How about a journey that uncovers the secrets of a temple that shaped Osaka? We are standing before Honko-ji Temple. This temple significantly influenced Osaka’s rise. It transformed the city from obscurity to the bustling metropolis it is today.
In the 16th century, Honko-ji Temple moved to Osaka. This move laid the groundwork for Osaka’s economic boom. Before this, Osaka was a small forgotten city. Emperor Nintoku had made Osaka a capital in the 6th century. But after the 8th century, it faded into insignificance.
The story begins with a monk named Rennyo. He lived in a small temple called Hongan-ji. Rennyo wanted to expand the temple’s influence. He traveled through western Japan preaching Hongan-ji’s principles. This was during the Warring States Period. People yearned for something to believe in. Rennyo quickly gained many followers due to his charisma.
In 1483, Rennyo built a new Hongan-ji temple outside Kyoto. The city prospered. A samurai feared Yamashina would overtake Kyoto. He burned the city and temple to the ground.
The monks and followers moved south to Naniwa. In 1497, they built Ishiyama Hongan-ji Temple. It was located where Osaka Castle stands today. Rennyo declared he had built a new Hongan-ji temple and called that place Osaka.
Ishiyama Hongan-ji quickly made Osaka an economic powerhouse. The temple fortified itself. It was preparing for future conflicts.
During Oda Nobunaga’s rise, Ishiyama Hongan-ji defended Osaka. Kennyo led the defense. He despised Nobunaga. Many samurai helped the monks fight against Nobunaga. Kennyo’s warrior monks became the largest opposition to Nobunaga.
The battle for Osaka lasted ten years. Kennyo and his brother Kyonyo argued over surrender. Kennyo wanted to accept defeat. Kyonyo did not.
Even after Kennyo surrendered, Kyonyo continued fighting. This split the Hongan-ji sect in two.
After Nobunaga died, Hideyoshi became shogun. He favored the Hongan-ji sect. Hideyoshi allowed them to build a new temple in Kyoto in 1591. When the Hongan-ji moved, they left a small temple for their followers in Osaka. It later became known as Kita-Mido Temple. Kennyo died the same year the temple in Kyoto was completed.
Kyonyo became the leader after Kennyo died. He ostracized Kennyo’s followers. Kennyo’s wife contacted Hideyoshi. She insisted her son Shonyo should lead the Hongan-ji faith. Hideyoshi agreed. He made Shonyo head priest of the Hongan-ji temple in Kyoto. Hideyoshi banished Kyonyo to Osaka. Kyonyo worked to gain followers in Osaka. Eventually, Kyonyo created Otani-Hongan-ji. This is also known as Minami-Mido Temple in 1595.
Tokugawa Ieyasu allowed Kyonyo to build a new temple in Kyoto. He built this temple near Shonyo’s Hongan-ji temple. Kyonyo’s new temple called itself Higashi Hongan-ji. People started calling the original Hongan-ji temple Nishi Hongan-ji. After Kyonyo died, Higashi-Hongan-ji declared they were a new sect called Otani. They were no longer part of the Hongan-ji sect.
These groups still have significant financial power. The Hongan-ji were essential in shaping Osaka. They helped Osaka rise from obscurity. It became the second-largest city in Japan. The temples we see today hold a rich and complex history. It is a history sometimes hidden in plain sight.