【渡辺・渡邊・渡部】ワタナベさんにはなぜ幾つもの仕様があるのかというお話です。平民苗字必称義務令

Summary

The video script explores the historical context of surnames in Japan, particularly focusing on the Edo period when commoners did not have surnames, which were symbols of social status. It narrates the transition into the Meiji era, where the government encouraged平民 (commoners) to adopt surnames, reflecting a shift towards a more egalitarian society. The story humorously illustrates the confusion and various versions of the surname '渡辺' that emerged due to the government's policy and people's unfamiliarity with the practice. The script highlights the cultural and administrative changes that took place, emphasizing the significance of surnames and the amusing anecdotes that arose from this historical period.

Takeaways

• 📜 In the Edo period, commoners did not have surnames, but many had family names due to ancestors with distinguished names.
• 🚫 The Edo shogunate did not permit commoners to use surnames in public, as they were indicators of social status and privileges.
• 🌟 During the Meiji Restoration, the new government encouraged平民苗字許容, allowing all citizens to adopt surnames, reflecting a shift towards social equality.
• 📅 The Meiji government made it mandatory for citizens to have surnames by 1875, emphasizing the need for a proper household registration system for efficient governance.
• 🤔 Many people were initially reluctant to adopt surnames, leading to a surge in applications five years later when the government made it an obligation.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The story illustrates a family deciding on the surname '渡辺' due to an ancestor with the same name, highlighting the personal and familial aspects of surname selection.
• 💬 The characters in the script debate different ways of writing the surname '渡辺', showing the diversity and evolution of written Japanese language.
• 🎵 The script is interspersed with music, suggesting a light-hearted and entertaining approach to discussing historical and cultural topics.
• 🖋️ The mention of '課長の書く渡' being an old-fashioned way of writing the character, indicating a shift towards more modern and standardized writing styles.
• 🏛️ The script uses a government office setting to discuss the broader social changes and the impact of the Meiji government's policies on everyday life.
• 🌐 The story of the three versions of the surname '渡辺' reflects the regional variations and the human tendency to adapt and sometimes make mistakes in the spread of cultural practices.

Q & A

Why did common people not have surnames during the Edo period in Japan?

During the Edo period, common people in Japan did not have surnames because surnames were considered as indicators of social status and privilege. Only those with notable ancestors or certain professions typically had surnames.

What was the government's stance on commoners using surnames during the Edo period?

The Edo government did not permit commoners to use surnames in formal settings, as they were reserved for those with social standing or specific roles in society.

What significant change occurred regarding surnames at the start of the Meiji era?

At the beginning of the Meiji era, the new government allowed and encouraged all citizens, including those without noble status, to adopt surnames. This was a shift from the previous societal structure where only certain classes had the right to use surnames.

Why did the Meiji government make it compulsory for citizens to have surnames?

The Meiji government made it compulsory for citizens to have surnames to establish a more efficient system for administration and military conscription. A well-organized户籍 (household registration) system was necessary for the implementation of modern governance.

What was the result of the government's obligation for citizens to adopt surnames during the Meiji period?

The obligation led to a wide variety of surnames being adopted, as many people were not familiar with the concept and chose surnames based on personal preferences or local influences. This resulted in multiple versions of the same surname, such as different ways to write or pronounce '渡辺'.

How did the character 渡辺 come to be associated with the surname in the story?

In the story, a character named タサ (Tasa) had an ancestor with the title of 中士 (chūshi), which included the character 渡. This led to the adoption of 渡辺 as the surname for Tasa and others in the story.

What was the role of the local government office in the adoption of surnames during the Meiji period?

The local government office played a crucial role in the adoption of surnames by providing a place for citizens to officially register their chosen surnames. This was where citizens like Tasa would go to declare their new surnames.

What were some of the variations in the surname 渡辺 that emerged during the Meiji period?

Different versions of the surname 渡辺 emerged due to regional differences in the characters used and the way they were written or pronounced. This included variations that might have arisen from clerical errors or personal preferences.

How did the process of adopting surnames during the Meiji period reflect the historical context of Japan?

The process of adopting surnames during the Meiji period reflected Japan's transition from a feudal society to a modern, more egalitarian one. It showed the government's efforts to create a more uniform and efficient system of governance and social organization.

What was the significance of the surname 渡辺 in the story's context?

In the story, the surname 渡辺 was significant as it represented a common choice for people adopting surnames during the Meiji period. It also highlighted the confusion and variety that arose from the sudden obligation to choose and use surnames.

How did the characters in the story react to the new policy of adopting surnames?

The characters in the story had mixed reactions. Some embraced the opportunity to choose a surname with a sense of excitement and novelty, while others might have been reluctant or confused, leading to various versions of the same surname being used.