日本語

■Saitou Kenseki
Kujukurihama Heiya is one of the most prominent coastal plains in Japan. Dragnet fishing in Kujukurihama developed from the end of the Sengoku period to the beginning of the Edo period, resulting in one of the most prominent fishing industries in all of Japan. In the Bunsei period 12 (1829), there were six families of dragnet fishing boss in Minami- and Kita-imaizumi mura, and five families in Shitegi mura. Among these, the most prominent fishing bosses were Kamishiro Hirazaemon of Kita-imaizumi mura and Saitou Shirouemon of Shitegi mura.
The Saito family originally served Toke Sakai shi as former minister, and after the downfall of Sakai shi, they made their home in Shitegi mura. Afterward, the bosses of the Kujukuri dragnet fishing industry became famous across the country.
The sardine fishing industry exploded, resulting in great wealth for the fishing clans of Kujukurinohama. Gensaku (later called Kenseki), the second son of the 10th Shirouemon, was born in the Kansei period 10 (1798) and adopted at 14 years of age. He later returned to his original family's home as the 12th Shirouemon, and took over headship while waiting for his brother's son to mature, then handed over the headship to him at the age of 28.
It was then that ships from other countries began to appear offshore in Kujukuri. Eight different approaches were confirmed in the 21 years from the Bunsei period 8 (1825) to the Kouka period 3 (1846), with one appearing offshore from Imaizumi mura.
The recently freed Kensseki began to develop an affinity for writing and drawing. Kenseki loved elegance, learning from Shinozaki Shichoku, a scholar of the Chinese classics from his hometown, and enjoying the companionship of many Confucians and tea ceremony masters. He was initiated into the secrets of painting while studying under Takaku Aigai and Tsubaki Chinzan.
In the Meiji period 2 (1869), Miyazaku Prefecture (currently known as Honkoku temple in Miyazaku, Oamishirasato machi) was placed in Honkoku temple in Miyazaku, Oami shuku, Yamanobe gun, Kazusa no kuni, and Shibayama Ten left for the post of first governor of Miyazaku Prefecture.
　
■Ishii Souseki
Souseki, the third son of Ishii Tarou Hyoue born in the Meiji period 6 (1873) in Shitegi during the time when the tempestuous period of the restoration finally began to settle down, is said to have had the childhood name of Ishimatsu. Souseki, who was awakened to writing and seal engraving at a young age, frequently visited the home of Saitou Shirouemon family, one of the most prominent fishing bosses in Kujukuri, because of having a relation by marriage. On these visits he was able to experience writings, drawings, antiques, and other works of art firsthand, which laid the groundwork for birthing one of the great seal engravers later on.
At the age of 33 he studied under Hamamura Zouroku, a distinguished seal engraver since the Edo period, continuously learning the craft of seal engraving for nearly 30 years. Upon retiring from military service at the age of 50, he focused on researching as a specialist and guiding for successors. It is said that Souseki's pieces not only showcase the beauty of his characters, but that his sharp cuts express the strength of the seal engraving's unique lines like iron. Later, his superior workmanship resulted in many requests for important seals from the University of Tokyo, Ministry of Education, and other government agencies.
　
■Ishii Rinkyou
Ishii Kisaburou (Rinkyou) was born in the Meiji period 17 (1884). Born and raised in a rich natural environment, Rinkyou enjoyed drawing pictures of birds and flowers. Rinkyou learned at Oami higher elementary school, then advanced to Chiba junior high school under the prewar education system and began his journey on the road to becoming an artist.
The Sino-Japanese war with China (Shin chou), called the "Touyou no nemureru shishi", began in August, the Meiji period 27 (1894) and ended the following year in a victory for Japan, followed by a war with the military power of Russia in the Meiji period 37 (1904).
During this time, Rinkyou studied under Hashimoto Gahou, actively releasing new works of art, awarded for excellence that surpassed all others, and becoming known in the art world by the name of Ishii Rinkyou (Tenpu).
Rinkyou established a studio in Miyazaku in the Taishou period 15 (1926). Surrounded by his beloved birds and nature, he continued creating works of art in Miyazaku.
The peaceful town was beset by hardship at the beginning of　the Shouwa period due to the Showa Depression and wars. The Pacific War in particular was a cause for concern for many people.
After the war, food shortages resulted in supply concerns in the town, however, the long-awaited Ryousou yousui was completed in the Shouwa period 33 (1958), providing water for rice paddies in reorganized farmlands.
The conversion of the Sotobo Line to electric trains and double-tracking in the Shouwa period 47 (1972), brought the town into the commuting sphere, making more active town development necessary.