OKAYAMA KORAKUEN GARDEN

One of the Three Great Gardens of Japan, this example in Okayama Prefecture has a history of 300 years. It was built next to Okayama Castle by Ikeda Tsunamasa, the domain lord of the area, as a place to relax for him, as well as for the people of his domain when granted permission. In times of festive celebration, Tsunamasa appeared in the garden and performed a Noh dance in front of crowds. Such openness was rare in those days. The name of the garden comes from a Chinese proverb “Senyu Koraku” (先憂後楽), meaning “Worry and hardship first, and pleasure later” or “Politicians should worry about the future and take on the hardship first and yield to people when it comes to having fun.” Ritsu could only wish that politicians these days would emulate this spirit.