延岡市　Nobeoka-City

Around 270 years ago, during the period where the Nobeoka Domain was head by Makino, the land in the Idekita Machi area (present Idekita), was higher than the river level. Water was not even able to be pumped to the area and thus rice was unable to grow. Such a wide expanse of wasteland existed there, that it was called the "Japanese Skylark's Nest".

The farmers in Idekita Machi had been asking the feudal leaders to do something to bring water to their area for a long time, but their appeals were not heard.

Chief Retainer, Kenmotsu Fujie, looking upon this situation, felt sorry for the people. He persuaded those who were against the idea due to tight clan finances, and decided to build a barrage to bring water to Idekita Machi.

Kitaemon Ejiri, shogunate administrator of the district and excelling in irrigation and engineering techniques, was appointed in charge of dam construction.

Construction of the barrage first began in the Misu area, but it was swept away a number of times during flooding, due to the ground there being soft. They then decided to build the dam at the present location of Iwaguma instead, where the ground is firm.

The construction ran into difficulties and Kenmotsu was criticised and told by those against building the barrage to stop construction. He was falsely labeled by other chief retainers who did not think highly of him, as misappropriately using war funds.

Due to suspicion of misappropriate use of funds, he and his three sons were sent to the Fune-no-o Prison in Hinokage. His eldest son who was in delicate health, died after less than six months in prison, and Kenmotsu, mourning his son's death, also died after refusing to eat for an extended period of time.

Kitaemon Ejiri, according to Kenmotsu's last wishes, took over construction of the barrage. A 12 kilometre long waterway for irrigation, and Iwaguma Barrage, were completed three years after Kenmotsu's passing. A total of 11 years and a large amount of funds were spent on their construction.

After the barrage's completion, the Nobeoka Domain saw an increase in revenue upwards of 300 koku of rice.

In addition, the graves of Kenmotsu Fujie and his son, which are located in Fune-no-o, Hinokage Town, are honoured by those who receive the blessings of Iwaguma Barrage even today. A large number of union members from the Iwaguma Soil Enrichment Group worship at their graves on August 17, according to the old lunar calendar. Still today, people hold memorial services there and express their sincerity of thanks and gratitude to Kenmotsu.

Also, in order to not forget for years to come, their moral indebtedness to Kenmotsu Fujie and Ejiri Kitaemon, the citizens of Idekita built a temple in the town dedicated to the Kannon (Goddess of Mercy) to honour the two men. A memorial service is held every year there on August 18 of the old lunar calendar.

In 1924 (Taisho 13), approximately 200 years after the passing of Kenmotsu Fujie and Kitaemon Ejiri, the two men's achievements were publicly recognized, and they were awarded the title of "Jyuu-go-i" (similar to the title of "Sir" in Britain, for example).