Matsue’s Ridge, Praised by Lafcadio Hearn, Is Shaken

Matsue ー The scenic city of Matsue is embroiled in controversy over the construction of a new 57.03 meter, 19-story residential tower by an Osaka-based real estate agent. Critics argue that the towering structure, which matches the height of the city’s historic landmark, Matsue Castle, will impact views of the 400-year-old castle town, a concern echoed by citizens and experts.

 

The Matsue City and its Landscape Review Deliberative Council greenlighted the project by KEIHAN REAL ESTATE Co., Ltd, citing compliance with existing city ordinances: the tower should not obstruct the mountain ridge views visible from the castle keep.

 

Despite these assurances, citizens’ organizations, landscape conservationists, and pundits took a stand against it, urging the preservation of the current landscape. Matsue’s scenery, particularly its mountain ridge views, was famously praised by 19th-century author Lafcadio Hearn and remains celebrated internationally. In a move to demonstrate public sentiment, a wooden signboard crafted in an Edo period style has been set up by citizens in Matsue. Referring to the mayor Akihito Uesada as “Uesada no daikan-sama” (His Excellency, Mr Uesada with archaic style), the signboard pleads, ‘We humbly request you to reconsider this plan’.

 

Although the Landscape Review Delivertive Council initially approved the plan, upon further consideration, nine out of the 12 members objected to it and asked the Mayor to reexamine it.

 

The mayor rejected the citizens’ and the members request in favour of the original decision, stating that “once approved, it cannot be revisited.” The Matsue City Council’s Construction and Environment Committee also supported the mayor’s decision. Instead, the mayor solicited the developer to lower the building’s height five times, but the request was rebuffed due to concerns about unprofitability.

 

Adding to the criticism, Toshi Kashihara, a prominent historian, wrote in the influential Japanese media outlet PRESIDENT Online: This decision will cast a shadow over Matsue City’s aspirations of achieving World Heritage status in the future. It will also bode ill for inbound tourism. His sharp critique excoriated Matsue City and its mayor’s handling of the issue.

 

KEIHAN REAL ESTATE Co., Ltd. maintains that it is proceeding under the law. The project commenced in March last year and is scheduled for completion in November 2026. Meanwhile, city officials are reviewing landscape standards and considering the designation of a restricted altitude zone to regulate building heights, a measure that will not affect the current project.

 

Matsue Castle is the fifth oldest of the 12 keepers in Japan, and it remained intact from the time the castle was built. It was also designated a national treasure in 2015. Following Kyoto and Nara, Matsue City was also recognized as an international cultural tourism city in 1951 under the Matsue International Cultural Tourism City Construction Act. This ongoing dispute has sparked criticism directed at the Matsue city administration and its mayor, raising concerns about the potential damage to Matsue’s cherished scenery. This controversy serves as a litmus test for the future of culture and tourism in Matsue.

 

 

The sign on the hoarding stated as follows:

Appeal to Your Excellency Mr. Uesada,

I humbly write to solicit your esteemed support.

For over 150 years, since the Castle Abolition Edict in the first year of the Meiji era (1868), the citizens of Matsue have diligently woven and safeguarded the rich tapestry of our history, climate, landscape, hometown, and castle town.

Our citizens pour their hearts and souls into preserving the castle town Matsue’s history, climate, and landscape. Nevertheless, an Osaka “merchant” of KEIHAN REAL ESTATE rides roughshod over our unwavering dedication. They brazenly claim that the tower residence epitomizes Matsue, deeming it the highest point in our history.

Could there be a higher absurdity than constructing a 19-storey condominium tower overshadowing Matsue Castle? Thou shouldst protect the rights of thy 190,000 citizens and their cherished hometown.

Is it reasonable for the law to favour unscrupulous merchants who prioritize their interests over the citizens who hold their hometown dear? Such oversight marks a failure compared to other nations.

Indeed, it renders us inferior to every other country.

Konoike Construction Co., Ltd., approving this venture, is a descendant of Yamanaka Shikanosuke, lord of Gassan Toda Castle in the land of Izumo, including the Matsue Clan. This act constitutes nothing less than treason against our homeland.

 

With the highest respect and obedience,

 

Your loyal and modest servant, Kogoto Koubei

 

 

Note: The position of merchants in the social hierarchy was much lower than that of the samurai class in the Edo Period.

(Words and translation by Takashi Saito)

 

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