伊藤仁斎宅（古義堂）跡並びに書庫

Kyoto’s whispers lead us to Ito Jinsai. This unassuming monument marks the site of his home and school, the Kogido. Here, in the bustling heart of 17th-century Kyoto, Ito Jinsai, a philosopher and scholar, challenged the rigid doctrines of his time. Ito Jinsai’s residence, later known as the Kogido, became a hub for intellectual discourse. He opened his home to students from all walks of life, attracting over three thousand pupils eager to learn from his wisdom. Ito Jinsai’s teachings, known as Kogaku, or “Study of Antiquity,” emphasized a return to the classical Confucian texts. He believed that true understanding lay in direct interpretation of Confucius and Mencius, rather than the later commentaries favored by the established Zhu Xi school. The Kogido, a two-story earthen-walled building, still stands today, a testament to Jinsai’s enduring legacy. Although rebuilt in 1623, it retains its original structure. Imagine the lively debates that once echoed within these walls. Ito Jinsai, born in 1627, dedicated his life to the pursuit of knowledge and the betterment of society. He rejected the strict social hierarchy of his time, advocating for a more humanistic approach to Confucianism, one grounded in rational thought and the expression of human emotions. He even encouraged the study of poetry, a practice frowned upon by other scholars. Ito Jinsai’s son, Ito Togai, continued his father’s work, ensuring that the Kogido thrived for generations. The school remained in operation for over two centuries, finally becoming part of the public school system in 1904. The Ito Jinsai residence, now a national historic site, offers a glimpse into the life of a man who dared to challenge convention. His legacy lives on, a reminder of the power of independent thought and the importance of education for all.