Ako salt - Akojio

Salt produced in the Ako region of Harima Province (Hyogo Prefecture) along the Seto Inland Sea coast. During the Nara period, this area became a manor of Todaiji Temple, and records of salt production can already be found scattered throughout the area. Since the Asano family entered the area in 1645 (Shoho 2), full-scale development began, and from around 1680 (Enpo 8), various institutions were established, including the appointment of a salt magistrate, salt price collector, and others. By the end of the 18th century (Kansei period), the total area had reached over 400 chobu, and coal-fired fires began in 1823 (Bunsei 6). The salt fields were of the Irihama type, taking advantage of the delta, and the climate and natural conditions were suitable for salt production, producing high-quality salt that expanded the market. Salt was exported to Tohoku, Kanto, Tokai, Kinki, and Kyushu, with the majority of the salt exported to Edo and Osaka. In 1953, they were converted to flow-through salt fields, and in 1967 they were converted to ion-exchange resin membrane methods, and by 1971 the salt fields had completely disappeared.

[Gihachi Tomioka]

"The Salt Roads of Japan" by Gihachi Tomioka (1978, Kokin Shoin)

Source: Shogakukan Encyclopedia Nipponica About Encyclopedia Nipponica Information | Legend

瀬戸内海沿岸の播磨(はりま)国（兵庫県）赤穂地方に産する塩。この地は奈良時代に東大寺の荘園(しょうえん)になり、すでに製塩に関する記録が散見される。1645年（正保2）浅野家の入部以来、本格的に開発され、1680年（延宝8）ごろから漸次、塩奉行(ぶぎょう)、塩値師その他を置いて諸機構を整えた。18世紀末（寛政期）には総面積が400余町歩にも達し、1823年（文政6）に石炭焚(だき)を始めた。塩田はデルタを利用した入浜(いりはま)式で、気候とともに自然条件が製塩に適し、良質塩を産して、市場を広げた。東北、関東、東海、近畿、九州方面へ移出し、とくに江戸、大坂が多かった。1953年（昭和28）に流下(りゅうか)式塩田へ、1967年にはイオン交換樹脂膜法に転換され、1971年には塩田が完全に姿を消した。

［富岡儀八］

『富岡儀八著『日本の塩道』（1978・古今書院）』

出典　小学館　日本大百科全書(ニッポニカ)日本大百科全書(ニッポニカ)について　情報 | 凡例