Chapter 45
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After octopus comes squid, and once that is done, I will teach you how to prepare fish. It doesn’t make much difference to prepare small fish, but it is better to prepare medium to large fish to prevent the flesh from getting damaged and for easier handling.
“Let’s prepare the horse mackerel as open-dried fish. Remove the internal organs, open it up, and soak it in seawater for a certain period of time. Then, let it dry overnight from the evening until the next day.”
“He, hey”
While demonstrating, Shizuko teaches the fishermen how to make dried fish. A little distance away from her, Shizuko’s attendants Keiji, Saizo, and Nagayoshi were present.
“Oh well, our princess is quite knowledgeable. I’m a little curious about who her teacher is and what she learned from them.”
“Because she is a counselor to the Oda family, Shizuko-sama. However, I am curious as to how a young person like her acquired such extensive knowledge. It piques my interest as well.”
The two of them watched Shizuko’s work while being mindful of their surroundings. She wasn’t a professional fisherman or a professional chef, so it was difficult to say that she was skillfully making dried fish.
“We also dry the shrimp, but please do not throw away the shells. We dry them together. While the flesh remains as it is, the shells are later ground into a powder using a mortar and pestle.”
“Hey”
Shizuko moves around among the people who are working, giving instructions in turn. It is clear to everyone who is busy, but Keiji and Saizo have nothing they can help with. At most, they can only follow behind. Since they would only get in the way if they stayed behind, they decided to position themselves where they can oversee the whole situation and pay attention to Shizuko.
“Please also wash and dry the fish organs. We will use them as fish fertilizer… Oh, I need to create a composting facility. The crops in the field include radishes, green onions, and also…”
“Hmm, it looks like the princess story will continue for a while longer.”
The story of Shizuko, which could be heard from a distance, seemed far from over.
“Excuse me, I need to use the restroom.”
With that, he waved his hand and went somewhere. About forty minutes later, he returned with a refreshing expression. However, he was holding a spear that he didn’t have when he left the place.
“You’re late.”
“Oh, the restroom was crowded. When you feel like going, I recommend going early.”
Keiji responded to Nagayoshi’s words with a light atmosphere. However, Saizo, who was on the opposite side, muttered with a difficult expression.
“Is it three people?”
“Meow, there are two of us.”
When you say that, Keiji turns his face towards Nagayoshi.
“Katsuzo (Mori Nagayoshi), please go and tell the princess, ‘It’s about time for you to return.’”
“What did you say… I get it, I’ll go! Stop that suspicious smile!”
Nagayoshi, who voiced his dissatisfaction, quickly distances himself when he sees Keiji laughing mischievously and getting involved. Katsuzo (Mori Nagayoshi) knows that when Keiji behaves like this, he is usually thinking of something troublesome. He knows this from personal experience.
“Really…”
While muttering to himself, Nagayoshi makes his way to Shizuko’s location. By the time he reaches her, Keiji slowly opens his mouth.
“That was the work of someone close to us. Most likely, they were bothered by the princess’s achievements and were looking for some kind of mistake to exploit.”
“There are people like that everywhere, aren’t there?”
“Anyone with a good memory will experience this kind of jealousy from others at least once. Well, I took care of the spy.”
“I need to be cautious for a while. Alternatively, should I intentionally exaggerate the story and make sure it reaches the lord’s ears?”
“Oh, in that case, if Oda’s lord gets furious about sending a spy, there is no doubt that he will dismantle the household and punish them.”
“Without a doubt,” Saizou murmured, nodding slightly.
In mid-March, the peasants selected by Nobunaga began to move to the village he designated. In modern terms, it was like moving houses. The only difference was that they didn’t get to choose the land they would live on. Instead, they were provided with a house, clothing, and some food. They were also given a decent amount of cash as a relocation allowance, so they wouldn’t immediately face difficulties in getting food. Furthermore, their relatives were arranged to be brought together at the new location. Shizuko wondered if this was a way for them to atone for the past year when they were forcibly prevented from calling their children and relatives to join them.
(But I never expected that 50 people would be recruited from our village… In the end, it feels like we’re back to square one, how disappointing.)
In the second year, fifty farmers and their families were recruited from Shizuko’s village. The sudden decrease in the village population resulted in a significant decrease in tax revenue, but this loss is likely considered acceptable by Nobunaga.
The story of the 500 soldiers took longer than expected. This was due to the fact that they were building a soldier barracks together, and Shizuko had requested the creation of a sand area. The sand area consisted of a 200-meter long lane where about five people could run, and a large sandpit with sides measuring 100 meters each. It took time to transport the sand for the facility, and it was expected that the completion date would be delayed until mid-April or later. Shizuko, who determined that there was no need to rush the completion of the facility, did not see the extension of the schedule as a problem. Sand is heavy, and if it is to be of good quality, it is natural for it to take time.
In late March, a formal agreement was finally reached between Owari Province and Mikawa Province. A large-scale cotton cultivation project between the two provinces was set in motion. The first meeting was scheduled to take place at Kiyosu Castle. Shizuko led the delegation from Owari, while Tadakatsu led the delegation from Mikawa.
“Thank you very much for coming from a far place today.”
Shizuko bows deeply to Tadakatsu, who is in front of her. However, Shizuko finds it strange that there is no response from Tadakatsu. She raises her face. Tadakatsu appears to be perplexed, or rather bewildered. Saizo whispers to Shizuko, who was thinking that something strange had happened.
“(Shizuko-sama, it is likely that this seating arrangement is a first for the Mikawa province. I am also unable to discern the intention behind it. If possible, could you please explain it to everyone?)”
They sat in a cross-legged position, with a Western-style round table in the center that had its legs shortened. The participants were divided into two groups, one representing Owari and the other representing Mikawa.
“(Ah, ah… I’m sorry) Ahem… Today, we have arranged this in order to express our thoughts.”
Shizuko clears her throat and looks directly at Tadakatsu’s face as she speaks. She feels as though his serious gaze is peering into the depths of her heart, but Shizuko continues speaking without averting her eyes.
“My lord, Oda Kazusa-no-suke, and the lord of Honda Heihachiro, Tokugawa Mikawa-no-kami, have formed an alliance. As the alliance is based on equality, there is no need to consider who takes the higher seat or any such matters.”
“…Indeed, an alliance is meant to be equal. However, it is true that Shizuko possesses a greater amount of technology at the moment. Considering that, I have no objection to you taking the seat of honor.”
“Alright, let’s start by eliminating that difference.”
Tadakatsu and the people of Mikawa frowned at Shizuko’s words, but the people from Owari were no different. In fact, everyone except Shizuko failed to grasp the intention behind her statement. Ignoring the confusion in the room, Shizuko signaled to the attendants waiting in the next room. The sliding doors were quietly opened, and the attendants entered the room, each holding a tray. They placed the trays in front of the individuals from Mikawa and Owari, and just as quietly as they had come in, they left the room. Tadakatsu looked down at the tray. There, a thick bundle of paper was placed.
“Please, pick it up and read it.”
Shizuko encouraged Tadakatsu to read the stack of papers, saying so. With a slight confusion, Tadakatsu took the stack of papers in his hand and began reading.
“This is…”
“We have written down everything we know about it. Of course, it is about cotton.”
The stack of papers was a document about cotton. It was truly the most detailed booklet about cotton in the Sengoku period, containing information that Shizuko could not possibly know about. However, there was a problem. The details were too intricate that not only the Mikawa side, but also nobody from the Owari side could understand the content. Tadakatsu’s eyes widened, and Yasumasa and Masashige were left speechless. Everyone from Mikawa who had the documents in their hands was frozen in shock.
The Owari faction had no idea what Shizuko was thinking. If it weren’t for Nobunaga’s order to let Shizuko do as she pleases, they would have forcefully made her leave and demanded an explanation for her true intentions.
(Ah… I might have written a bit too much… Hmm, I just copied the content of the book as it is… I failed. I only intended to unify the knowledge…)
Receiving the various gazes filled with emotions from both sides, Shizuko understood that the operation had failed, and a dry smile appeared on her face.
“…Shizuko-sama, may I ask you something?”
As Shizuko was thinking about how to make amends, a person wearing a hood on the Mikawa side spoke up.
“Excuse me. I am suffering from a physical ailment, and I am wearing this hood to prevent infecting everyone. Please kindly understand.”
“I don’t mind. So, what kind of question do you have?”
“I, an uneducated person, can understand. This paper contains very detailed information. With all due respect, I have doubts about the willingness to reveal one’s hand first. To you, who can provide us with such information without hesitation…”
The Sengoku period was not a society overflowing with information like the present day. Craftsmen were always vigilant about their secret techniques leaking out. It was common sense. There was no one like Shizuko who would freely provide information to alliance partners without hesitation. The Mikawa faction thought that they might be hiding the crucial parts by mixing in false information, but the content was too dense for that.
“How many years do you think have passed since the matchlock gun was introduced to Japan?”
“Oh, no… I’m sorry. I don’t know.”
“On the twenty-fifth day of the eighth month in the twelfth year of Tenmon (September 23, 1543)… It happened approximately twenty-four years ago.”
In an instant, the Mikawa camp began to stir. The matchlock gun, known as one of the weapons in warfare, had established a firm position. They couldn’t hide their surprise that the matchlock gun had only been introduced twenty-four years ago.
“The reason why it spread throughout Japan in just 24 years is because the technology for manufacturing guns was disseminated by multiple individuals within a short period of time. However, unlike guns, cotton is not directly related to military affairs. Therefore, it is expected to take more time for cotton to spread throughout Japan.”
“I see, so you are considering conducting joint cultivation with Sanawa, our allied country. However, I still have one question remaining.”
“Question? What could it be?”
