Volcanic island protected by the gods - Izu Oshima - ⑥ Omiya Shrine

Omiya Shrine - A giant forest with the breath of mythology, the signs of the spirits and the path to reconstruction

Omiya Shrine is enshrined in Izu Oshima as if it were embraced by the lush green land. This ancient shrine, quietly located in the Nomasu area, is not just a shrine. It is a sanctuary filled with the abyss of history and faith, which has been worshipping the ancestors of Oshima since the dawn of humans when people began to live on the island. The lush forest of giant trees marks eternal time and invites visitors into a world of silence and mystery. The origins of Omiya Shrine date back to the origin myth of the Izu Islands, and are deeply rooted in the lives and beliefs of the people on the island. However, Typhoon No. 15 in 2019 mercilessly ravaged this sacred place, causing serious damage, half-destruction of the worship hall. Still, the parishioners have not succumbed to the point of rebuilding Omiya Shrine, which has been protected since ancient times, and have begun their powerful path to reconstruction through crowdfunding. Omiya Shrine is not just a historic building, but a spiritual pillar for the people of the island, and is the source of courage to face difficulties.

1. The intersection of Omiya Shrine's origins, myths and history

The establishment of Omiya Shrine dates back to the Nomasu area, where humanity was said to have settled on Oshima for the first time. The place was once called Ajiko, and its name is engraved on the Engishiki Shinmeicho as "Ajiko Shrine." This ancient ancient world is truly a sacred place dedicated to the god of Oshima pioneering the founder of Oshima, and has been the center of the island's faith since ancient times.

The two deities enshrined at Omiya Shrine are Amaterasu Omikami and Ajiko Mikoto. Amaterasu Omikami is a supreme being in Japanese mythology and is widely known as the goddess who deified the sun. It is said that Omiya Shrine was enshrined when it was relocated to its current location in the mid-Muromachi period. It is believed that this godmoir brings national security, a wealth of harvests, and happiness for all people, and is deeply worshiped as the guardian deity of Omiya Shrine.

The other deity, Aji Komitsu, is a god deeply involved in the mythology of the Izu Islands. The ancient document "Miyakeki," which conveys the book of Genesis of the Izu Islands, describes the name of Namiuki-hime no Miyoshi, also known as the "Emperor of Namiuki," as the empress of Oshima, of Mishima Daimyojin, who is said to have created the Izu Islands. And the eldest son born between Namiuki-mimi-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-no-

As the ancestor of the development of Oshima, Aji Komei has gained enormous respect from the islanders. It is believed that this divine virtue covers a wide range of purposes, including good fortune, good harvests, safe family, and prosperity in the fishing industry, and protects the island's living foundations and brings a wealth of fertility.

2. The forest of giant trees, a sanctuary where the breath of the gods resides

The grounds of Omiya Shrine are surrounded by a lush, giant forest that is reminiscent of a primitive forest. Old trees, which are hundreds of years old, spread their branches to cover the sky, and from the approach to the shrine to the area, there are hundreds of imposing trees with a trunk circumference of over 90 cm. These giant trees have long been watching over the history of Omiya Shrine, creating a majestic and mysterious atmosphere.

Of particular note is the group of trees designated as a natural monument in December 1939. These trees are extremely valuable because of their overwhelming age, huge trunk circumference and unique shape, and are of great academic value. The giant forest of Omiya Shrine continues to fascinate many people as an irreplaceable place where you can forget the hustle and bustle of the city and feel the vitality and mystery of nature. Walking through the forest will give you a special experience, as if you could hear the breath of the gods.

3. Typhoon No. 15: The raging and trials of nature

Typhoon No. 15, which occurred in September 2019, caused a record-breaking storm on Izu Oshima, causing extensive damage. Omiya Shrine is no exception, and suffered serious damage, with the merciless rage of nature and the worship hall being partially destroyed. In particular, it was a huge shock for the people of the island that the sacred tree towering up inside the temple grounds fell down and the huge body crushed the worship hall.

As I passed through the torii gate and continued along the approach, I saw a completely different view. As construction workers gathered and the atmosphere was erupted, I looked up and saw the sacred tree cruelly fallen and the worship hall, which was underneath it, showing its merely appearance. The collapse of the sacred tree, which can be said to be a symbol of protecting Omiya Shrine for many years, has caused sorrow and shock to the point of speech.

The damage caused by the typhoon not only spread to the worship hall, but also to all parts of the temple grounds. Many trees were blown away by the strong winds, and the approach was turned into a mountain of rubble. Furthermore, the trees around the hall were forced to cut down in order to stop any further damage. Omiya Shrine, which boasts a long history, was set in an unprecedented trial in the face of the wonders of nature.

4. The light of hope: prayer for reconstruction and crowdfunding

A few days after the damage caused by the typhoon, when we visited Omiya Shrine, we saw parishioners not being overwhelmed by despair, but were able to see them moving forward with force towards reconstruction. They were dedicated to restoring the building, removing debris around the hall and sorting down fallen trees. Their expressions were filled with a strong will to face the difficulties and an unwavering determination to rebuild Omiya Shrine.

The parishioners asked me, "Please take a photo," and let me record the damage situation. About half of the sacred tree's roots are still in the ground, and at the discretion of an expert, it was preserved in its current state. I felt a slight ray of hope at the vitality of the sacred tree.

During discussions with parishioners, it was said that they would like to use crowdfunding to raise funds and repair the half-destroyed shrine. I could feel the determination to rebuild Omiya Shrine, which has been a place of the hearts of local residents for many years, at any cost.

Crowdfunding was a huge success, supported by the warm support of many people, and achieved a splendid success. The dedicated efforts of the parishioners and the prayers of those who think about Omiya Shrine have created a miracle.

5. Craft new history with the future and hope of Omiya Shrine in your heart

Currently, Omiya Shrine is steadily undergoing repairs to the shrine, based on the precious funds raised through crowdfunding. The parishioners hope that they will return to their former beautiful appearance as soon as possible and become a place of reinforcement for the local people.

The reconstruction of Omiya Shrine will not only be a rehabilitation of the building, but will also be an important step towards rebuilding the ties of the local community and connecting it to the future. Surrounded by a forest of giant trees, Omiya Shrine will continue to warmly watch over the faith and life of the island's people, and will be passed down to the future.

The story of the reconstruction of Omiya Shrine symbolizes the strength of humans who stand up to and overcome difficulties without succumbing to the wrought of nature. This story will give us courage and hope and will illuminate our path to the future.

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.