Urban legends related to Taira Masakado

The truth and true charm of Torigoe Shrine and the legend of the Big Dipper - Beyond the misunderstanding with Taira Masakado

Torigoe Shrine is located in Taito Ward, Tokyo. This shrine, which has been around for over 1,300 years since its founding, has been attracting attention in recent years due to certain urban legends. This means that when you connect a shrine associated with Taira Masakado on a map, it becomes the shape of a Big Dipper.

However, behind this romantic legend there is a misunderstanding of history and the original image of the shrine. In this article, we examine the relationship between Torigoe Shrine and Taira Masakado, clarify the truth and falsehood of the legend, and explore the history, culture, and connections with the local area.

1. The legend of the Big Dipper and the appearance of Torigoe Shrine

Taira Masakado was a warlord who rebelled in Kanto during the mid-Heian period, and his tragic end and his image as a rebel against the imperial court led to various legends. Among these, the urban legend that when a shrine enshrined in Taira Masakado and a land associated with it becomes the shape of the Big Dipper, stimulates people's imagination and is still talked about even today. Torigoe Shrine is positioned as one of the stars that make up the Big Dipper in this legend, and is often described as if it had a deep connection with Taira Masakado.

2. What is the truth told by company history: what is his relationship with Taira Masakado?

However, when we examined the shrine history of Torigoe Shrine in detail, we found no mention of Taira Masakado. There is a rumor that the hands of Prince Masakado are enshrined, but this is not based on historical facts, but merely a tradition. Kaburagi Hiromaro, the chief priest of Torigoe Shrine, also testified, "Because he is the surname Kaburagi, he was mistaken for enshrined Masakado." The Kaburagi clan was a descendant of the Hirayoshi family, the uncle of Masakado, and that is, a descendant of the Chiba clan, and it is likely that a misunderstanding occurred due to his origin.

Thus, based on historical reasons, it can be said that the direct relationship between Torigoe Shrine and Taira Masakado is weak. It is important to recognize that urban legends can act as elements that attract people's interest and liven up the story, but that they may differ from historical facts.

3. The change of shrines by Tokugawa Ieyasu and the background of cold treatment

When talking about the history of Torigoe Shrine, Tokugawa Ieyasu's entry into Edo and the changes in the shrine that accompanied it are inevitable. Before the Edo period, Torigoe Shrine had a vast shrine grounds of about 20,000 tsubo (2000 tsubo) and was located on a hill called Torigoeyama (formerly Shiratoriyama). Three shrines, Torigoe Daimyojin, Atsuta Myojin, and Dashiro Tenjin, are enshrined in the grounds, and these are combined to be called Torigoe Sansho Myojin. It was a scenic place surrounded by ponds and rivers, and flourished as a center of faith for local residents.

However, when Tokugawa Ieyasu entered Edo in 1590, redevelopment of Edo was promoted, and the Torigoe Sansho Myojin was forced to move. Mt. Torigoe was cut down, the pond was reclaimed, and the site was significantly reduced. Judging from this background, it is hard to say that Ieyasu and Brain's Amami Monk put special emphasis on Torigoe Shrine. If Ieyasu had recognized Torigoe Shrine as a shrine associated with Masakado, it is unlikely that it would have been treated as a reduction in the size of the shrine.

4. The fictionality of urban legends and the essence of shrines

From the above investigation, it has been revealed that the connection between Torigoe Shrine and Taira Masakado is weak, and that the rumor that Masakado's hands were buried was likely to have been created in future generations. The story of a shrine connected to Taira Masakado is shaped like a Big Dipper, which is to seal Masakado, and can be enjoyed as an interesting fiction. However, it is important to understand that it is different from historical facts and to distinguish between stories and reality.

While Torigoe Shrine attracts attention as it is spoken about as its connection with Taira Masakado, it also has an aspect that has its true charm hidden away. In reality, it was founded in 651, and is a venerable shrine with Nippon Takeru as the deity, and has attracted a strong faith from local people.

5. The bonds connecting the Torigoe Festival, Senkan Mikoshi and the local community

The Torigoe Festival is held every Saturday and Sunday, which is close to June 9th every year, and is bustling with many people. The biggest attraction of the Torigoe Festival is the huge mikoshi known as the "Senkan Mikoshi." The base wheel is 4 shaku 3 sun wide and weighs about 1,000 kan (about 4 tons), and is also known as the "ghost mikoshi." The sight of the mikoto carrying this huge mikoto parade around the city is spectacular, and is known as the mikoto boasts the largest weight in Tokyo.

The Senkan Mikoshi is not only heavy, but its gorgeous decorations also captivate people. The lacquered body, gold-foiled roof, elaborate carvings and glittering ornaments further enhance the festive glamour. The enthusiasm of the carriers carrying the Senkan Mikoshi and the enthusiasm of the audience watching them come together, making the Torigoe Festival an unforgettable and moving experience. The Torigoe Festival is an important cultural event for local residents and shows the significance of the shrine.

6. History and culture

While being colored by urban legends that its connection with Taira Masakado, Torigoe Shrine has firmly inherited its history and culture and contributed to the local community. Urban legends may bring temporary topics, but the true value of shrines lies in their beliefs and culture that have been cultivated over their long history. Those involved with Torigoe Shrine have their mission to cherish the history and culture of the shrine and convey it to the future, without being misled by urban legends. It is hoped that in the future, they will continue to strengthen cooperation with local communities, and continue to take on new initiatives tailored to the times while still maintaining tradition.

Summary: Overcoming misunderstandings and spreading true charm

Unlike the urban legend that it is related to Taira Masakado, Torigoe Shrine is a historic shrine with Nihon Takeru as the deity, and continues to be loved by local people. Despite the historical background of Tokugawa Ieyasu's cold treatment, his faith and culture have never been disrupted and have been passed down to this day. Urban legends act as elements that attract people's interest and enrich the story, but they may differ from historical facts. The true charm of Torigoe Shrine is its history, culture, and its bond with local residents. The Senkan Mikoshi at the Torigoe Festival is a symbol of the shrine and a pride of local residents. Torigoe Shrine will continue to be a place of reinforcement for the local community, from the past to the present and the future, without losing its brilliance. I hope that the true charm of Torigoe Shrine will be conveyed to more people through the misunderstanding of an urban legend.

Shokey Hayashi

Exorcist/Radionics Technique Researcher

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Born in Aomori Prefecture in 1965, he has been suffering from troubles, illnesses and injuries caused by spiritual phenomena since childhood. However, one day, when he was 20 years old, he attended an event, had a mysterious experience at the venue, and was hit by lightning energy from the heavens, as if piercing the spinal cord from his brain, and his psychic abilities blossomed. He then began studying psychology and psychiatry, and now he has combined psychiatry and consciousness engineering. Established "Radionics exorcism" using our own radionics techniques. "It's possible to treat your fortune" beyond exorcism, memorial service, and healing.