Could the story of \u56de\u5411\u9662\u522b\u9662 be etched in the heart of Tokyo itself? \u56de\u5411\u9662\u522b\u9662 is a Jodo sect temple. It was established by Tokugawa Ietsuna. He was the fourth Tokugawa shogun. It followed the devastating Great Meireki Fire. Over 100000 people tragically died in Edo in 1657. Edo is now known as Tokyo.
The temple’s foundation rests on a principle. It spreads Buddha’s teachings to all living creatures. It offers solace to all souls. It was formally named Shoshuzan Muen-ji Ekoin. Since then \u56de\u5411\u9662\u522b\u9662 has provided burials. These burials are for victims of natural disasters. They include the Ansei Great Earthquake. They include the Great Kanto Earthquake. They include the Great Tokyo Air Raids. The temple also welcomes all souls. These souls include those who drowned. They include prostitutes. They include stillborn children. They include aborted fetuses. They include those who died by execution. It even welcomes various animals.
\u56de\u5411\u9662\u522b\u9662 gained prominence. It displayed rare Buddha statues. It was also a designated sumo location. This lasted for 76 years until the end of the Meiji period. This period is often called the Ekoin Sumo period. You might meet a sumo wrestler here today. Visit the Mound of Strength. The Sumo Association built it. New sumo wrestlers still pray here for strength.
The temple also holds cultural treasures and historical remains. Explore the grave markers of Nezumi Kozo. He was a heroic robber. Discover Kanzaburo Nakamura’s memorial. He was the father of Kabuki theater. See the memorials of ukiyo-e artists Kyoden Santo and Kiyonaga Torii.
The Ichikawa branch of \u56de\u5411\u9662\u522b\u9662 is called Genko-ji. It was once in Asakusa Matsuyamacho. Now it is in Ichikawa City. It moved because of the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923.
A memorial hall was built at the temple in 2013. In 2016 it won the Good Design Award. You can still visit \u56de\u5411\u9662\u522b\u9662 today. Reflect on its history. Remember its compassion. Consider the lives it has touched.