“Have you ever wondered about the guardians of Osaka’s past?” Right here stands the \u6a0b\u5c3b\u53e3\u5730\u8535 Stele. It marks a significant spot in Osaka’s history. This stele commemorates one of the thirteen entrance gates of the old Hirano village.
Back in the Warring States period, