明法寺

Myōkoku-ji. A name that echoes with the whispers of history and the cries of samurai. Here in Sakai, Osaka, Myōkoku-ji stands as a silent witness to the tumultuous past. This Nichiren Buddhist temple, established in 1592 by Nichiko Shonin, has been a focal point of both tranquility and conflict throughout its existence. Myōkoku-ji’s history is etched in the very stones of its foundation. The temple has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times, a testament to its enduring spirit. It was first burned down in 1615 during the Summer War of Osaka by Toyotomi forces who believed Ieyasu Tokugawa was hiding within. Rebuilt in 1628, Myōkoku-ji tragically faced destruction once again in the fires of World War II in July 1945. The present structure, a phoenix rising from the ashes, was erected in the autumn of 1973. But Myōkoku-ji is more than just bricks and mortar. It holds within its grounds a living testament to time: a cycad tree, over 1,100 years old. Legend whispers of its journey to Azuchi Castle under the orders of Oda Nobunaga and its mysterious return to Myōkoku-ji after chilling nightly pleas and an unsettling, snake-like bleeding when cut. The tree, now a national natural monument, stands as a guardian of the temple, watched over by the god Ugatoku-ryujin, a deity with a man’s face and a serpent’s body. Myōkoku-ji’s serenity was shattered in 1868 during the Sakai Incident. French sailors, seeking sightseeing, landed at Sakai Port and caused unrest within the temple grounds. A misunderstanding escalated into violence, leading to the deaths of thirteen French sailors at the hands of Tosa samurai. In the aftermath, twenty samurai were ordered to commit seppuku as a form of reparation to France. The tragic scene unfolded in front of Myōkoku-ji, eleven samurai fulfilling their duty before the horrified French witnesses departed, halting the ritual. The remaining samurai were exiled, their lives forever marked by the incident. Myōkoku-ji remembers their sacrifice, though their remains rest at nearby Hojuin Temple. Myōkoku-ji stands today as a symbol of resilience and remembrance. It whispers tales of ancient trees, tragic sacrifices, and the enduring power of faith. It’s a place where the past intertwines with the present, inviting us to reflect on the complexities of history and the enduring spirit of this sacred space.