A shrine dedicated to Taira Masakado ④ Kanda Myojin

Kanda Myojin (Kanda Shrine) - History, faith, architecture and breathing into the future

Kanda Myojin, located in Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, is officially named Kanda Shrine. This ancient shrine goes beyond the boundaries of mere historical buildings, and continues to fascinate people even today as a microcosm of Japan's spiritual culture, faith, and technological innovation. Since its founding date back to the Nara period, it has undergone changes in the era, and while changing its appearance, it has always been a place of reliance on Tokyo and Japan as a place of reinforcement for people.

The deep connection between the ancient life, the shining family, and Taira Masakado's Prince

The history of Kanda Myojin began in 730 during the Nara period. When it was first founded in Shibasaki Village, Toshima District, Musashi Province, in what is now Otemachi, Chiyoda Ward, it was dedicated to only one pillar of Oonamuchi Mikoto. Okikimi no Mikoto is a god who has demonstrated great power in national land development, breeding industry, medicine and medicine, and is also widely worshiped as a god of matchmaking.

When talking about the history of Kanda Myojin, his deep connection with Taira Masakado, a warlord from the mid-Heian period. There is a legend that during the Shohei and Tenkei eras, the head of Masakado, who was a pioneer of samurai who aspired to reform politically in the Kanto region and risked his life to protect the people, was buried beside Shibasaki Village. In 1309, the spirit of Prince Masakado was enshrined as the deity of Kanda Myojin due to his brave and bold lifestyle and his strong faith from the people. Masakado is still revered as "Unbelievable Sage" and the god of warding off disasters.

The guardian deity of Edo, Tokugawa Shogunate, and Takamori of the Kanda Festival

As the Edo period began, Kanda Myojin became a deep connection with the Tokugawa Shogunate. During the battle at Sekigahara, which was the decisive battle, Tokugawa Ieyasu took the guardian mark of Kanda Myojin and won the battle. Ieyasu, impressed by this strange connection, strongly venerated Kanda Myojin, and the Tokugawa Shogunate that followed also generously protected Kanda Myojin.

During the time of the second Shogun Hidetada, in 1616, Kanda Myojin moved to its current location, Sotokanda. He was given the title of Edo Castle's deity and the title of the deity of Edo, and was revered by the town of Edo and the people who lived there.

Throughout the Edo period, the Kanda Festival became one of Japan's three major festivals. The spectacular line of floats, which spanned 36 cars, and the lively atmosphere of the various festivals, sparked the town of Edo and made its name known throughout the country. In particular, after the Genroku period, a festival procession entered Edo Castle, and became known as the "Tenka Festival" as it was a festival that was viewed by the Shogun (Tenka).

Changes in the Meiji Restoration, Renamed Company Name and Change of Enshrined Deity

As the Tokugawa Shogunate came to an end and the Meiji Restoration was reached, major changes also came to Kanda Myojin. The company name was changed from Kanda Myojin to Kanda Shrine, and Taira Masakado was temporarily removed from the enshrined deity. Instead, Sukuna Hikona Mikoto was greeted as the new enshrined deity.

In 1877, Emperor Meiji worshiped the parents of the Meiji era, and Kanda Shrine established its position as an important shrine in a new era. However, changes also came to the Kanda Festival, known as the nation's festival, and due to circumstances such as the installation of railway lines and electric lines, float processions were cancelled, and portable shrines in each town became the center of the Kanda Festival.

Reconstruction from the earthquake: Reinforced concrete shrine building and the light of faith

The Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923 caused the wooden shrine to collapse. However, overcame this tragedy, Kanda Shrine ends up building a new shrine. A pioneering the modernization of traditional shrine architecture, a magnificent shrine building made of steel reinforced concrete and vermilion lacquer was completed in 1934.

The design was performed by top-class engineers from the era, such as Ito Chuta, Oe Shintaro, and Sato Koichi, and beautifully reproduced beautiful curves that surpass traditional wooden building techniques using concrete. This non-combustible building was extremely durable against bombings at the end of World War II, and despite the various buildings in the grounds and other nearby buildings that had been left to waste, the only British figure that towered over the high ground continued to give hope and security to many people who were overwhelmed by the defeat.

