No.2 Koukichi was born

Long ago, there was the small port town named Hachihama faced the Kojima Bay in Okayama. And in this town there was a small inn called "Sakuraya". The master's name of "Sakuraya" was Seibei, and his wife was called Yura. He was a good cook on traditional Japanese cuisine. They served good food, and worked with all their might.
Therefore, Sakuraya was famous for many fishermen and boatmen.

A boy was born for a married couple of the Seibei and Yura in 1757.

This baby was named Koukichi. His elder sister and elder brother took care of Koukichi. And, a younger brother, Yasaku was born when Koukichi was 2 years old. The "Sakuraya" had 6 members of the family.

They loved each other, and they were very happy.

In Hachihama there was a shoaling beach on the north side, and there were two hills on east and west side. And, all people in this town were willing to live with this climate. The whole district was rich in changes of the four seasons. And several eagles were flying in the blue sky over the east side hill anytime.

In this town, there was the Shinto shrine called "Hachimangu".

There was a boy named Ozaki Tamon on this shrine, and he was 1 year younger than Koukichi. Yasaku, Koukichi and Tamon who lived in the neighborhood played tag with loud voice. They were running around Hachihama area.

But, when Koukichi was 7 years old, suddenly unhappiness happened.

Koukichi's father, Seibei died. His elder sister was 13 years old, his elder brother was 11 years old, and Yasaku was 5 years old.
Seibei's 4 children were too young. Koukichi's mother were worried about 4 children in their future.

Then, she decided as follows, Koukichi's uncle managed "Sakuraya" until her eldest son grew up. Her relatives took care of Koukichi and Yasaku. And she left Yasaku in the care of Manbei who was his uncle, the owner of a mounting shop in Okayama. It was a matter of regret that there was no record about Koukichi's sister.

I conjectured that her destiny was unhappiness. And, Koukichi began to work as an apprentice at an umbrella workshop in Hachihama.

Yasaku cried on the ship for Okayama, he said good bye to Koukichi and his mother. Koukichi cried at the port, too.