The man wearing a headscarf took a moment to pause, then looked at Shizuko and said, “…”
“I don’t understand what your advantages are. Based on reading this document, it seems that cotton made from cotton plants can establish an equal position to silk and hemp. In that case, it would make sense to first produce it domestically. It is questionable to skip that step and immediately propose a joint cultivation with our country.”
“…There are several reasons. One is to prevent uprisings, another is to reduce child mortality rates, and another is the need for vast land for cultivation.”
“If it’s not too much trouble, could you please provide more details?”
“Firstly, it is true that a vast amount of land is necessary for cultivation, as the statement suggests. Since it is used for clothing, it is only natural to require a significant amount of land.”
“…”
“The next step is to reduce the number of child deaths. Clothing made of cotton has the advantage of being cool in summer and warm in winter. When people die from causes other than war, the main factors are hunger, disease, and cold. Among these, the most immediate one, ‘cold’, can be addressed by mass-producing clothing made from cotton to protect the body.”
Throughout history, people have died from the cold, regardless of time or place. Particularly vulnerable were infants and young children with weak immune systems, who would often succumb to diseases and cold temperatures. There are heartbreaking stories of thirty children in a refugee camp who died within a day due to a severe cold wave. It is not only civilians who perish from the cold. Prior to the Russo-Japanese War, two hundred soldiers died during cold weather training, and during the war itself, over two thousand soldiers froze to death. The “cold” is indeed a formidable threat among the natural phenomena that we encounter in our daily lives.
“As for measures against riots, once people are free from material deprivation in terms of clothing, food, and shelter, they will have the luxury to focus on etiquette. If we can maintain and stabilize this state, people will no longer feel the need to engage in riots.”
“Why did you come to think that way?”
“Because I don’t want to lose them. My home, my belongings, my food… I start to think it’s foolish to throw them away for the sake of a rebellion or something like that. I believe it’s much more constructive to have a peaceful discussion with the authorities. Well, unless they push the peasants too far, then it’s a different story.”
Even in a poor working environment, if there is a kind of hierarchical class system and order in place, people will surprisingly become obedient and accept the adverse conditions. In particular, Japanese people have a tendency to not easily seek change once they have obtained a stable environment.
“Providing the people with clothing, food, and shelter is indeed the most reliable method. It is also the most challenging method.”
“(…Those eyes don’t seem to be plotting something bad) I see… So your plan is to create an environment where mass production of cotton can be carried out as a measure against riots. I understand now. Thank you very much.”
The man with the hood muttered words with a hint of implication in response to Shizuko’s words.
In the end, because Shizuko provided all the information at once instead of gradually, the Mikawa side became more cautious and the meeting ended without much progress. However, they agreed to continue with the cultivation work, and people were dispatched from both sides to establish a settlement. Shizuko, thinking that making any sudden moves would only worsen the situation, quietly continued with the work without showing any overt actions. Due to the initial impression, the Mikawa side had a sense of caution towards Shizuko. Despite that, Tadakatsu remained unchanged and happily accepted onigiri and iburi-zuke from Shizuko. Yasumasa and Masashige were amazed in a negative way at his thick-skinned attitude. Amidst this partly carefree and mostly tense atmosphere, the joint cultivation of cotton took place.
And then, a little while later in late March, Shizuko was taking something out of the cabin. It was something with a very strong smell. Even though she had covered her nose and mouth with a thick cloth, she could still smell the foul odor.
(Ugh, let’s finish this quickly. This will determine the success or failure of the past three years, so I need to give it my all.)
After gathering a certain amount of materials from the foul-smelling mountain, Shizuko spends several days extracting what is contained within them. Around noon on the day the extraction is completed, Yoshinari Mori visits her.
“I received a report that the thing in question has been completed. Unfortunately, the Lord (Nobunaga) was unable to make time, so I will be attending in their place.”
“I believe the mixture is correct, but… this is my first attempt at it, so I’m not entirely sure.”
“Hahaha, well, when I fail… I will be prepared for the Lord’s fist.”
Shizuko’s words made Yoshinari smile warmly. On the other hand, Shizuko was feeling uneasy. She anxiously waited for the concoction to be completed while holding her stomach.
(Uh, uh… It’s my first time mixing “saltpeter”… I hope it turns out successful…)
The saltpeter mountain that she carefully nurtured over three years. To the casual observer, it may just look like a foul-smelling garbage heap, but if you follow specific procedures, you can extract “saltpeter” from it. Normally, it takes four to five years, but it is possible to extract it starting from the third year. However, this is based on theory. And what can be made by combining saltpeter is “black powder”. If the Oda army can prepare saltpeter on their own, they can gain an advantage over other countries’ armies. Due to these circumstances, it was originally planned for Nobunaga himself to come and confirm, but he had other business in the Omi region and couldn’t make it. That’s why his right-hand man, Mori Yoshinari, came to visit.
After a while, the preparation of black gunpowder was complete, and about five ashigaru soldiers with matchlock guns lined up in front of Mori Yoshinari. They bowed deeply and then efficiently lined up in a row, as if it had been predetermined. Even for skilled marksmen, it takes nearly 30 seconds to fire a matchlock gun, usually close to a minute. And one minute later, a single ashigaru in shooting position pulled the trigger. In an instant, a lead ball flew out of the matchlock gun with a thunderous sound. It was proof that Shizuko’s saltpeter mixture was successful. As if to prove that it was not a fluke, the matchlock guns continued to ignite one after another. A total of twenty shots were fired, and not a single misfire occurred as they all hit their targets.
“Success, huh.”
Shizuko let out a big sigh, as if to say that she finally felt relieved, while looking at Yoshinari in a satisfied manner as he nodded.
In early April, Shizuko devoted herself to working in the fields. No, she was even more dedicated to working in the fields than last year. Shizuko had taken on numerous jobs in the past, but there was a reason why she suddenly focused solely on farming.
Shizuko recently donated a large amount of saltpeter that she had been producing over the past few years. The quantity, a whopping 200 kilograms, is truly astonishing. The amount of gunpowder used for shooting with matchlock guns ranges from three to five grams. Despite the small amount of gunpowder, the cost per shot is as high as 600 yen in today’s prices. Black powder is made up of a mixture of saltpeter (oxidizer) and sulfur and charcoal (combustible materials). Since saltpeter cannot be obtained in Japan, we have no choice but to rely on imports from Nanban, which adds to the transportation costs and makes it expensive. The significance of being able to supply saltpeter ourselves, which is a key component in gunpowder production, is immense. It reduces the cost of procuring saltpeter and the risk of relying on external sources for important military supplies, and it also allows us to use ample ammunition for practical training, leading to an improvement in our combat readiness.
Furthermore, she also succeeded in increasing salt production. The new method (flow-down salt field salt production) is expected to be several times more efficient than the traditional method (in-beach salt field salt production), and it is highly praised for eliminating the need for skilled craftsmen. The traditional in-beach salt field method may seem simple, but it is extremely labor-intensive, requiring a lot of manpower and skilled techniques. As the saying goes, “Three years of seawater collection, ten years of seawater scattering,” it takes skilled techniques to evenly spread the seawater onto the salt field. On the other hand, the flow-down salt field method replaces the labor-intensive work done by people with solar heat and wind. The process of collecting concentrated saltwater (kanmizu) simply involves allowing seawater to flow down and dry through solar heat and wind. With properly designed facilities, it became possible to collect saltwater throughout the year. There is no longer a need to evenly spread seawater or transport heavy sand, and the craftsmen are freed from labor-intensive work. As if to prove the efficiency of this salt production method, Shizuko presented a large amount of salt combined with saltpeter.
The achievement of successfully producing a vast amount of artificial saltpeter. The ability to produce salt in a cycle of about one month. Furthermore, the quantity of production is overwhelming compared to traditional salt fields. Shizuko’s contribution in providing important military supplies such as salt and saltpeter, and establishing an environment for regular production of these materials is significant. It is only natural for Nobunaga to be in a good mood and say, “I will give you any reward you desire.” In response, Shizuko said the following.
“Please give me a large piece of land and time to do farming work.”
It goes without saying that everyone under Nobunaga, including himself, was at a loss for words at this proposal. When Shizuko said she would give them any reward they desired, no one could have anticipated that she would ask for them to spend time doing peasant work. They couldn’t understand Shizuko’s true intentions, disregarding money, honor, and everything else. Nobunaga, who wanted to hear more, asked Shizuko about her true intentions in a voice much kinder than usual. It turns out that she had been accumulating frustration due to the recent workload. The means to release that frustration was to “work mindlessly in the fields.” This was the solution Shizuko had found in her life so far. However, the current situation was that they were assigned to tasks other than peasant work. This only added to their frustration. That’s why Shizuko wanted an environment where she could focus solely on peasant work to find some relief around here. After hearing everything, Nobunaga had an embarrassed look on his face and said this.
“…I apologize.”
And the story comes full circle. Now, although she is excluded from urgent work that can wait, she is thoroughly enjoying her peasant work. Covered in mud and sweat, her face wears a contented expression like I have never seen before.
“You’re shining.”
“You are shining.”
“You’re shining.”
Keiji, Saizo, and Nagayoshi, the three of them, watch Shizuko from a distance.
“I think it’s too bright.”
“Shizuko is someone who possesses a different sensibility than us.”
“I wonder if it’s just my imagination that it would have been fine to simply have some free time.”
And so, under various ulterior motives, Hideyoshi, Takenaka Hanbei, and Mori Yoshinari observe Shizuko from a distance. However, she completely immerses herself in her work without even sparing them a glance.
