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About Kichiji Kaneuri and the Heian period

Did Kichiji Kaneuri actually existed?

Starting “Gikeiji", ”Heijimonogatari”, ”Heikemonogatari”, ”Genpei Jōsuiki”, It appears in the Gunki Monogatari that was established after the Kamakura period, but there is no evidence that he actually existed. It is said to be a legendary person.
Nobutaka Kichiji, Kitsuji, Sueharu Kichiji, the names and expressions differ depending on the book, but going back and forth between the capital and Oshu as a gold merchant, it is said that he was the person who drew Minamoto no Yoshitsune to Hidehira Fujiwara of Hiraizumi.

Do you have any records that Kichiji Kaneuri actually lived around KAGUYA?

There is a description in "Hana Raku Ancient Map” which was appendix of Kyoto souvenir "Kyo no Mizu" sold in the Edo period. You can see the collection of the National Diet Library Kansei 3rd year edition (1791 AD) on the internet.
However, this figure is a tradition at that time, There is no fact supported by documents or excavation with a produced thing about a residence of Kichiji Kaneuri by a historical investigation. Produced based on literature and archaeological excavations,“Heian-kyozu" (Reference)the area is blank. We hope you enjoy it as a historical romance about Kichiji Kaneuri.

-KAGUYA Enlarged view of the surrounding area ("Karaku Oukozu")

- "Karaku Oukozu" (Digital Collections, Library Of Congress)

You can see the digitally archived crisp images at the link below

-Digital archive version of "Karaku Oukzu"

Where exactly was Heiankyo in Kyoto?

It was located in the center of Kyoto city. Many of the streets of the time still exist in the city, Nijo street(Nijyo-ouji), Nishikikouji street (Nishikikouji), Muromachi street(Muromachikoji), there are many streets where the names of the time are used.

At ”Ancient Kyoto, Yamashiro over ray map” (Made by Ritsumeikan Art Research Center), You can see a map of Heiankyo superimposed on a modern map. Also, About Heiankyo, you can go for a tour of the 1/1000 restored model of Heiankyo and actually experience the lifestyle of those days at the following facilities in Kyoto city

-About Heian-kyo

-Ancient Kyoto, Yamashiro Overlay Map

-Heian-Kyō Creation Museum, Kyoto City

What kind of place was the area around KAGUYA during the Heian period?

According to literature and archaeological excavations, there are many backs of “Satouchi”, which were considered to be the temporary palace of the emperor. There are aristocratic mansions including the regents, it was a district like a luxury residential area. Please see each figure below for details.

“Satouchi”: It is a temporary imperial palace which was inside the Heiankyo when repairing Heian Miyauchi back burned down by a fire. It was also used as a residence after abdication. Private residences of aristocrats such as the regents, in many cases, the villa is remodeled and used as the back of the village. At the end of the Heian period, it was customary to make the back of the village the Imperial Palace.

-KAGUYA Area Map

-"Heian-kyozu" (The Kyoto Municipal Research Institute for Archaeological Properties)

Posting of the above materials about references by link is posted with the permission or consent of each of the following organizations.
・National Diet Library
・Kyoto City Archaeological Research Institute
・Kyoto city lifelong learning center (Kyoto Asny)
・Ritsumeikan University Art Research Center
・Iwase Bunko Library