The 'White' Miracle Left Behind by an Edo-Period Traveler: The Story of the World's Only Dandelion, Protected in Aomori for 200 Years

1. Introduction: The Mystery of the 'White' Flower Blooming in Snow Country

In the snowy spring of Aomori, there is a place where, among the yellow flowers, 'white dandelions' bloom quietly, as if snow spirits had descended. Originally, the white-flowered dandelion is a plant primarily native to western Japan. It is a flower that should not grow wild in Aomori, which is locked away by severe cold.

However, in Itayanagi Town, Aomori Prefecture, there is a story of a family that has kept this 'white' alive for over 200 years without letting it die out. This is not merely a record of plant preservation. It is a 'living cultural asset' where the passion and friendship of the Edo period are still breathing today. Let us unravel this miraculous story that has taken root in the soil of history.

2. Shocking Fact 1: The Flower Was a 'Thank You' Gift from an Edo-Period Influencer

The person who brought this white dandelion to Aomori was Masumi Sugae, a travel writer from the late Edo period. He dedicated much of his life to travel, leaving behind detailed illustrations and writings on the customs and history of the places he visited. Said to be the first person in Japan to record Jomon pottery in drawings, his curiosity and ability to share information were exactly like those of a modern 'travel blogger' or 'multi-creator.' He was truly an influencer of his time.
During his travels, Masumi stayed for a long time at the 'Kitabatake family' in Itayanagi. In fact, the Kitabatake family had supported the region for generations as 'doctors.' As a token of gratitude for their warm hospitality, Masumi gifted them the white-flowered dandelion he had brought from western Japan as a 'medicinal herb.' Perhaps because they were a family of doctors—professionals who save lives—Masumi entrusted this flower to them with the special meaning of it being a 'medicinal herb that connects lives,' rather than just something for ornamental use.

Kiyomi Kitabatake, the current guardian, describes that bond as follows:

'I think our ancestors cherished the idea that this dandelion was a gift from Masumi when he stayed with us. I believe they carefully protected the white dandelion that Masumi planted when he came here, as well as the interaction itself.'

3. Shocking Fact 2: The Guardians Are a Prestigious Family Appearing in History Textbooks

The Kitabatake family, who have continued to protect this 'proof of friendship,' is actually a highly distinguished clan that appears on the main stage of Japanese history. Their roots trace back to Akiie Kitabatake, a famous general who supported Emperor Go-Daigo during the Northern and Southern Courts period.

Namioka Castle (in present-day Aomori City), which served as the clan's base, fell during the Sengoku period, but the surviving descendants moved to the Itayanagi area and wove history as village headmen and doctors. The current residence is called the 'Furudate Castle Ruins' and has been designated as Itayanagi Town's Cultural Property No. 1.

The building, over 200 years old, where Masumi actually slept and lived, still remains there, with its original ceiling and hearth conveying the weight of history. The residence was built to offer a beautiful view of Mount Iwaki, and Masumi, along with the people of the Kitabatake family, must have admired the white flowers while gazing at this borrowed scenery.

4. Shocking Fact 3: 'Only 3 Plants Left' Until Extinction. Facing the Crisis of Disappearance

The greatest crisis for the dandelion, which had been cherished for over 200 years, occurred just a few years ago. Kiyomi's grandfather, Takeki, who had enthusiastically protected it for many years by collecting seeds, passed away in 2019.

'I wonder what happened to the white dandelion Grandpa used to talk about...'

When Kiyomi, suddenly struck by anxiety, checked the main family's garden in 2021, there were only 3 plants left; at the start of the project, there was only 1. Because of its long history, the individuals had aged, and while they still had the power to produce seeds, they had lost the 'power to germinate.' The baton that had been passed for 226 years was about to slip from her fingertips. The tension and fear were immeasurable.

5. Shocking Fact 4: A 'Great Reversal' Through the Power of Science. Revival and Evolution to 200 Plants

Determined not to let history end on her watch, Kiyomi involved the local government and Hirosaki University to borrow the power of science.

The technique adopted was 'tissue culture.' This is a method of awakening new life through 'scientific magic,' creating clones from a tiny portion of the plant's cells. The plants, carefully raised under Professor Katsukawa at the university, successfully regained their vitality.

The revived dandelions had evolved to be much tougher than before. They acquired the strength to overcome record-breaking heavy snow, and the flowers, which used to bloom for only about two weeks in May, now bloom 'twice a year,' even in October. The single plant that was on the brink of despair showed a brilliant reversal, increasing to 200 plants in just five years.

6. Shocking Fact 5: From the Garden to the 'Town.' A 'Living Cultural Asset' Protected by Children

Currently, the story of the white-flowered dandelion is spreading from the Kitabatake family garden to the entire town of Itayanagi. At the local Itayanagi Higashi Elementary School, children are growing these flowers and learning about local history, using 'observation diaries with illustrations of Masumi' drawn by Kiyomi.

Planting has also taken place at the public facility 'Apuru,' and what was once a private 'proof of friendship' is being redefined (a reconsideration of the white flower) as a 'local treasure' to be protected by the entire town. Kiyomi is now drawing a new dream with her partner, a video creator, to 'turn Masumi Sugae into a manga' to share this history with the next generation in a fun way.

An Edo-period traveler and the family of doctors who welcomed him. The feeling of 'thank you' they exchanged has changed its form into something creative that transcends time.

7. Conclusion: The Baton Passed to the Future

The small white flower that a traveler handed over as a token of gratitude has grown from the thoughts of one family into the pride of the entire region over an incredible 226 years. This story, in which a light that had once flickered out regained its brilliance through modern science and people's passion, teaches us something important.
Protecting history is not just about leaving old things behind. It is about grasping the 'thoughts' contained within them and blowing a new breeze that fits the current era.

Perhaps there is an 'invisible treasure' that someone has protected for generations blooming quietly near you as well. How would you accept that baton?
Reference Materials:https://www.driveplaza.com/trip/michinohosomichi/ver305/