The Kanda Festival, which had been suspended during and after the war, was rebuilt as soon as 1952, reveals how important Kanda Shrine was to be used as a place for people's hearts. In 1940, at the request of parishioners, the first modern general wedding venue, Myojin Kaikan, was completed, and in 1951, the Sui Jinmon gate was rebuilt.

Return to tradition: Restoration of Taira Masakado and inheritance to the present day

In 1984, Taira Masakado officially rejoined as the enshrined deity, and Kanda Shrine returned to its past tradition. Even in modern times, Masakado is worshiped by many people as the god of warding off disasters.

Kanda Myojin has undergone various changes over its long history. However, it has always been handed down to the present day, as a place of reliance on people's hearts, without ever losing its light of faith. This image can be said to be a microcosm of Japan's history, culture, and faith.

The shrine that colors Kanda Myojin and its highlights

Kanda Myojin has numerous shrines and attractions that liven up history and faith.

Main Hall

The three pillars of Okitaka, Suohikona, and Taira Masakado are enshrined. The magnificent, vermilion-painted shrine was rebuilt in 1934, and although it is made of reinforced concrete, it retains the beauty of traditional shrine architecture.

Zuijinmon

It was newly rebuilt in 1975 as a commemorative event to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Emperor Showa's accession to the throne. The two-story gate is decorated with cypress and Irimoya, and is decorated with carvings based on the myths of the four gods (Suzaku, Hakutiger, Seiryu, Genbu) and Daikoku-sama. The second layer is decorated with a sculpture of a "Tsuki Horse" made from gold leaf.

Edo Shrine - a shrine dedicated to the oldest landowner god in Edo

Founded in the current Imperial Palace in 702, the second year of the Taiho era, he is still revered as the oldest landowner god in Edo. When Kanda Myojin was temporarily relocated in 1603, it moved to the Kanda Surugadai site, and later in 1616, Kanda Myojin was relocated to the current shrine site, and Edo Shrine was also moved to the current shrine site. It was worshiped by warlords from the Kanto region, including Edo Shigenaga and Ota Dokanko, and during the Edo period, it was worshiped by people mainly in Minami Denma Town, and was called "Minami Denma Town Mochi Tenno" and "Tenno no Ichi no Miya."

The first portable shrine was held on June 7th, 2010, and from then on, the portable shrine was passed from Kanda Myojin to the Otaijo in Minami Denma Town as the "Tenno Festival," and a ritual was held along the way, with the portable shrine set up on the Edo Castle Ote Bridge.

In 1868, the shrine was changed to "Suka Shrine." The shrine building was destroyed in a fire in February 2018, and the shrine was temporarily relocated to Kanda Myojin. At that time, the shrine was changed three times to its current name, Edo Shrine.

In May 1989, to commemorate the enthronement of His Majesty the Emperor's accession to the throne, the people of the Edo Shrine Support Association temporarily moved the divine spirit of Edo Shrine, which had been enshrined within the market with the relocation of Kanda Market, to Kanda Myojin, and the following December the mikoshi was renovated, and the mikoshi was officially enshrined as a shrine building, offering a Senkan Mikoshi (made by Shikano Kihei in 1958) and has been officially enshrined as a shrine building, and has continued to this day. It is still revered by the people of the Edo Shrine Advocacy Association.

During the Kanda Festival, the Edo Shrine's Thousand-Kan Mikoshi is housed in the shrine.

Komado

It was dedicated in May 1933 by volunteer parishioners. It is very rare, facing forward, and the prototype was created by Ikeda Yuhachi, a specialist in animal sculpture, giving it a more realistic and manly look.

・Ichinomiya　 Omikoto (Onamuchi Mikoto)

Thank you very much. God of matchmaking. It was enshrined in 730.

