Hirose Memorial Museum Special Exhibition: Traces of the First-Generation Hirose Head, Yoshimon - From Besshi Copper Mine to Edo Fudasashi

About this event

The Niihama City Hirose Memorial Museum is holding its Reiwa 8 Special Exhibition titled 'Traces of the First-Generation Hirose Head, Yoshimon: From Besshi Copper Mine to Edo Fudasashi.' This exhibition focuses on the life of Yoshimon Yoshiyasu Hirose (1798–1867), adoptive father of Saihei Hirose. In Tenpo 14 (1843), Yoshimon was promoted from manager at the Besshi Copper Mine to manager of the Edo Asakusa Rice Shop, which operated as a fudasashi (financial broker). Under the difficult situation immediately following his appointment—an order for interest-free annual installment repayments of fudasashi loans—he possessed the skill to restore the distressed management. His appointment as manager of the Asakusa Rice Shop, which required completely different expertise from his previous position, was due to the high regard for his honest and diligent character. In the 'Guidance Notes on Duties at Edo Asakusa Rice Shop,' which Yoshimon prepared as a memorandum upon stepping down from the shop, records remain showing that he actively absorbed knowledge of the fudasashi business and managed with a strong sense of responsibility. Through this special exhibition, while tracing the life of Yoshimon Yoshiyasu Hirose, visitors can gain a deep understanding of the mechanics of Edo-period Asakusa fudasashi and the historical flow of the Hirose family.

Venue

Hirose Memorial Museum

2-10-42 Uebara, Niihama, Ehime 792-0046