There is another “WANI GUCHI” in Ojiya. It is possessed by “UTSUNOMIYA JINJYA” and the dedicator is the same man called “NISHIKATA YASABUROU MITSUYUKI”. The material of the gong is forged cupper. I wonder whom he asked to forge the bell to dedicate them to the shrines.

As far as I searched, the largest “WANI GUCHI” in Niigata Pref. exists at “HOUKOUIN” in Yahiko village. The diameter on the surface is about 53cm. That of “UTSUNOMIYA JINJYA WANI GUCHI” is about 30cm. The Yahiko’s waniguchi has the same characteristics of “HACHIMANGUU WANIGUCHI” in Sanjyo.

It is said that the “HACHIMANGUU WANIGUCHI” was made by a founder group based at “Oosaki” in Sanjyo. At that time, there were two other main founder groups in “Echigo” area. One of these groups is “Ookubo” group based at Ookubo in Kashiwazaki and governed the area of Kariha, Mishima, Koshi and Uonuma.

“UONUMA JINJYA WANI GUCHI” and “UTSUNOMIYA JINJYA WANI GUCHI” might have been forged by “Ookubo” founders but I have not found the explicit written evidence yet.

I have heard from an “Ojiyan” friend that the origin of industries around Ojiya area was local sword smiths. Boldly I guess and hope they might have contributed to the production of the “WANI GUCHI” even there are a few forging companies in Ojiya area.

“UTSUNOMIYA JINJYA WANI GUCHI” is designated as one of cultural properties by Niigata pref.

参考：小千谷市ホームページ

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