Shiki lost his father at the age of six, and grew up taking loving care of his mother and his grandfather Kanzan. before entering school. he was given on the lecture on reading Chinese studies with Hajime in 1883 (Meiji 6), at the age of seven in this private school.
"I have many cousin now
Peach blossoms have come into full bloom
Just in my country home"
(Shiki)
Shiki's relations on his paternal side of Saeki family, Utahara family and others were not so many, but his maternal relations of Ohara family were considerably many.
His relations used to get together at the time of year when peach blossoms were in full bloom. This Haiku was composed at that time, in 1895 (Meiji 28).
Kanzan Ohara was the second son of Shigetaka katho in Mitsu. His real name was "Aritsune".
Because his elder sister, "Tsuyae" and her husband "Tsunekata Katho" had no child, Kanzan was adopted into Ohara family and made the first daughter of Utahara family, "Shige" his wife and had four sons and three daughters. His first daughter, "Yae" got into Masaoka family and bore Shiki. Kanzan Ohara was Shiki's maternal grandfather.
Kanzan learned at "Meikyokan" of Matsuyama feudal domain school and went up to Edo to learn at "Shoheikou" of Tokugawa shogunate school and came back to Matsuyama to be the teacher of "Meikyokan".
After the abolition of feudal domain system, Kanzan established the private school in this place and educated sons and children in this district.
"In the coldness of morning I crouched all alone in front of The tomb of my grandfather"
(Shiki)