He has demonstrated great power in land development, breeding industry, medicine and medicine, and is revered as a god of land management, marriage harmony, and matchmaking. He is also said to be the god who protects the world where ancestral spirits are located, the ghost and underworld. He also has an alternative name called Okuninushi Mikoto, and is also enshrined in Shimane Prefecture's Furusha and Izumo Taisha Shrine. He has the divine virtue of being a god of land management, marriage and marriage.

Yakumo Shrine, Daidenma-cho

Yakumo Shrine, Daidenma-cho, is located in Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, and is known as the Kanda Myojin reservoir. The main deity of the shrine is Kenhaya Susanoo no Mikoto, and it is a historic shrine that has been enshrined since before the Edo period. The shrine is characterized by its unique vermilion pillars and doors, making it an eye-catching presence for visitors. The shrine was also historically positioned as the second palace of the Three Heavenly Kings, and was the center of local faith. During the festival, there is a custom of a portable shrine passing it to the Odenma Town Mikariya.

Yakumo Shrine, Kofunemachi

Kofunemachi Yakumo Shrine is a shrine located in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo, and is one of the secondary shrines of Kanda Myojin (Kanda Shrine). This shrine is one of the Three Heavenly Kings and is considered to be particularly classy. The enshrined deity is Takehaya Susanoo no Mikoto, and the festival date is June 6th every year. On this day, local mikoshi will pass through the town from the shrine

Museum

The display includes ukiyo-e by Taira Masakado, a very impressive float-shaped book stand, and a wooden statue of Myoken, which is said to have been carved by Taira Masakado himself.

The museum displays ukiyo-e by Taira Masakado, a very impressive float-shaped book stand, and a wooden statue of Myoken, which is said to have been carved by Taira Masakado himself.

Myoken statue

This statue was introduced to the Soma family, who regarded Masakado as the founder.将門公の手彫りと伝承されている。 Myoken is the name that worshiped the Big Dipper as a god.

New Imperial Master, Prince of Emperor and Lord of the Great Warrior (Seven Shadows) Miyake Ran Cliff Early Showa

Float-shaped Gocho-rest, made from the late Edo period to the early Meiji period

When Nikko Toshogu Shrine was built, craftsmen such as carpenters and carpenters were invited from all over the country to build the building. After the construction was completed, the craftsmen and others returned to their homes all over the country, but some of the craftsmen settled in the Kanto region from the area around Nikko and worked on building shrines and temples. Some of them served as a bouquet for wealthy merchants and created the five temples of mansion gods.

This sculptured Gokuchi (a kagura worshiping the gods) is thought to have been created at the request of such wealthy Nikko merchants. At the festival, there was a custom of inviting guests to worship the guardian deity in the tokonoma, displaying artworks and boasting each other.

This bookkeeping stand was introduced to the Nikko region. It is thought to be a rare float-shaped roster stand built in the late Edo period and early Meiji period.

You can see the delicate techniques of float sculptures from that time.

It was dedicated to our company after the war by a philanthropist in Nikko City.

The role of Kanda Myojin in modern times: the fusion of tradition and innovation

Kanda Myojin is still deeply rooted in people's lives even today. While keeping up with traditional festivals and events, they are also actively working on new attempts, such as collaborating with anime and games.

In particular, since it is adjacent to the electric town of Akihabara, it is highly religious from IT-related companies, and is also known as a shrine to protect IT. It is also popular as a wedding venue, with many couples pledging eternal love at Kanda Myojin.

While preserving tradition, Kanda Myojin always tries new things and continues to be a place of people's hearts in a way that suits the times. This attitude can be said to suggest the future of traditional Japanese culture.

The breath of the future: the universal value of Kanda Myojin

Kanda Myojin is not just a tourist attraction, but a living museum that condenses Japanese history, culture and faith. The spirit cultivated over its long history continues to have universal value even in modern times.

Kanda Myojin's spirit, which wishes for people's happiness and contributes to the local community, will continue to be passed down to the future, without changing. Kanda Myojin will surely continue to support Japan's spiritual culture as a bridge that connects the past, present, and the future. And it will continue to give hope and peace to those who visit.

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.