Shizuko had cultivated her own large plot of land within a few days, completely tilling it. She proceeded to carry out tasks such as soil preparation and planting. She also began cultivating two types of rice that had been brought from the modern era, but there were only a few seeds, totaling about 4 hectares. According to the attached certificate and notes, one of the varieties was specific to the Chubu region, such as Owari, and was resistant to rice blast disease. It was a variety from the Honami series that could yield a quantity similar to pesticide cultivation despite being grown organically. The other variety used difficult kanji characters and had no furigana, so Shizuko couldn’t read it, but it seemed to be highly resistant to diseases and could be cultivated in both cold and hot regions. The harvest yield was about 70% of Koshihikari during a good harvest, but it was noted that the taste was inferior to second-grade brands. In other words, it was a variety to be cultivated as a last resort in case other varieties failed. However, Shizuko was more pleased with the unknown rice variety than with Honami.
Tomohonami rice has a taste that rivals Koshihikari rice, but its cultivation is limited to specific regions, making mass production difficult. However, there are varieties that can be grown in any region, from Hokkaido in the north to Kagoshima in the south.
Rice cultivation in cold regions is inherently difficult. However, there are examples of successful rice cultivation in regions with low rainfall by introducing the Champa rice variety, which originated from China. This variety is a long-grain rice native to the Champa region in southern Vietnam. It is resistant to pests and drought, but extremely sensitive to cold temperatures. In its original homeland of China, the food culture is characterized by “noodles in the north, rice in the south,” where wheat-based noodle dishes are popular in the cold northern regions, while rice is the staple food in the warmer southern regions.
There are few rice varieties in Japan that are resistant to cold weather. Although rice cultivation was practiced in the cold Tohoku region, the Pacific side of Japan has been plagued by strong winds and suffered significant damage from cold weather. Rice cultivation began in the Hokkaido region, specifically the Oshima Peninsula, after the peaceful Edo period, but on a very small scale. It was not until the Meiji period that large-scale rice cultivation became possible in Hokkaido. This was due to extensive technological developments aimed at developing rice varieties that could thrive in cold regions.
I apologize to the people who developed cold-resistant rice, but if there are lives that can be saved by mass-producing it without losing them, Shizuko doesn’t mind bearing the stigma of being a usurper.
“…hmm? Lady Shizuko, the bamboo tube hanging from your waist, does it not have a slightly peculiar shape?”
Takanaka Hanbei, who was observing Shizuko from a distance, tilted his head when he saw the bamboo tube hanging from her waist. From its appearance, he could tell that it was meant to hold liquids such as water, but it had a peculiar shape for that purpose.
“Oh, that’s the water bottle Shizucchi (Shizuko) had a carpenter make. Look, I got one too, and you drink from it like this.”
After showing the same thing that Keiji had hanging from his waist to Takenaka Hanbei, he turned the top part of the bamboo water bottle with his hand. It’s nothing special, just a bamboo version of what we would call a mobile phone holder today. Of course, it doesn’t have the vacuum insulation function like modern products, so its cooling and heating capabilities are quite poor. Using a gourd would be much easier, but this bamboo water bottle is great because you can check the liquid inside before drinking it. It is also much higher in terms of hygiene and maintenance. The downside is that it takes time to process and it takes longer to make a finished product compared to a regular bamboo water bottle, and you need to carefully select the materials. Specifically, you need bamboo that is four to five years old, which is when it has the highest strength, and it should be harvested between September and November when the moisture content is the lowest. Of course, it is possible to make it with bamboo that is two or three years old or harvested outside of autumn. The reason for careful selection is to ensure that it has the strength to withstand long-term use and rough handling. Shizuko’s bamboo water bottle is made with three-year-old bamboo, which is the final release version for practical testing, and even when I hung it during a week of farming work, it didn’t get damaged. However, it has not been tested in intense environments like battles.
“I feel like using a gourd would be fine, but there seem to be advantages to this as well. The biggest advantage is being able to confirm what is inside, and… unlike a gourd, it is also possible to put in other things.”
Curious, Takenaka Hanbei received a bamboo water bottle from Keiji and inspected its structure. I thought that its large diameter allows for quickly filling it with water, and it can also be used to hold things like onigiri besides liquids. On the other hand, I felt that the processing of the joints is time-consuming, making mass production difficult.
“It seems that the processing of the part that hits the lid is difficult.”
“It seems so. That’s why they seem to be trying to make a tool called a ‘lathe’. They are investing quite a number of people, so it must be quite large and complex. They are also trying to make various mysterious things like a ‘height measuring device’ or a ‘weight measuring device’. They have already completed a ‘wooden barrel distiller’ and are trying to make something using it.”
“Hmm… It seems to be a large-scale mechanical device of some sort. However, height and weight… those are sounds I’ve never heard before.”
If I remember correctly, according to Shizucchi, they said, “Techniques and tools will eventually become known to other countries. However, this (__) is slow-acting, so it takes time for the effects to show even if someone tries to imitate it.” I think it was called the “National Nutrition Improvement Plan.”
The problem of the nation’s nutritional status was resolved around 1975 (Showa 50), before which the population was constantly suffering from malnutrition. Two major national diseases were particularly prevalent: tuberculosis and beriberi. While tuberculosis is a separate issue, the reason for the prevalence of beriberi was said to be the consumption of only white rice, which does not contain vitamin B1, without sufficient intake of other foods. As a side note, the influence of beriberi played a role in the popularity of soba over udon in Edo, where the culture of white rice as the main staple food was prevalent during the Edo period. This is because people knew from experience that eating soba could prevent or treat beriberi. Scientifically speaking, beriberi is a disease caused by a deficiency of vitamin B1, so consuming soba, which is rich in vitamin B1, can alleviate the deficiency.
Vitamin deficiencies can lead to terrifying diseases. Vitamin A deficiency can cause night blindness. Vitamin B1 deficiency can lead to beriberi, Wernicke’s encephalopathy, and high pyruvic acidemia. Vitamin B2 deficiency can cause mouth ulcers and seborrheic dermatitis. Vitamin B6 deficiency can result in anemia and glossitis. Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause peripheral neuropathy and subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord. Vitamin C deficiency can lead to scurvy. Vitamin D deficiency can cause rickets. Vitamin E deficiency can result in gait disturbances and the list goes on. The terrifying aspect of this group of diseases is that anyone can develop a vitamin deficiency.
“National Nutrition Improvement Plan, huh? I still can’t understand what they’re thinking.”
“That’s right, Lord Kinoshita (Hideyoshi). The future she envisions is filled with things that we cannot comprehend.”
Yoshinari and Hideyoshi, who were talking like that, had a small smile on their faces.
They produced a large quantity of military supplies such as rice and soybeans. They recently started producing saltpeter, which is a raw material for black gunpowder, on their own. The Oda family’s territory is evolving at an unprecedented speed.
Takanaka Hanbei, turning his face towards Shizuko, muttered in his heart with a faint smile on his face.
(I’m starting to feel like the idea of a world ruled by Budou (天下布武 – military rule under the heavens) won’t just end as a mere dream.)
Please report us if you find any errors so we can fix it asap!
After octopus comes squid, and once that is done, I will teach you how to prepare fish. It doesn’t make much difference to prepare small fish, but it is better to prepare medium to large fish to prevent the flesh from getting damaged and for easier handling.
“Let’s prepare the horse mackerel as open-dried fish. Remove the internal organs, open it up, and soak it in seawater for a certain period of time. Then, let it dry overnight from the evening until the next day.”
“He, hey”
While demonstrating, Shizuko teaches the fishermen how to make dried fish. A little distance away from her, Shizuko’s attendants Keiji, Saizo, and Nagayoshi were present.
“Oh well, our princess is quite knowledgeable. I’m a little curious about who her teacher is and what she learned from them.”
“Because she is a counselor to the Oda family, Shizuko-sama. However, I am curious as to how a young person like her acquired such extensive knowledge. It piques my interest as well.”
The two of them watched Shizuko’s work while being mindful of their surroundings. She wasn’t a professional fisherman or a professional chef, so it was difficult to say that she was skillfully making dried fish.
“We also dry the shrimp, but please do not throw away the shells. We dry them together. While the flesh remains as it is, the shells are later ground into a powder using a mortar and pestle.”
“Hey”
Shizuko moves around among the people who are working, giving instructions in turn. It is clear to everyone who is busy, but Keiji and Saizo have nothing they can help with. At most, they can only follow behind. Since they would only get in the way if they stayed behind, they decided to position themselves where they can oversee the whole situation and pay attention to Shizuko.
“Please also wash and dry the fish organs. We will use them as fish fertilizer… Oh, I need to create a composting facility. The crops in the field include radishes, green onions, and also…”
“Hmm, it looks like the princess story will continue for a while longer.”
The story of Shizuko, which could be heard from a distance, seemed far from over.
“Excuse me, I need to use the restroom.”
With that, he waved his hand and went somewhere. About forty minutes later, he returned with a refreshing expression. However, he was holding a spear that he didn’t have when he left the place.
“You’re late.”
“Oh, the restroom was crowded. When you feel like going, I recommend going early.”
Keiji responded to Nagayoshi’s words with a light atmosphere. However, Saizo, who was on the opposite side, muttered with a difficult expression.
“Is it three people?”
“Meow, there are two of us.”
When you say that, Keiji turns his face towards Nagayoshi.
“Katsuzo (Mori Nagayoshi), please go and tell the princess, ‘It’s about time for you to return.’”
“What did you say… I get it, I’ll go! Stop that suspicious smile!”
Nagayoshi, who voiced his dissatisfaction, quickly distances himself when he sees Keiji laughing mischievously and getting involved. Katsuzo (Mori Nagayoshi) knows that when Keiji behaves like this, he is usually thinking of something troublesome. He knows this from personal experience.
“Really…”
While muttering to himself, Nagayoshi makes his way to Shizuko’s location. By the time he reaches her, Keiji slowly opens his mouth.
