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Bundle 89: Edo Era: The Japanese Take to the Water

The Edo era (1603–1867) was a golden age for boatbuilding, and the 掘 essay explains why: political stability led to economic stability, and the burgeoning economy prompted a need for canals to transport goods, services, and people. As the 舟 piece shows, the Japanese actually devised boats with many styles and functions, including canal and river taxis. The 峠 article asserts that wealthy people traveled via commercial ships and that companies transported most goods domestically by boat. Indeed, the 垣 essay describes an odd-looking ship used to move items between Edo (the old name for Tokyo) and Osaka.
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垣
hedge
JOK: 1073
Find out which 垣 expressions convey something juicy about human behavior and which ones pertain to actual hedges and fences. See how bamboo fences connect to fishing nets and ships. Discover what role 垣 plays in the oldest tanka and in common proverbs. Learn to read lots of surnames containing 垣, including that of a legendary equestrian, a politician, a linguist, and a sumo wrestler.
舟
boat
JOK: 1354
Find out how to talk about small, hand-propelled boats, and learn about Japanese boats across the ages, from dugout canoes to washtub boats to small straw boats that play a key role during Bon. See why a book about a retiree unnerved Japan, and learn about a famous story in which a man delights in being arrested. Also learn a boat-related expression for traditional rivals.
峠
ridge
JOK: 1663
After reading about this famous kokuji, you'll know how to say that you're "over the hump" of a crisis and that a trend has peaked. You'll also understand the significance of mountain passes in Japan, including the military importance they had in the past, the dangers they once posed to travelers, the way they've inspired woodblock artists, and the abundance of hot springs at passes.
掘
dig
JOK: 1189
People use this kanji for digging up crops, excavating ruins, and mining; 掘 is quite grounded. But if you dig a little, you'll soon spot its figurative side. This essay will teach you to say "That old book is a real find" and "Someone rear-ended me." Through this kanji you'll find out about hidden treasure, an animal shaped like a tusk, and heating systems submerged in pits in the floor.
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