A study on the Origin of Seigyu (Crib Spur) in Japan

on the basis of historical documents “Jikatasyo”

Abstract

It is said that the Fuji River is the origin of Seigyu (crib spur) which is known as one of the typical traditional river works in Japan. This paper is to investigate the origin of Seigyu in this country by pursuing the kind of historical documents which include the description about the origin of Seigyu. Under the historical document “Jikatahanreiroku” published in 1794, there was a description about Seigyu as “Seigyu is a river method which originate from the period of Shingen, it was used as a measure of large rivers in Kosyu region”. This description is the origin and the tradition of “Seigyu originated at 'the large rivers in Kosyu' which is Fuji River” started to be known.
Also, inclusive of the investigation about the origin of Seigyu, the regional differences of river works which could be read from the historical documents was observed.