“That was the work of someone close to us. Most likely, they were bothered by the princess’s achievements and were looking for some kind of mistake to exploit.”
“There are people like that everywhere, aren’t there?”
“Anyone with a good memory will experience this kind of jealousy from others at least once. Well, I took care of the spy.”
“I need to be cautious for a while. Alternatively, should I intentionally exaggerate the story and make sure it reaches the lord’s ears?”
“Oh, in that case, if Oda’s lord gets furious about sending a spy, there is no doubt that he will dismantle the household and punish them.”
“Without a doubt,” Saizou murmured, nodding slightly.
In mid-March, the peasants selected by Nobunaga began to move to the village he designated. In modern terms, it was like moving houses. The only difference was that they didn’t get to choose the land they would live on. Instead, they were provided with a house, clothing, and some food. They were also given a decent amount of cash as a relocation allowance, so they wouldn’t immediately face difficulties in getting food. Furthermore, their relatives were arranged to be brought together at the new location. Shizuko wondered if this was a way for them to atone for the past year when they were forcibly prevented from calling their children and relatives to join them.
(But I never expected that 50 people would be recruited from our village… In the end, it feels like we’re back to square one, how disappointing.)
In the second year, fifty farmers and their families were recruited from Shizuko’s village. The sudden decrease in the village population resulted in a significant decrease in tax revenue, but this loss is likely considered acceptable by Nobunaga.
The story of the 500 soldiers took longer than expected. This was due to the fact that they were building a soldier barracks together, and Shizuko had requested the creation of a sand area. The sand area consisted of a 200-meter long lane where about five people could run, and a large sandpit with sides measuring 100 meters each. It took time to transport the sand for the facility, and it was expected that the completion date would be delayed until mid-April or later. Shizuko, who determined that there was no need to rush the completion of the facility, did not see the extension of the schedule as a problem. Sand is heavy, and if it is to be of good quality, it is natural for it to take time.
In late March, a formal agreement was finally reached between Owari Province and Mikawa Province. A large-scale cotton cultivation project between the two provinces was set in motion. The first meeting was scheduled to take place at Kiyosu Castle. Shizuko led the delegation from Owari, while Tadakatsu led the delegation from Mikawa.
“Thank you very much for coming from a far place today.”
Shizuko bows deeply to Tadakatsu, who is in front of her. However, Shizuko finds it strange that there is no response from Tadakatsu. She raises her face. Tadakatsu appears to be perplexed, or rather bewildered. Saizo whispers to Shizuko, who was thinking that something strange had happened.
“(Shizuko-sama, it is likely that this seating arrangement is a first for the Mikawa province. I am also unable to discern the intention behind it. If possible, could you please explain it to everyone?)”
They sat in a cross-legged position, with a Western-style round table in the center that had its legs shortened. The participants were divided into two groups, one representing Owari and the other representing Mikawa.
“(Ah, ah… I’m sorry) Ahem… Today, we have arranged this in order to express our thoughts.”
Shizuko clears her throat and looks directly at Tadakatsu’s face as she speaks. She feels as though his serious gaze is peering into the depths of her heart, but Shizuko continues speaking without averting her eyes.
“My lord, Oda Kazusa-no-suke, and the lord of Honda Heihachiro, Tokugawa Mikawa-no-kami, have formed an alliance. As the alliance is based on equality, there is no need to consider who takes the higher seat or any such matters.”
“…Indeed, an alliance is meant to be equal. However, it is true that Shizuko possesses a greater amount of technology at the moment. Considering that, I have no objection to you taking the seat of honor.”
“Alright, let’s start by eliminating that difference.”
Tadakatsu and the people of Mikawa frowned at Shizuko’s words, but the people from Owari were no different. In fact, everyone except Shizuko failed to grasp the intention behind her statement. Ignoring the confusion in the room, Shizuko signaled to the attendants waiting in the next room. The sliding doors were quietly opened, and the attendants entered the room, each holding a tray. They placed the trays in front of the individuals from Mikawa and Owari, and just as quietly as they had come in, they left the room. Tadakatsu looked down at the tray. There, a thick bundle of paper was placed.
“Please, pick it up and read it.”
Shizuko encouraged Tadakatsu to read the stack of papers, saying so. With a slight confusion, Tadakatsu took the stack of papers in his hand and began reading.
“This is…”
“We have written down everything we know about it. Of course, it is about cotton.”
The stack of papers was a document about cotton. It was truly the most detailed booklet about cotton in the Sengoku period, containing information that Shizuko could not possibly know about. However, there was a problem. The details were too intricate that not only the Mikawa side, but also nobody from the Owari side could understand the content. Tadakatsu’s eyes widened, and Yasumasa and Masashige were left speechless. Everyone from Mikawa who had the documents in their hands was frozen in shock.
The Owari faction had no idea what Shizuko was thinking. If it weren’t for Nobunaga’s order to let Shizuko do as she pleases, they would have forcefully made her leave and demanded an explanation for her true intentions.
(Ah… I might have written a bit too much… Hmm, I just copied the content of the book as it is… I failed. I only intended to unify the knowledge…)
Receiving the various gazes filled with emotions from both sides, Shizuko understood that the operation had failed, and a dry smile appeared on her face.
“…Shizuko-sama, may I ask you something?”
As Shizuko was thinking about how to make amends, a person wearing a hood on the Mikawa side spoke up.
“Excuse me. I am suffering from a physical ailment, and I am wearing this hood to prevent infecting everyone. Please kindly understand.”
“I don’t mind. So, what kind of question do you have?”
“I, an uneducated person, can understand. This paper contains very detailed information. With all due respect, I have doubts about the willingness to reveal one’s hand first. To you, who can provide us with such information without hesitation…”
The Sengoku period was not a society overflowing with information like the present day. Craftsmen were always vigilant about their secret techniques leaking out. It was common sense. There was no one like Shizuko who would freely provide information to alliance partners without hesitation. The Mikawa faction thought that they might be hiding the crucial parts by mixing in false information, but the content was too dense for that.
“How many years do you think have passed since the matchlock gun was introduced to Japan?”
“Oh, no… I’m sorry. I don’t know.”
“On the twenty-fifth day of the eighth month in the twelfth year of Tenmon (September 23, 1543)… It happened approximately twenty-four years ago.”
In an instant, the Mikawa camp began to stir. The matchlock gun, known as one of the weapons in warfare, had established a firm position. They couldn’t hide their surprise that the matchlock gun had only been introduced twenty-four years ago.
“The reason why it spread throughout Japan in just 24 years is because the technology for manufacturing guns was disseminated by multiple individuals within a short period of time. However, unlike guns, cotton is not directly related to military affairs. Therefore, it is expected to take more time for cotton to spread throughout Japan.”
“I see, so you are considering conducting joint cultivation with Sanawa, our allied country. However, I still have one question remaining.”
“Question? What could it be?”
The man wearing a headscarf took a moment to pause, then looked at Shizuko and said, “…”
“I don’t understand what your advantages are. Based on reading this document, it seems that cotton made from cotton plants can establish an equal position to silk and hemp. In that case, it would make sense to first produce it domestically. It is questionable to skip that step and immediately propose a joint cultivation with our country.”
“…There are several reasons. One is to prevent uprisings, another is to reduce child mortality rates, and another is the need for vast land for cultivation.”
“If it’s not too much trouble, could you please provide more details?”
“Firstly, it is true that a vast amount of land is necessary for cultivation, as the statement suggests. Since it is used for clothing, it is only natural to require a significant amount of land.”
“…”
“The next step is to reduce the number of child deaths. Clothing made of cotton has the advantage of being cool in summer and warm in winter. When people die from causes other than war, the main factors are hunger, disease, and cold. Among these, the most immediate one, ‘cold’, can be addressed by mass-producing clothing made from cotton to protect the body.”
Throughout history, people have died from the cold, regardless of time or place. Particularly vulnerable were infants and young children with weak immune systems, who would often succumb to diseases and cold temperatures. There are heartbreaking stories of thirty children in a refugee camp who died within a day due to a severe cold wave. It is not only civilians who perish from the cold. Prior to the Russo-Japanese War, two hundred soldiers died during cold weather training, and during the war itself, over two thousand soldiers froze to death. The “cold” is indeed a formidable threat among the natural phenomena that we encounter in our daily lives.
“As for measures against riots, once people are free from material deprivation in terms of clothing, food, and shelter, they will have the luxury to focus on etiquette. If we can maintain and stabilize this state, people will no longer feel the need to engage in riots.”
“Why did you come to think that way?”
“Because I don’t want to lose them. My home, my belongings, my food… I start to think it’s foolish to throw them away for the sake of a rebellion or something like that. I believe it’s much more constructive to have a peaceful discussion with the authorities. Well, unless they push the peasants too far, then it’s a different story.”
Even in a poor working environment, if there is a kind of hierarchical class system and order in place, people will surprisingly become obedient and accept the adverse conditions. In particular, Japanese people have a tendency to not easily seek change once they have obtained a stable environment.
“Providing the people with clothing, food, and shelter is indeed the most reliable method. It is also the most challenging method.”
“(…Those eyes don’t seem to be plotting something bad) I see… So your plan is to create an environment where mass production of cotton can be carried out as a measure against riots. I understand now. Thank you very much.”
The man with the hood muttered words with a hint of implication in response to Shizuko’s words.
In the end, because Shizuko provided all the information at once instead of gradually, the Mikawa side became more cautious and the meeting ended without much progress. However, they agreed to continue with the cultivation work, and people were dispatched from both sides to establish a settlement. Shizuko, thinking that making any sudden moves would only worsen the situation, quietly continued with the work without showing any overt actions. Due to the initial impression, the Mikawa side had a sense of caution towards Shizuko. Despite that, Tadakatsu remained unchanged and happily accepted onigiri and iburi-zuke from Shizuko. Yasumasa and Masashige were amazed in a negative way at his thick-skinned attitude. Amidst this partly carefree and mostly tense atmosphere, the joint cultivation of cotton took place.
