Next, we headed out to Ganryujima island, location of the legendary duel between Japan's premier swordsman - Miyamoto Musashi - and Sasaki Kojiro. Via the ever thorough Wikipedia - Miyamoto Musashi - :
"In April 13, 1612, Musashi (aged approximately 30) had his most famous duel with Sasaki KojirÅ who wielded a nodachi. Musashi came late and unkempt to the appointed place — the remote island of Funajima, north of Kokura. The duel was short and Musashi killed his opponent with a bokken that he had carved from an oar while traveling to the island. Musashi designed it to be longer than the nodachi, making it closer to a modern suburito.
Musashi's late arrival is controversial. Sasaki's outraged supporters thought it was dishonorable and disrespectful while many others thought it was a fair way to unnerve his opponent. Another theory is that Musashi timed the hour of his arrival to match the turning of the tide. The tide carried him to the island then it turned by the time the fight ended. After his victory, Musashi immediately jumped back in his boat and his flight from Sasaki's vengeful allies was thus helped by the turning tide."
We ended up taking the boat ride over with a group of kids out on a trip. Entirely too cute, all wrapped up in their raincoats and whatnot. Day-glo munchkins.
We finally got to the statue, site of the best pictures of the day.
Thanks to the magic of the rain, and the need for umbrellas, we were equipped with capable umbrella-swords, all of us. I was the first to wield mine, getting soaked in the process, from - please note - the appropriate roped off distance.
But when Bachan saw me being a goofball, she promptly hopped the rope - old Japanese women know no fear - and started posing. So I quickly joined her, of course. From an historical perspective, Bachan - in Musashi's position - should emerge victorious. I think I could take her though.
And then Sandy and I had a go.
View of the bridge from Ganryujima.
More pics tomorrow.
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