English Version
In Noma, Mihama Town, Chita District, Aichi Prefecture, there is said to be a pond connected to a number of strange phenomena and urban legends.
According to local rumor, when the country faces a major crisis, the water of the pond turns red. Some also say that a regretful voice can be heard from the pond, murmuring something like, “If only I had even a wooden sword.” Others say no such voice has ever been heard.
The pond is traditionally described as the place where the blade used to kill Minamoto no Yoritomo was washed, or where his severed head was cleansed. As with many old legends, the details vary depending on who tells the story, and the claims should be treated as folklore rather than established history.
The site is associated with the Noma area of Mihama, along Aichi Prefectural Route 277. If you visit, be mindful of traffic, avoid entering private or restricted property, and respect the quiet rural surroundings.
Japanese Language
奇妙な現象や、都市伝説が数多く存在する模様。国に一大事がある場合には池の水が紅く染まるとか、その池から、頼朝の「せめて木刀の一つでもあれば」といったような無念の声が聞こえるとか聞こえないとか。源頼朝を殺めた刀やその首を洗った池と伝えられている。愛知県知多郡美浜町野間 県道277号線
