「水戸の烈公」として知られる徳川斉昭。彼は政治家としてだけでなく、実は食通としても知られていた一面があります。特に、斉昭が熱烈に愛したのが、滋賀県の名産である「近江牛」でした。
斉昭が近江牛を愛した理由は、その深い味わいだけでなく、滋養強壮の効果も期待されていたからです。当時の医学では、牛肉は体力回復や健康維持に良いとされており、多忙な政治家であった斉昭にとって、近江牛は貴重な栄養源だったと言えるでしょう。
Tokugawa Nariaki, known as the “Rekkō of Mito,” was not only a politician but also had a reputation as a gourmet. In particular, he had a passionate love for “Omi beef,” a specialty of Shiga Prefecture.
The reason Nariaki loved Omi beef was not only its rich flavor but also the expected health benefits. At that time, it was believed in medicine that beef was good for physical recovery and maintaining health, making Omi beef a valuable source of nutrition for the busy politician Nariaki.
井伊直弼との確執と近江牛
しかし、斉昭の近江牛への愛情は、彦根藩主の井伊直弼との間に興味深いエピソードを生み出します。大老となった井伊直弼は、領内での牛の屠殺を禁じ、結果として近江牛の献上も途絶えてしまうのです。
近江牛の味が忘れられない斉昭は、何度も彦根藩に献上の再開を要請。ついには江戸城まで赴き、井伊直弼に直談で近江牛の献上を懇願したという逸話も残っています。
Conflict with Ii Naosuke and Omi Beef
However, Nariaki’s affection for Omi beef led to an interesting episode with Ii Naosuke, the lord of Hikone. As the elder statesman, Ii Naosuke prohibited the slaughter of cattle within his domain, which consequently halted the offerings of Omi beef.
Unable to forget the taste of Omi beef, Nariaki repeatedly requested the resumption of offerings from the Hikone domain. There is even a tale that he went all the way to Edo Castle to personally plead with Ii Naosuke for the resumption of Omi beef offerings.
食を通じて現れた二人の人間らしい一面
斉昭と井伊直弼の近江牛をめぐるやり取りは、二人の対照的な性格を浮き彫りにします。政治的な対立を超えて、食を通じて現れた二人の人間らしい一面は、歴史に彩りを添えるエピソードと言えるでしょう。
The Human Side of Both Men Revealed Through Food
The exchanges between Nariaki and Ii Naosuke regarding Omi beef highlight their contrasting personalities. Beyond their political rivalry, the human aspects of both men revealed through their shared love of food add a colorful episode to history.