Settsu 33 Kannon Pilgrimage in My Order (2)

 Settsu 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #31 Choho-ji Temple

     Choho-ji Temple was founded at the beginning of the 9th century by Sakanoue Haruko (?-834), who was a daughter of Tamuramaro.

     Aji came to Japan around the 4th century with his son, Doga, and people of 7 local communities presumably from the Korean Peninsula, or through the peninsula.  They settled in Imaki County, Yamato Province, or where they settled was named Imaki, namely Newcomer.  Their offspring migrated to Settsu, Mikawa, Omi, Harima, and Awa Provinces.  They later spread to Mino, Echizen, Bicchu, Suo, Sanuki, Ise, Kai, Kawachi, Tamba, Mimasaka, Bizen, Hizen, and Bungo Provinces.  They first called themselves Yamatonoaya, but their offspring came to be called by the place name where they lived.  Those who lived in Sakanoue, Soekami County, Yamato Province, became the Sakanoue Family.

     Sakanoue Koma (?-592) assassinated Emperor Hatsusebe (553-592) under the order of Soga Umako (?-626), who killed Koma to silence him.  His son was Uzuka, whose son was Kubina, whose son was Okina (?-699).

     Sakanoue Kunimaro accompanied Prince Takechi (654-696) in Omi Province when the Jinshin War broke out in 672.  Kunimaro helped the prince's evacuation to Ise Province.  Later, Kunimaro persuaded his relatives, Kumake and Okina, who were the leaders of the garrison based in Asuka, to come over to his side.

     Okina's son was Okuni, whose son was Inukai (682-765), whose son was Karitamaro (728-786), who had a son who became the biggest historic figure among the Sakanoue Family, Tamuramaro  (758-811).

     In 791, Tamuramaro was dispatched to the eastern provinces to prepare for the war against the aliens in the northeastern part of Honshu Island.  In 794, he invaded the region, with the military successes of beheading 457 and taking 150 captive.  During the war, he recognized Vaisravana and Ksitigarbha as effective.  It is unknown where he met the two.  In or around the capital?  In the eastern provinces on his way to the northeastern region?  For example, in Musashi Province?  Or in the northeastern region itself?

     In 801, Tamuramaro invaded the northeastern region again.  When Tamuramaro brought back two enemy chiefs, Aterui and More, to the capital in 802, the two were killed against Tamuramaro’s intention to have them keep working in a unified Japan as chiefs in the northeastern region.

     One of Tamuramaro's sons, Hirono (787-828), developed and owned the Hirano Manor in Settsu Province.  One of Tamuramaro's daughters, Haruko (?-834), married Emperor Kanmu (737-806).  After Kanmu's death, she counted on Hirono, lived in the Hirano Manor, and founded Choho-ji Temple.

     After this, that, and others, Yukimatsu inherited the manor.  His offspring lived in the manor, keeping relations with aristocrats in Kyoto by marriage.  The Sakanoue Family in Hirano came to have 7 branch families, who supported the autonomy of Hirano in the medieval days.  After the Meiji Restoration, some of them, including the head family, moved to Tokyo, but the others still live in Hirano, supporting Choho-ji Temple.

Address: 3 Chome-4-23 Hirano Honmachi, Hirano Ward, Osaka, 547-0044

Phone: 06-6791-4416

      After Choho-ji Temple, I visited Oyosami Shrine, one of the oldest in Osaka.

      My car navigation system misled me into crooked and narrow streets.  I wondered if I was driving in the Metropolis of Osaka.  The system abandoned me in one of the most crooked and narrowest streets, leaving me at a loss.  I walked out of my car and realized.  The system didn't lie to me.  I found the approach to the shrine lined with cherry trees on a fine spring day.  I walked through 2 torii gateways and an old-fashioned gate, as well as through the tunnel of cherry blossoms.  Its precincts themselves were compact, with its chief priest sweeping up fallen leaves.  I found a modern parking area on the other side of the shrine.  If the system hadn't misled me, I wouldn't have walked through the approach, and my impression on the shrine could have been completely different.  When you visit the shrine, you should use an old-fashioned navigation system.

Oyosami Shrine

Address: 2 Chome-18-16 Niwai, Sumiyoshi Ward, Osaka, 558-0012

Phone: 06-6691-3315