And then, a little while later in late March, Shizuko was taking something out of the cabin. It was something with a very strong smell. Even though she had covered her nose and mouth with a thick cloth, she could still smell the foul odor.
(Ugh, let’s finish this quickly. This will determine the success or failure of the past three years, so I need to give it my all.)
After gathering a certain amount of materials from the foul-smelling mountain, Shizuko spends several days extracting what is contained within them. Around noon on the day the extraction is completed, Yoshinari Mori visits her.
“I received a report that the thing in question has been completed. Unfortunately, the Lord (Nobunaga) was unable to make time, so I will be attending in their place.”
“I believe the mixture is correct, but… this is my first attempt at it, so I’m not entirely sure.”
“Hahaha, well, when I fail… I will be prepared for the Lord’s fist.”
Shizuko’s words made Yoshinari smile warmly. On the other hand, Shizuko was feeling uneasy. She anxiously waited for the concoction to be completed while holding her stomach.
(Uh, uh… It’s my first time mixing “saltpeter”… I hope it turns out successful…)
The saltpeter mountain that she carefully nurtured over three years. To the casual observer, it may just look like a foul-smelling garbage heap, but if you follow specific procedures, you can extract “saltpeter” from it. Normally, it takes four to five years, but it is possible to extract it starting from the third year. However, this is based on theory. And what can be made by combining saltpeter is “black powder”. If the Oda army can prepare saltpeter on their own, they can gain an advantage over other countries’ armies. Due to these circumstances, it was originally planned for Nobunaga himself to come and confirm, but he had other business in the Omi region and couldn’t make it. That’s why his right-hand man, Mori Yoshinari, came to visit.
After a while, the preparation of black gunpowder was complete, and about five ashigaru soldiers with matchlock guns lined up in front of Mori Yoshinari. They bowed deeply and then efficiently lined up in a row, as if it had been predetermined. Even for skilled marksmen, it takes nearly 30 seconds to fire a matchlock gun, usually close to a minute. And one minute later, a single ashigaru in shooting position pulled the trigger. In an instant, a lead ball flew out of the matchlock gun with a thunderous sound. It was proof that Shizuko’s saltpeter mixture was successful. As if to prove that it was not a fluke, the matchlock guns continued to ignite one after another. A total of twenty shots were fired, and not a single misfire occurred as they all hit their targets.
“Success, huh.”
Shizuko let out a big sigh, as if to say that she finally felt relieved, while looking at Yoshinari in a satisfied manner as he nodded.
In early April, Shizuko devoted herself to working in the fields. No, she was even more dedicated to working in the fields than last year. Shizuko had taken on numerous jobs in the past, but there was a reason why she suddenly focused solely on farming.
Shizuko recently donated a large amount of saltpeter that she had been producing over the past few years. The quantity, a whopping 200 kilograms, is truly astonishing. The amount of gunpowder used for shooting with matchlock guns ranges from three to five grams. Despite the small amount of gunpowder, the cost per shot is as high as 600 yen in today’s prices. Black powder is made up of a mixture of saltpeter (oxidizer) and sulfur and charcoal (combustible materials). Since saltpeter cannot be obtained in Japan, we have no choice but to rely on imports from Nanban, which adds to the transportation costs and makes it expensive. The significance of being able to supply saltpeter ourselves, which is a key component in gunpowder production, is immense. It reduces the cost of procuring saltpeter and the risk of relying on external sources for important military supplies, and it also allows us to use ample ammunition for practical training, leading to an improvement in our combat readiness.
Furthermore, she also succeeded in increasing salt production. The new method (flow-down salt field salt production) is expected to be several times more efficient than the traditional method (in-beach salt field salt production), and it is highly praised for eliminating the need for skilled craftsmen. The traditional in-beach salt field method may seem simple, but it is extremely labor-intensive, requiring a lot of manpower and skilled techniques. As the saying goes, “Three years of seawater collection, ten years of seawater scattering,” it takes skilled techniques to evenly spread the seawater onto the salt field. On the other hand, the flow-down salt field method replaces the labor-intensive work done by people with solar heat and wind. The process of collecting concentrated saltwater (kanmizu) simply involves allowing seawater to flow down and dry through solar heat and wind. With properly designed facilities, it became possible to collect saltwater throughout the year. There is no longer a need to evenly spread seawater or transport heavy sand, and the craftsmen are freed from labor-intensive work. As if to prove the efficiency of this salt production method, Shizuko presented a large amount of salt combined with saltpeter.
The achievement of successfully producing a vast amount of artificial saltpeter. The ability to produce salt in a cycle of about one month. Furthermore, the quantity of production is overwhelming compared to traditional salt fields. Shizuko’s contribution in providing important military supplies such as salt and saltpeter, and establishing an environment for regular production of these materials is significant. It is only natural for Nobunaga to be in a good mood and say, “I will give you any reward you desire.” In response, Shizuko said the following.
“Please give me a large piece of land and time to do farming work.”
It goes without saying that everyone under Nobunaga, including himself, was at a loss for words at this proposal. When Shizuko said she would give them any reward they desired, no one could have anticipated that she would ask for them to spend time doing peasant work. They couldn’t understand Shizuko’s true intentions, disregarding money, honor, and everything else. Nobunaga, who wanted to hear more, asked Shizuko about her true intentions in a voice much kinder than usual. It turns out that she had been accumulating frustration due to the recent workload. The means to release that frustration was to “work mindlessly in the fields.” This was the solution Shizuko had found in her life so far. However, the current situation was that they were assigned to tasks other than peasant work. This only added to their frustration. That’s why Shizuko wanted an environment where she could focus solely on peasant work to find some relief around here. After hearing everything, Nobunaga had an embarrassed look on his face and said this.
“…I apologize.”
And the story comes full circle. Now, although she is excluded from urgent work that can wait, she is thoroughly enjoying her peasant work. Covered in mud and sweat, her face wears a contented expression like I have never seen before.
“You’re shining.”
“You are shining.”
“You’re shining.”
Keiji, Saizo, and Nagayoshi, the three of them, watch Shizuko from a distance.
“I think it’s too bright.”
“Shizuko is someone who possesses a different sensibility than us.”
“I wonder if it’s just my imagination that it would have been fine to simply have some free time.”
And so, under various ulterior motives, Hideyoshi, Takenaka Hanbei, and Mori Yoshinari observe Shizuko from a distance. However, she completely immerses herself in her work without even sparing them a glance.
Shizuko had cultivated her own large plot of land within a few days, completely tilling it. She proceeded to carry out tasks such as soil preparation and planting. She also began cultivating two types of rice that had been brought from the modern era, but there were only a few seeds, totaling about 4 hectares. According to the attached certificate and notes, one of the varieties was specific to the Chubu region, such as Owari, and was resistant to rice blast disease. It was a variety from the Honami series that could yield a quantity similar to pesticide cultivation despite being grown organically. The other variety used difficult kanji characters and had no furigana, so Shizuko couldn’t read it, but it seemed to be highly resistant to diseases and could be cultivated in both cold and hot regions. The harvest yield was about 70% of Koshihikari during a good harvest, but it was noted that the taste was inferior to second-grade brands. In other words, it was a variety to be cultivated as a last resort in case other varieties failed. However, Shizuko was more pleased with the unknown rice variety than with Honami.
Tomohonami rice has a taste that rivals Koshihikari rice, but its cultivation is limited to specific regions, making mass production difficult. However, there are varieties that can be grown in any region, from Hokkaido in the north to Kagoshima in the south.
Rice cultivation in cold regions is inherently difficult. However, there are examples of successful rice cultivation in regions with low rainfall by introducing the Champa rice variety, which originated from China. This variety is a long-grain rice native to the Champa region in southern Vietnam. It is resistant to pests and drought, but extremely sensitive to cold temperatures. In its original homeland of China, the food culture is characterized by “noodles in the north, rice in the south,” where wheat-based noodle dishes are popular in the cold northern regions, while rice is the staple food in the warmer southern regions.
There are few rice varieties in Japan that are resistant to cold weather. Although rice cultivation was practiced in the cold Tohoku region, the Pacific side of Japan has been plagued by strong winds and suffered significant damage from cold weather. Rice cultivation began in the Hokkaido region, specifically the Oshima Peninsula, after the peaceful Edo period, but on a very small scale. It was not until the Meiji period that large-scale rice cultivation became possible in Hokkaido. This was due to extensive technological developments aimed at developing rice varieties that could thrive in cold regions.
I apologize to the people who developed cold-resistant rice, but if there are lives that can be saved by mass-producing it without losing them, Shizuko doesn’t mind bearing the stigma of being a usurper.
“…hmm? Lady Shizuko, the bamboo tube hanging from your waist, does it not have a slightly peculiar shape?”
Takanaka Hanbei, who was observing Shizuko from a distance, tilted his head when he saw the bamboo tube hanging from her waist. From its appearance, he could tell that it was meant to hold liquids such as water, but it had a peculiar shape for that purpose.
“Oh, that’s the water bottle Shizucchi (Shizuko) had a carpenter make. Look, I got one too, and you drink from it like this.”
