The History and Construction of Okada Ōike Pond
The exact date when Okada Ōike Pond was constructed is unknown. However, the name “Ōike” appears in records from the Shōtoku era (1711–1716). It is believed that the pond may have been built in the early 17th century by Masakazu Kobori (1579–1647), who served as a regional magistrate in Bitchū Province.
The pond has long been part of the area’s landscape and local history. Its continued presence offers a glimpse into the water management systems that supported communities in earlier times.
Nature and Wildlife
Turtles and fish, including carp and crucian carp, inhabit the pond. During winter, migratory ducks arrive, including Eurasian wigeons, mallards, and common pochards, adding movement and seasonal interest to the waterside scenery.
From the Edo period, when the area was governed by the Okada Domain, until around the 1970s, hunting was prohibited around Okada Ōike Pond. This restriction helped preserve the area’s natural environment and wildlife.
Benten Shrine on Ōike Pond
The Shrine and Its History
The small shrine known as Ōike no Benten stands on Benten Island. It was built by the Okada Domain in 1716 and enshrines Benzaiten, a deity associated with wisdom, fortune, and prosperity.
Benzaiten was originally a Buddhist deity associated with music. Over time, her identity became intertwined with that of Kisshōten, a goddess associated with blessings such as increased wisdom and good fortune, longevity, wealth, protection from natural disasters, and victory in battle.
At Okada Ōike, Benzaiten is depicted holding a wish-fulfilling jewel in her left hand, symbolizing the granting of blessings and prosperity.
A Place of Protection for the Okada Domain
The Okada Domain also enshrined an Inari deity at a nearby shrine. Together with the Benten shrine, it formed part of the area’s places of worship where prayers were offered for the protection and well-being of the domain.
Seishi Yokomizo and Okada Ōike Pond
The Novelist’s Life in the Area
Seishi Yokomizo, one of Japan’s best-known mystery writers, lived in this area for more than three years after evacuating from Tokyo toward the end of World War II. He is said to have frequently walked around Okada Ōike Pond during his stay.
The pond, the Benten shrine, and a statue known as the Nurebotoke, or “Drenched Buddha,” appear in Yokomizo’s work Utsusemi Otome. These real locations became part of the literary landscape associated with his stories.
The Pond in Utsusemi Otome
The descriptions of Okada Ōike Pond in Utsusemi Otome closely reflect the scenery Yokomizo encountered in real life. Beside the pond stands the Nurebotoke statue. The word “Hōkai” is carved into its pedestal, identifying it as a Hōkai Jizō, a statue of Jizō Bodhisattva associated with the Buddhist concept of the universal realm.
Descriptions in Yokomizo’s other novel, The Honjin Murders, also evoke the landscape and atmosphere of the area, further connecting the pond with his literary world.
Landscapes and Characters That Inspired Yokomizo
Memories of His Wife, Takako
Yokomizo’s wife, Takako, recalled that west of the hamlet of Sakura in Okada Village, where their evacuation residence stood, was the estate of the Katō family, known locally as Ōkatō. This residence is considered a model for the house featured in The Honjin Murders.
Utsusemi Otome, meanwhile, is said to be set around the home of a branch family of the Katō family. According to Takako’s recollections, Yokomizo once passed the branch family’s house and was drawn to the sound of a woman singing inside. The impression left by the woman’s voice and presence was later reflected in his fiction.
Okada Ōike Pond: Where History and Literature Meet
A Landscape Preserved in Japanese Mystery Fiction
Okada Ōike Pond is significant not only for its natural beauty but also for its connections to local history and literature. The landscapes and characters in Yokomizo’s stories were influenced by his experiences of life in Okada Village and his interactions with its residents. The pond remains a symbolic place where those real-life experiences and fictional worlds intersect.
Preserving Its Heritage for the Future
Protecting Okada Ōike Pond and sharing its historical and literary significance with future generations are important ways to preserve the area’s cultural heritage. More than a scenic destination, the pond offers visitors an opportunity to explore the history of Mabi and discover the real landscapes that helped inspire one of Japan’s celebrated mystery writers.
Whether you are interested in nature, traditional beliefs, or Japanese detective fiction, a visit to Okada Ōike Pond provides a quiet and meaningful way to experience the cultural character of this historic area.