoshichi VI as Shoya.
According to Towa Town History Book, ‘Hikoshichi Tomozawa, the Shoya of Okikamuro’ was one of the investors for the development of saltpans in Komatsu by Mohri clan after the severe famine in Tempo period. The famine was between Tempo 4th and 7th, therefore this Hikoshichi is the 8th generation. His wife was named Moto, whose father Soetsu Aoki was described in Towa Town History Book to be a medical doctor in Agenosho in Tempo period.
Tomozawa Family grave area at the top of Kannondo grave site. Tombstones for successive Hikoshichi couples are standing.
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