After showing the same thing that Keiji had hanging from his waist to Takenaka Hanbei, he turned the top part of the bamboo water bottle with his hand. It’s nothing special, just a bamboo version of what we would call a mobile phone holder today. Of course, it doesn’t have the vacuum insulation function like modern products, so its cooling and heating capabilities are quite poor. Using a gourd would be much easier, but this bamboo water bottle is great because you can check the liquid inside before drinking it. It is also much higher in terms of hygiene and maintenance. The downside is that it takes time to process and it takes longer to make a finished product compared to a regular bamboo water bottle, and you need to carefully select the materials. Specifically, you need bamboo that is four to five years old, which is when it has the highest strength, and it should be harvested between September and November when the moisture content is the lowest. Of course, it is possible to make it with bamboo that is two or three years old or harvested outside of autumn. The reason for careful selection is to ensure that it has the strength to withstand long-term use and rough handling. Shizuko’s bamboo water bottle is made with three-year-old bamboo, which is the final release version for practical testing, and even when I hung it during a week of farming work, it didn’t get damaged. However, it has not been tested in intense environments like battles.
“I feel like using a gourd would be fine, but there seem to be advantages to this as well. The biggest advantage is being able to confirm what is inside, and… unlike a gourd, it is also possible to put in other things.”
Curious, Takenaka Hanbei received a bamboo water bottle from Keiji and inspected its structure. I thought that its large diameter allows for quickly filling it with water, and it can also be used to hold things like onigiri besides liquids. On the other hand, I felt that the processing of the joints is time-consuming, making mass production difficult.
“It seems that the processing of the part that hits the lid is difficult.”
“It seems so. That’s why they seem to be trying to make a tool called a ‘lathe’. They are investing quite a number of people, so it must be quite large and complex. They are also trying to make various mysterious things like a ‘height measuring device’ or a ‘weight measuring device’. They have already completed a ‘wooden barrel distiller’ and are trying to make something using it.”
“Hmm… It seems to be a large-scale mechanical device of some sort. However, height and weight… those are sounds I’ve never heard before.”
If I remember correctly, according to Shizucchi, they said, “Techniques and tools will eventually become known to other countries. However, this (__) is slow-acting, so it takes time for the effects to show even if someone tries to imitate it.” I think it was called the “National Nutrition Improvement Plan.”
The problem of the nation’s nutritional status was resolved around 1975 (Showa 50), before which the population was constantly suffering from malnutrition. Two major national diseases were particularly prevalent: tuberculosis and beriberi. While tuberculosis is a separate issue, the reason for the prevalence of beriberi was said to be the consumption of only white rice, which does not contain vitamin B1, without sufficient intake of other foods. As a side note, the influence of beriberi played a role in the popularity of soba over udon in Edo, where the culture of white rice as the main staple food was prevalent during the Edo period. This is because people knew from experience that eating soba could prevent or treat beriberi. Scientifically speaking, beriberi is a disease caused by a deficiency of vitamin B1, so consuming soba, which is rich in vitamin B1, can alleviate the deficiency.
Vitamin deficiencies can lead to terrifying diseases. Vitamin A deficiency can cause night blindness. Vitamin B1 deficiency can lead to beriberi, Wernicke’s encephalopathy, and high pyruvic acidemia. Vitamin B2 deficiency can cause mouth ulcers and seborrheic dermatitis. Vitamin B6 deficiency can result in anemia and glossitis. Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause peripheral neuropathy and subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord. Vitamin C deficiency can lead to scurvy. Vitamin D deficiency can cause rickets. Vitamin E deficiency can result in gait disturbances and the list goes on. The terrifying aspect of this group of diseases is that anyone can develop a vitamin deficiency.
“National Nutrition Improvement Plan, huh? I still can’t understand what they’re thinking.”
“That’s right, Lord Kinoshita (Hideyoshi). The future she envisions is filled with things that we cannot comprehend.”
Yoshinari and Hideyoshi, who were talking like that, had a small smile on their faces.
They produced a large quantity of military supplies such as rice and soybeans. They recently started producing saltpeter, which is a raw material for black gunpowder, on their own. The Oda family’s territory is evolving at an unprecedented speed.
Takanaka Hanbei, turning his face towards Shizuko, muttered in his heart with a faint smile on his face.
(I’m starting to feel like the idea of a world ruled by Budou (天下布武 – military rule under the heavens) won’t just end as a mere dream.)
After octopus comes squid, and once that is done, I will teach you how to prepare fish. It doesn't make much difference to prepare small fish, but it is better to prepare medium to large fish to prevent the flesh from getting damaged and for easier handling.Let's prepare the horse mackerel as open-dried fish. Remove the internal organs, open it up, and soak it in seawater for a certain period of time. Then, let it dry overnight from the evening until the next day.He, heyWhile demonstrating, Shizuko teaches the fishermen how to make dried fish. A little distance away from her, Shizuko's attendants Keiji, Saizo, and Nagayoshi were present.Oh well, our princess is quite knowledgeable. I'm a little curious about who her teacher is and what she learned from them.Because she is a counselor to the Oda family, Shizuko-sama. However, I am curious as to how a young person like her acquired such extensive knowledge. It piques my interest as well.The two of them watched Shizuko's work while being mindful of their surroundings. She wasn't a professional fisherman or a professional chef, so it was difficult to say that she was skillfully making dried fish.We also dry the shrimp, but please do not throw away the shells. We dry them together. While the flesh remains as it is, the shells are later ground into a powder using a mortar and pestle.HeyShizuko moves around among the people who are working, giving instructions in turn. It is clear to everyone who is busy, but Keiji and Saizo have nothing they can help with. At most, they can only follow behind. Since they would only get in the way if they stayed behind, they decided to position themselves where they can oversee the whole situation and pay attention to Shizuko.Please also wash and dry the fish organs. We will use them as fish fertilizer Oh, I need to create a composting facility. The crops in the field include radishes, green onions, and alsoHmm, it looks like the princess story will continue for a while longer.The story of Shizuko, which could be heard from a distance, seemed far from over.Excuse me, I need to use the restroom.With that, he waved his hand and went somewhere. About forty minutes later, he returned with a refreshing expression. However, he was holding a spear that he didn't have when he left the place.You're late.Oh, the restroom was crowded. When you feel like going, I recommend going early.Keiji responded to Nagayoshi's words with a light atmosphere. However, Saizo, who was on the opposite side, muttered with a difficult expression.Is it three people?Meow, there are two of us.When you say that, Keiji turns his face towards Nagayoshi.Katsuzo Mori Nagayoshi, please go and tell the princess, It's about time for you to return.'What did you say I get it, I'll go! Stop that suspicious smile!Nagayoshi, who voiced his dissatisfaction, quickly distances himself when he sees Keiji laughing mischievously and getting involved. Katsuzo Mori Nagayoshi knows that when Keiji behaves like this, he is usually thinking of something troublesome. He knows this from personal experience.ReallyWhile muttering to himself, Nagayoshi makes his way to Shizuko's location. By the time he reaches her, Keiji slowly opens his mouth.That was the work of someone close to us. Most likely, they were bothered by the princess's achievements and were looking for some kind of mistake to exploit.There are people like that everywhere, aren't there?Anyone with a good memory will experience this kind of jealousy from others at least once. Well, I took care of the spy.I need to be cautious for a while. Alternatively, should I intentionally exaggerate the story and make sure it reaches the lord's ears?Oh, in that case, if Oda's lord gets furious about sending a spy, there is no doubt that he will dismantle the household and punish them.Without a doubt, Saizou murmured, nodding slightly.In mid-March, the peasants selected by Nobunaga began to move to the village he designated. In modern terms, it was like moving houses. The only difference was that they didn't get to choose the land they would live on. Instead, they were provided with a house, clothing, and some food. They were also given a decent amount of cash as a relocation allowance, so they wouldn't immediately face difficulties in getting food. Furthermore, their relatives were arranged to be brought together at the new location. Shizuko wondered if this was a way for them to atone for the past year when they were forcibly prevented from calling their children and relatives to join them.But I never expected that 50 people would be recruited from our village In the end, it feels like we're back to square one, how disappointing.In the second year, fifty farmers and their families were recruited from Shizuko's village. The sudden decrease in the village population resulted in a significant decrease in tax revenue, but this loss is likely considered acceptable by Nobunaga.The story of the 500 soldiers took longer than expected. This was due to the fact that they were building a soldier barracks together, and Shizuko had requested the creation of a sand area. The sand area consisted of a 200-meter long lane where about five people could run, and a large sandpit with sides measuring 100 meters each. It took time to transport the sand for the facility, and it was expected that the completion date would be delayed until mid-April or later. Shizuko, who determined that there was no need to rush the completion of the facility, did not see the extension of the schedule as a problem. Sand is heavy, and if it is to be of good quality, it is natural for it to take time.In late March, a formal agreement was finally reached between Owari Province and Mikawa Province. A large-scale cotton cultivation project between the two provinces was set in motion. The first meeting was scheduled to take place at Kiyosu Castle. Shizuko led the delegation from Owari, while Tadakatsu led the delegation from Mikawa.Thank you very much for coming from a far place today.Shizuko bows deeply to Tadakatsu, who is in front of her. However, Shizuko finds it strange that there is no response from Tadakatsu. She raises her face. Tadakatsu appears to be perplexed, or rather bewildered. Saizo whispers to Shizuko, who was thinking that something strange had happened.Shizuko-sama, it is likely that this seating arrangement is a first for the Mikawa province. I am also unable to discern the intention behind it. If possible, could you please explain it to everyone?They sat in a cross-legged position, with a Western-style round table in the center that had its legs shortened. The participants were divided into two groups, one representing Owari and the other representing Mikawa.Ah, ah I'm sorry Ahem Today, we have arranged this in order to express our thoughts.Shizuko clears her throat and looks directly at Tadakatsu's face as she speaks. She feels as though his serious gaze is peering into the depths of her heart, but Shizuko continues speaking without averting her