Wang Yangming, written by Watarigahara Saburo, published in Meiji 44 (1911). A work on Yangmingism.

Shozaburo Watarigari

Old yet new. May this tradition never be forgotten.
- Professor at Tokyo Higher Normal School (1925) Ministry of Education Inspector (1926) Authority on moral education -
(Deceased 1946, aged 74)

Born March 1873, the third son of Naokata Watarigari, a samurai of the Sasayama clan, in Nishishinmachi. From the Meiji, Taisho, and into the Showa era until his retirement in 1941, he was an active figure in the education world, with many publications, primarily focusing on "Kokumin Dōtoku Honron" (Treatise on National Morality) of his time.

◆Regarding the "培根達技 (Baikon Dassagi)" Stele

This stele, currently existing to the left of the entrance gate of Sasayama Elementary School, was inscribed by Shozaburo's father, Naokata. The phrase "培根連枝 (Baikon Ren-shi)" originates from a Chinese Zhu Xi elementary school inscription. "培根 (Baikon)" means to cultivate strong roots, and "達枝 (Dasshi/Ren-shi)" means to make branches grow strong and lush. The roots represent education during elementary school, while the branches represent middle and higher education.

The branches of a tree bear flowers and fruit, achieving completion and further developing into strong life for the next generation. Therefore, it is essential to cultivate strong roots during elementary school.

Education nurtures mind and body, resulting in fruitfulness and a robust life.

This old yet new phrase prompts us to reconsider whether today's education is sufficient, in the home, school, and society.

A Meiji-era work on Wang Yangming, showing age-related staining.
- Title: Wang Yangming
- Author: Shozaburo Watarigari
- Publication Year: 1911
- Publisher: Heyugo Publishers
- Language: Japanese
- Condition: Age-related staining present

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