今週、桜の咲き誇る高知でツアーをした。自分のルーツでもあり、また、年に数回業務をしていた高知だが、新型コロナ発生後3年ぶりの帰郷だ。午前中、欧米のゲスト38人を市内に案内し、午後は桂浜へ。この間約30分は龍馬33年の人生を解説。日頃、龍馬の解説をすることなどほとんど無いが、この日だけは龍馬全開だ。
This week I gave a tour in Kochi, where the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. Kochi is where I have one of my roots and where I used to give tours several times a year, but this was my first visit in three years since the outbreak of the COVID-19. In the morning, I guided 38 guests from overseas, mainly from the USA, UK, and in the afternoon went to Katsurahama Beach. On the way to the beach, I spent a whole 30 minutes explaining Ryoma's 33-year life. I rarely give explanations about Ryoma in the tours, but it was a different story since I was in Kochi.
【高知城下に広がる桜と街並み~Cherry blossoms and townscape spreading below Kochi Castle】
（龍馬の知名度が低い）欧米人の反応は・・・？ 高齢の方はもちろん、若い方も身を乗り出し自分の話に耳を傾けてくれた。そして桂浜へ・・・、龍馬像を目にし、その価値観も大きく変ってくる。きっと、欧米人の心に龍馬の名前はしっかりと刻み込まれた事だろう。
The reaction of guests who generally do not know about Ryoma? Then, to Katsurahama Beach, where huge Ryoma statue stands. The statue of Ryoma erected on the hill must have gained in value. Ryoma must have been firmly inscribed in their minds.
【夕暮れのはりまや橋付近 Near Harimaya Bridge, downtown at sunset 】
永年の経験の中でも会心、完璧と思えるツアーはめったにない。何故か、それは高知だけで起こる。逆に、謂れのない理由で苦情を頂いたのも高知、以降、誤解を生まないよう対策を立てるようになった。こうしてガイドとして成長させてくれるのが、ここ高知。
Even in my long experience, it is very difficult to find a perfect tour. For some reason, it happens only in Kochi as this time. On the other hand, I received complaints from guests in Kochi for an unjustified reason, and I have taken measures to avoid misunderstandings since then. Kochi is always a place where helps me grow as a guide.
【桂浜に立つ龍馬像 Ryoma Statue standing on Katsurahama Beach】
【Ryoma Sakamoto】
「（とりわけ身分階級制度の厳しかった）土佐を変えるには日本を変えるしかない！！」そう決意し、命を賭して脱藩した26歳の青年。途方もないその夢をたった6年で実現したが、直後に刺客に襲われ暗殺された。天に与えられた使命を果たすため、彼はこの世に生を受けたのかもしれない。その龍馬が自分に力を貸してくれている？？？のかもしれない。
Tosa, present Kochi, where the caste system was particularly strict.
A 26-year-old young man determined to change a whole Japan to change his domain, and left his homeland without permission from authorities.
Those days in Tosa, desertion from the domain could be death penalty.
Ryoma was assassinated shortly after realizing that tremendous dream just over 6 years. He must have come into this world to fulfill the mission given to him by the heavens. That Ryoma is always helping me? Maybe???
【脱藩直前に立ち寄った神社 The shrine Ryoma visited before desertion】
約10年ぶりに訪れた和霊神社、地元に知る人も少ない。桜を観に行くと家族に伝え、そのまま脱藩。最後に寄ったのがこの神社。あの"坂本龍馬"はここから始まった！！
I visited Warei Shrine for the first time in about 10 years, and few locals knew this shrine. Ryoma told his family that he was going to see the cherry blossoms, and then I left the country. The last stop was this shrine. That "Sakamoto Ryoma" was born here!