eyes.My lord, Oda Kazusa-no-suke, and the lord of Honda Heihachiro, Tokugawa Mikawa-no-kami, have formed an alliance. As the alliance is based on equality, there is no need to consider who takes the higher seat or any such matters.Indeed, an alliance is meant to be equal. However, it is true that Shizuko possesses a greater amount of technology at the moment. Considering that, I have no objection to you taking the seat of honor.Alright, let's start by eliminating that difference.Tadakatsu and the people of Mikawa frowned at Shizuko's words, but the people from Owari were no different. In fact, everyone except Shizuko failed to grasp the intention behind her statement. Ignoring the confusion in the room, Shizuko signaled to the attendants waiting in the next room. The sliding doors were quietly opened, and the attendants entered the room, each holding a tray. They placed the trays in front of the individuals from Mikawa and Owari, and just as quietly as they had come in, they left the room. Tadakatsu looked down at the tray. There, a thick bundle of paper was placed.Please, pick it up and read it.Shizuko encouraged Tadakatsu to read the stack of papers, saying so. With a slight confusion, Tadakatsu took the stack of papers in his hand and began reading.This isWe have written down everything we know about it. Of course, it is about cotton.The stack of papers was a document about cotton. It was truly the most detailed booklet about cotton in the Sengoku period, containing information that Shizuko could not possibly know about. However, there was a problem. The details were too intricate that not only the Mikawa side, but also nobody from the Owari side could understand the content. Tadakatsu's eyes widened, and Yasumasa and Masashige were left speechless. Everyone from Mikawa who had the documents in their hands was frozen in shock.The Owari faction had no idea what Shizuko was thinking. If it weren't for Nobunaga's order to let Shizuko do as she pleases, they would have forcefully made her leave and demanded an explanation for her true intentions.Ah I might have written a bit too much Hmm, I just copied the content of the book as it is I failed. I only intended to unify the knowledgeReceiving the various gazes filled with emotions from both sides, Shizuko understood that the operation had failed, and a dry smile appeared on her face.Shizuko-sama, may I ask you something?As Shizuko was thinking about how to make amends, a person wearing a hood on the Mikawa side spoke up.Excuse me. I am suffering from a physical ailment, and I am wearing this hood to prevent infecting everyone. Please kindly understand.I don't mind. So, what kind of question do you have?I, an uneducated person, can understand. This paper contains very detailed information. With all due respect, I have doubts about the willingness to reveal one's hand first. To you, who can provide us with such information without hesitationThe Sengoku period was not a society overflowing with information like the present day. Craftsmen were always vigilant about their secret techniques leaking out. It was common sense. There was no one like Shizuko who would freely provide information to alliance partners without hesitation. The Mikawa faction thought that they might be hiding the crucial parts by mixing in false information, but the content was too dense for that.How many years do you think have passed since the matchlock gun was introduced to Japan?Oh, no I'm sorry. I don't know.On the twenty-fifth day of the eighth month in the twelfth year of Tenmon September 23, 1543 It happened approximately twenty-four years ago.In an instant, the Mikawa camp began to stir. The matchlock gun, known as one of the weapons in warfare, had established a firm position. They couldn't hide their surprise that the matchlock gun had only been introduced twenty-four years ago.The reason why it spread throughout Japan in just 24 years is because the technology for manufacturing guns was disseminated by multiple individuals within a short period of time. However, unlike guns, cotton is not directly related to military affairs. Therefore, it is expected to take more time for cotton to spread throughout Japan.I see, so you are considering conducting joint cultivation with Sanawa, our allied country. However, I still have one question remaining.Question? What could it be?The man wearing a headscarf took a moment to pause, then looked at Shizuko and said, I don't understand what your advantages are. Based on reading this document, it seems that cotton made from cotton plants can establish an equal position to silk and hemp. In that case, it would make sense to first produce it domestically. It is questionable to skip that step and immediately propose a joint cultivation with our country.There are several reasons. One is to prevent uprisings, another is to reduce child mortality rates, and another is the need for vast land for cultivation.If it's not too much trouble, could you please provide more details?Firstly, it is true that a vast amount of land is necessary for cultivation, as the statement suggests. Since it is used for clothing, it is only natural to require a significant amount of land.The next step is to reduce the number of child deaths. Clothing made of cotton has the advantage of being cool in summer and warm in winter. When people die from causes other than war, the main factors are hunger, disease, and cold. Among these, the most immediate one, cold', can be addressed by mass-producing clothing made from cotton to protect the body.Throughout history, people have died from the cold, regardless of time or place. Particularly vulnerable were infants and young children with weak immune systems, who would often succumb to diseases and cold temperatures. There are heartbreaking stories of thirty children in a refugee camp who died within a day due to a severe cold wave. It is not only civilians who perish from the cold. Prior to the Russo-Japanese War, two hundred soldiers died during cold weather training, and during the war itself, over two thousand soldiers froze to death. The cold is indeed a formidable threat among the natural phenomena that we encounter in our daily lives.As for measures against riots, once people are free from material deprivation in terms of clothing, food, and shelter, they will have the luxury to focus on etiquette. If we can maintain and stabilize this state, people will no longer feel the need to engage in riots.Why did you come to think that way?Because I don't want to lose them. My home, my belongings, my food I start to think it's foolish to throw them away for the sake of a rebellion or something like that. I believe it's much more constructive to have a peaceful discussion with the authorities. Well, unless they push the peasants too far, then it's a different story.Even in a poor working environment, if there is a kind of hierarchical class system and order in place, people will surprisingly become obedient and accept the adverse conditions. In particular, Japanese people have a tendency to not easily seek change once they have obtained a stable environment.Providing the people with clothing, food, and shelter is indeed the most reliable method. It is also the most challenging method.Those eyes don't seem to be plotting something bad I see So your plan is to create an environment where mass production of cotton can be carried out as a measure against riots. I understand now. Thank you very much.The man with the hood muttered words with a hint of implication in response to Shizuko's words.In the end, because Shizuko provided all the information at once instead of gradually, the Mikawa side became more cautious and the meeting ended without much progress. However, they agreed to continue with the cultivation work, and people were dispatched from both sides to establish a settlement. Shizuko, thinking that making any sudden moves would only worsen the situation, quietly continued with the work without showing any overt actions. Due to the initial impression, the Mikawa side had a sense of caution towards Shizuko. Despite that, Tadakatsu remained unchanged and happily accepted onigiri and iburi-zuke from Shizuko. Yasumasa and Masashige were amazed in a negative way at his thick-skinned attitude. Amidst this partly carefree and mostly tense atmosphere, the joint cultivation of cotton took place.And then, a little while later in late March, Shizuko was taking something out of the cabin. It was something with a very strong smell. Even though she had covered her nose and mouth with a thick cloth, she could still smell the foul odor.Ugh, let's finish this quickly. This will determine the success or failure of the past three years, so I need to give it my all.After gathering a certain amount of materials from the foul-smelling mountain, Shizuko spends several days extracting what is contained within them. Around noon on the day the extraction is completed, Yoshinari Mori visits her.I received a report that the thing in question has been completed. Unfortunately, the Lord Nobunaga was unable to make time, so I will be attending in their place.I believe the mixture is correct, but this is my first attempt at it, so I'm not entirely sure.Hahaha, well, when I fail I will be prepared for the Lord's fist.Shizuko's words made Yoshinari smile warmly. On the other hand, Shizuko was feeling uneasy. She anxiously waited for the concoction to be completed while holding her stomach.Uh, uh It's my first time mixing saltpeter I hope it turns out successfulThe saltpeter mountain that she carefully nurtured over three years. To the casual observer, it may just look like a foul-smelling garbage heap, but if you follow specific procedures, you can extract saltpeter from it. Normally, it takes four to five years, but it is possible to extract it starting from the third year. However, this is based on theory. And what can be made by combining saltpeter is black powder. If the Oda army can prepare saltpeter on their own, they can gain an advantage over other countries' armies. Due to these circumstances, it was originally planned for Nobunaga himself to come and confirm, but he had other business in the Omi region and couldn't make it. That's why his right-hand man, Mori Yoshinari, came to visit.After a while, the preparation of black gunpowder was complete, and about five ashigaru soldiers with matchlock guns lined up in front of Mori Yoshinari. They bowed deeply and then efficiently lined up in a row, as if it had been predetermined. Even for skilled marksmen, it takes nearly 30 seconds to fire a matchlock gun, usually close to a minute. And one minute later, a single ashigaru in shooting position pulled the trigger. In an instant, a lead ball flew out of the matchlock gun with a thunderous sound. It was proof that Shizuko's saltpeter mixture was successful. As if to prove that it was not a fluke, the matchlock guns continued to ignite one after another. A total of twenty shots were fired, and not a single misfire occurred as they all hit their targets.Success, huh.Shizuko let out a big sigh, as if to say that she finally felt relieved, while looking at Yoshinari in a satisfied manner as he nodded.In early April, Shizuko devoted herself to working in the fields. No, she was even more dedicated to working in the fields than last year. Shizuko had taken on numerous jobs in the past, but there was a reason why she suddenly focused solely on farming.Shizuko recently donated a large amount of saltpeter that she had been producing over the past few years. The quantity, a whopping 200 kilograms, is truly astonishing. The amount of gunpowder used for shooting with matchlock guns ranges from three to five grams. Despite the small amount of gunpowder, the cost per shot is as high as 600 yen in today's prices. Black powder is made up of a mixture of saltpeter oxidizer and sulfur and charcoal combustible materials. Since saltpeter cannot be obtained in Japan, we have no choice but to rely on imports from Nanban, which adds to the transportation costs and makes it expensive. The significance of being able to supply saltpeter ourselves, which is a key component in gunpowder production, is immense. It reduces the cost of procuring saltpeter and the risk of relying on external sources for important military supplies, and it also