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Pride in Hyakuman-goku Culture
Many of the traditional cultures of Ishikawa Prefecture would not have been successful without
the support and patronage Kaga Clan's lords, who were the ruling power of the region during the
feudal days. Beginning from Toshiie, the founder of Kaga clan (1538-1599), through practicing
in tea ceremonies or otherwise, generations of Kaga lords displayed keen interests in the cultural
affairs. Toshiie was not only a war lord but also a protege of Senno Rikyu, the grand master of
tea ceremony. Toshitsune, the 3rd lord of Kaga (1593-1658) was an o utstandingly cultured feudal
lord.
As is often referred in the expression "Kaga Hyakuman-goku", Kaga was a rich and powerful clan
next to Tokugawa during the Edo period. As Kaga was a Tozama, or non-ally to Tokugawa, it did
not want to draw suspicion for rebellion from Tokugawa. Toshitsune purposely supported the
development of cultural affairs to avert such suspicion and at the same time to exhibit the clan's
power in the cultural affairs.
During Toshitsune's reign, he invited masters of art and craftsmen from all over the country,
including Kobori Enshu, the grand master of tea ceremony. Besides collecting art objects for tea
ceremonies, he also promoted manufacturing arts and crafts in the region.
One of Toshitsune's achievements was that he provided foundation for Kaga Craftsmen's House. The
Craftsmen's House was at first the repair shops of armors and weapons but Toshitsune had the House
transformed into manufacturing and repairing studios of lords' household furnishings and furniture.
He invited renowned skilled craftsmen from Kyoto and Edo and had them teach the locals. The skills
and techniques were gradually spread among the local citizens.
Kanazawa Castle, a symbol
of Kaga Hyakuman-goku |  |
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