next in line would replace him. As each individual matoi-mochi collapsed and fell from the roof, another would assume responsibility for spinning the matoi until the fire was extinguished by fellow hikeshi working below.
Known for their acrobatic skill and athletic abilities, the hashigo-mochi would station themselves in strategic locations around the fire. Bracing a ladder upright with several sasumata, long wooden poles with a U-shaped iron appendage, one hashigo-mochi would then climb to the top. After noting the wind’s direction and speed from his perch high above on the ladder, the hashigo-mochi would then assume a predefined acrobat-like position to signal the wind conditions to those below. Based on their observations of several hashigo-mochi stationed on temporarily erected ladders around the fire, supervisors on the ground could then judge the fire’s direction and decide on the best locations for creating firebreaks to stop it from spreading.
In return for these services, the respective neighborhoods provided hikeshi with a small salary and a suit of clothing made of a special thickly woven cotton. When doused with water, this heavy clothing provided limited protection from burns. Although admired greatly by the common people for their courage and personal sacrifice, the city’s firefighters also quickly earned a reputation for their course language, quick temper, and rough-and-tumble manners.
Feudal life on the road
Highway travel was common during the feudal era, or Edo period. There were three main roads between Edo and the former capital city of Kyoto: the T
Because wheeled vehicles were banned, for fear of providing rapid transport of arms and troops in case of revolt, travelers either walked, rode on horseback, or were carried in kag, a sort of one-person carriage carried on the shoulders of bearers. Made of split bamboo, the kag
Wealthier clients often rode in norimon, a larger version of the kag
To maintain control and to prevent smuggling of illegal weapons or untaxed goods, the sh
In addition to the seki, a series of shuku-ba (inn or lodging) towns15 was established at short intervals along major highways, each with official permission granted by the sh
For example, the residents and businesses in each shuku-ba town were required to provide a specific number of horses and riders to carry official messages and commercial goods. They were also expected to maintain the road within their jurisdictions, as well as provide lodging for officials and important visitors. Official government business travelers and parties accompanying the daimy
Lesser officials and wealthy commoners would spend the night in a variety of hatago (lodging houses). Services and accommodations in these hatago varied considerably based on the patrons and the amount charged. Poorer travelers could choose from cheaper inns called kichin-yado. For a much lower price, the kichin-yado usually offered only a simple room or even shared sleeping accommodations and possibly a common area for cooking food.
CHAPTER 2
Crime and punishment in Edo
While the rise of the Tokugawa sh
Certain lawbreakers were even viewed in a positive light, idolized as protectors of the common people while rebelling against governmental oppression and widespread bureaucratic corruption. Referred to as otokodate (young man) or machi-yakko (street fellow), they were often considered virtuous and daring by many ordinary law-abiding citizens. Although otokodate were frequently little more than common criminals themselves, they were generally highly regarded in their respective