allows us to use ample ammunition for practical training, leading to an improvement in our combat readiness.Furthermore, she also succeeded in increasing salt production. The new method flow-down salt field salt production is expected to be several times more efficient than the traditional method in-beach salt field salt production, and it is highly praised for eliminating the need for skilled craftsmen. The traditional in-beach salt field method may seem simple, but it is extremely labor-intensive, requiring a lot of manpower and skilled techniques. As the saying goes, Three years of seawater collection, ten years of seawater scattering, it takes skilled techniques to evenly spread the seawater onto the salt field. On the other hand, the flow-down salt field method replaces the labor-intensive work done by people with solar heat and wind. The process of collecting concentrated saltwater kanmizu simply involves allowing seawater to flow down and dry through solar heat and wind. With properly designed facilities, it became possible to collect saltwater throughout the year. There is no longer a need to evenly spread seawater or transport heavy sand, and the craftsmen are freed from labor-intensive work. As if to prove the efficiency of this salt production method, Shizuko presented a large amount of salt combined with saltpeter.The achievement of successfully producing a vast amount of artificial saltpeter. The ability to produce salt in a cycle of about one month. Furthermore, the quantity of production is overwhelming compared to traditional salt fields. Shizuko's contribution in providing important military supplies such as salt and saltpeter, and establishing an environment for regular production of these materials is significant. It is only natural for Nobunaga to be in a good mood and say, I will give you any reward you desire. In response, Shizuko said the following.Please give me a large piece of land and time to do farming work.It goes without saying that everyone under Nobunaga, including himself, was at a loss for words at this proposal. When Shizuko said she would give them any reward they desired, no one could have anticipated that she would ask for them to spend time doing peasant work. They couldn't understand Shizuko's true intentions, disregarding money, honor, and everything else. Nobunaga, who wanted to hear more, asked Shizuko about her true intentions in a voice much kinder than usual. It turns out that she had been accumulating frustration due to the recent workload. The means to release that frustration was to work mindlessly in the fields. This was the solution Shizuko had found in her life so far. However, the current situation was that they were assigned to tasks other than peasant work. This only added to their frustration. That's why Shizuko wanted an environment where she could focus solely on peasant work to find some relief around here. After hearing everything, Nobunaga had an embarrassed look on his face and said this.I apologize.And the story comes full circle. Now, although she is excluded from urgent work that can wait, she is thoroughly enjoying her peasant work. Covered in mud and sweat, her face wears a contented expression like I have never seen before.You're shining.You are shining.You're shining.Keiji, Saizo, and Nagayoshi, the three of them, watch Shizuko from a distance.I think it's too bright.Shizuko is someone who possesses a different sensibility than us.I wonder if it's just my imagination that it would have been fine to simply have some free time.And so, under various ulterior motives, Hideyoshi, Takenaka Hanbei, and Mori Yoshinari observe Shizuko from a distance. However, she completely immerses herself in her work without even sparing them a glance.Shizuko had cultivated her own large plot of land within a few days, completely tilling it. She proceeded to carry out tasks such as soil preparation and planting. She also began cultivating two types of rice that had been brought from the modern era, but there were only a few seeds, totaling about 4 hectares. According to the attached certificate and notes, one of the varieties was specific to the Chubu region, such as Owari, and was resistant to rice blast disease. It was a variety from the Honami series that could yield a quantity similar to pesticide cultivation despite being grown organically. The other variety used difficult kanji characters and had no furigana, so Shizuko couldn't read it, but it seemed to be highly resistant to diseases and could be cultivated in both cold and hot regions. The harvest yield was about 70% of Koshihikari during a good harvest, but it was noted that the taste was inferior to second-grade brands. In other words, it was a variety to be cultivated as a last resort in case other varieties failed. However, Shizuko was more pleased with the unknown rice variety than with Honami.Tomohonami rice has a taste that rivals Koshihikari rice, but its cultivation is limited to specific regions, making mass production difficult. However, there are varieties that can be grown in any region, from Hokkaido in the north to Kagoshima in the south.Rice cultivation in cold regions is inherently difficult. However, there are examples of successful rice cultivation in regions with low rainfall by introducing the Champa rice variety, which originated from China. This variety is a long-grain rice native to the Champa region in southern Vietnam. It is resistant to pests and drought, but extremely sensitive to cold temperatures. In its original homeland of China, the food culture is characterized by noodles in the north, rice in the south, where wheat-based noodle dishes are popular in the cold northern regions, while rice is the staple food in the warmer southern regions.There are few rice varieties in Japan that are resistant to cold weather. Although rice cultivation was practiced in the cold Tohoku region, the Pacific side of Japan has been plagued by strong winds and suffered significant damage from cold weather. Rice cultivation began in the Hokkaido region, specifically the Oshima Peninsula, after the peaceful Edo period, but on a very small scale. It was not until the Meiji period that large-scale rice cultivation became possible in Hokkaido. This was due to extensive technological developments aimed at developing rice varieties that could thrive in cold regions.I apologize to the people who developed cold-resistant rice, but if there are lives that can be saved by mass-producing it without losing them, Shizuko doesn't mind bearing the stigma of being a usurper.hmm? Lady Shizuko, the bamboo tube hanging from your waist, does it not have a slightly peculiar shape?Takanaka Hanbei, who was observing Shizuko from a distance, tilted his head when he saw the bamboo tube hanging from her waist. From its appearance, he could tell that it was meant to hold liquids such as water, but it had a peculiar shape for that purpose.Oh, that's the water bottle Shizucchi Shizuko had a carpenter make. Look, I got one too, and you drink from it like this.After showing the same thing that Keiji had hanging from his waist to Takenaka Hanbei, he turned the top part of the bamboo water bottle with his hand. It's nothing special, just a bamboo version of what we would call a mobile phone holder today. Of course, it doesn't have the vacuum insulation function like modern products, so its cooling and heating capabilities are quite poor. Using a gourd would be much easier, but this bamboo water bottle is great because you can check the liquid inside before drinking it. It is also much higher in terms of hygiene and maintenance. The downside is that it takes time to process and it takes longer to make a finished product compared to a regular bamboo water bottle, and you need to carefully select the materials. Specifically, you need bamboo that is four to five years old, which is when it has the highest strength, and it should be harvested between September and November when the moisture content is the lowest. Of course, it is possible to make it with bamboo that is two or three years old or harvested outside of autumn. The reason for careful selection is to ensure that it has the strength to withstand long-term use and rough handling. Shizuko's bamboo water bottle is made with three-year-old bamboo, which is the final release version for practical testing, and even when I hung it during a week of farming work, it didn't get damaged. However, it has not been tested in intense environments like battles.I feel like using a gourd would be fine, but there seem to be advantages to this as well. The biggest advantage is being able to confirm what is inside, and unlike a gourd, it is also possible to put in other things.Curious, Takenaka Hanbei received a bamboo water bottle from Keiji and inspected its structure. I thought that its large diameter allows for quickly filling it with water, and it can also be used to hold things like onigiri besides liquids. On the other hand, I felt that the processing of the joints is time-consuming, making mass production difficult.It seems that the processing of the part that hits the lid is difficult.It seems so. That's why they seem to be trying to make a tool called a lathe'. They are investing quite a number of people, so it must be quite large and complex. They are also trying to make various mysterious things like a height measuring device' or a weight measuring device'. They have already completed a wooden barrel distiller' and are trying to make something using it.Hmm It seems to be a large-scale mechanical device of some sort. However, height and weight those are sounds I've never heard before.If I remember correctly, according to Shizucchi, they said, Techniques and tools will eventually become known to other countries. However, this __ is slow-acting, so it takes time for the effects to show even if someone tries to imitate it. I think it was called the National Nutrition Improvement Plan.The problem of the nation's nutritional status was resolved around 1975 Showa 50, before which the population was constantly suffering from malnutrition. Two major national diseases were particularly prevalent: tuberculosis and beriberi. While tuberculosis is a separate issue, the reason for the prevalence of beriberi was said to be the consumption of only white rice, which does not contain vitamin B1, without sufficient intake of other foods. As a side note, the influence of beriberi played a role in the popularity of soba over udon in Edo, where the culture of white rice as the main staple food was prevalent during the Edo period. This is because people knew from experience that eating soba could prevent or treat beriberi. Scientifically speaking, beriberi is a disease caused by a deficiency of vitamin B1, so consuming soba, which is rich in vitamin B1, can alleviate the deficiency.Vitamin deficiencies can lead to terrifying diseases. Vitamin A deficiency can cause night blindness. Vitamin B1 deficiency can lead to beriberi, Wernicke's encephalopathy, and high pyruvic acidemia. Vitamin B2 deficiency can cause mouth ulcers and seborrheic dermatitis. Vitamin B6 deficiency can result in anemia and glossitis. Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause peripheral neuropathy and subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord. Vitamin C deficiency can lead to scurvy. Vitamin D deficiency can cause rickets. Vitamin E deficiency can result in gait disturbances and the list goes on. The terrifying aspect of this group of diseases is that anyone can develop a vitamin deficiency.National Nutrition Improvement Plan, huh? I still can't understand what they're thinking.That's right, Lord Kinoshita Hideyoshi. The future she envisions is filled with things that we cannot comprehend.Yoshinari and Hideyoshi, who were talking like that, had a small smile on their faces.They produced a large quantity of military supplies such as rice and soybeans. They recently started producing saltpeter, which is a raw material for black gunpowder, on their own. The Oda family's territory is evolving at an unprecedented speed.Takanaka Hanbei, turning his face towards Shizuko, muttered in his heart with a faint smile on his face.I'm starting to feel like the idea of a world ruled by Budou military rule under the heavens won't just end as a mere dream.
