Who Was Kobori Kazunosuke (小堀数之助) of Takahashi, Bitchu?

 

In the late 19th century, small acts like sending a letter or a postcard could carry big stories. One such story is that of Kobori Kazunosuke, a traveler whose postcards from 1888 to 1892 give us a glimpse into a life full of movement and connections. His journey is closely tied to Maeda Yoshihiko, an artist and art teacher in Kobe, who lived at a time when Japan was changing rapidly during the Meiji era.

Kobori Kazunosuke’s story comes to life through six postcards he sent to Maeda Yoshihiko in Kobe. Each one, with its postmark and date, shows us a man who was constantly on the move:

Bitchu, Takahashi (Okayama): November 5, 1888

Bitchu, Minagi (Okayama): July 14, 1889

Bitchu, Tamashima: July 15, 1890

Bizen, Okayama: June 21, 1890

Settsu, Osaka: August 23, 1891

Settsu, Osaka: January 18, 1892

From the quiet towns of Okayama to the bustling streets of Osaka, Kobori left traces of his journey. But why was he traveling so much? Was he a merchant, an official, or something else? The postcards don’t give us all the answers, but they spark our imagination.

At the center of this story is Maeda Yoshihiko, an artist and teacher living in Kobe. Born in 1849 in Takahashi, Bitchu, Maeda came from a low-ranking samurai family. His upbringing taught him discipline and a love for the arts, which he carried into his work as Japan modernized.

Maeda and Kobori’s connection likely started in their hometown. Maybe they were childhood friends, or their families were close. Whatever the reason, their bond was strong enough for Kobori to turn to Maeda for help when he traveled. Maeda was more than just a friend; he was someone who understood the importance of keeping old connections alive in a changing world.

The postcards reveal bits and pieces about Kobori’s life. In July 1889, a card from Kumoi (雲井) was sent to Kobori, care of Maeda in Kobe. This shows that Kobori stayed with Maeda during his travels. Another postcard, sent in January 1889 from Bitchu, Takahashi, came from another Kobori, though their full name is unclear. Could this have been a relative? A brother, cousin, or even his father? It’s clear that the Kobori family and Maeda shared a close relationship.

These postcards were exchanged during a time when Japan was changing fast. The Meiji Restoration brought in Western ideas and technologies, but also the challenge of preserving traditional values. Kobori’s travels suggest he might have been working in trade or administration, roles that required navigating this new world. Meanwhile, Maeda used his art and teaching to help others appreciate both Japan’s traditions and its modern future.

Kobori Kazunosuke’s story remains incomplete, told only through fragments. Yet these fragments—the places he visited, the people he wrote to—show a man deeply tied to his roots, yet eager to explore the wider world. His friendship with Maeda Yoshihiko shows how trust and connections could thrive even in times of great change.