The program "Platinum Family: A Glimpse into the Lives of a Glamorous Family" (TV Asahi, Tuesdays at 7 PM) introduces the lifestyles of "glamorous families." On April 7th, a family that has inherited a family business that has continued for over 400 years since the Edo period will be featured.
In a quiet residential area of Midori Ward, Aichi Prefecture, stands a magnificent mansion surrounded by a long wall. Built approximately 250 years ago, with a total land area of about 1,000 tsubo (approximately 3,300 square meters), 30 rooms, and three storehouses, the Takeda family's residence is the site of their family business: the manufacture and sale of a certain "product" created using traditional techniques.
Inside the residence are rooms where members of the imperial family, including Prince and Princess Takamatsu and Empress Emerita Michiko, who actually purchased products from the family, were received. The family also had close ties with the Tokugawa shogunate, to which they presented their products, and there is a tea room that the 14th shogun, Tokugawa Iemochi, visited twice. The "noble entrance" used for high-ranking individuals remains there as it was at the time. In the beautiful garden sits a massive garden stone that is said to have been transported from Kurama in Kyoto over a distance of approximately 160 kilometers during the Meiji era, telling a story of history.
A calligraphy piece written by Katsu Kaishu himself is displayed in the reception room. Because the calligraphy is beautiful but difficult to read, the 8th head of the family, Takeda Kahei, revealed that "I couldn't read it myself," which led to a lively discussion among the studio guests, including Takashima Chisako, about what it said.
On this day, a family that has supported the imperial family for three generations with "a certain thing" will appear, as well as a family where three generations have been designated as "Living National Treasures."
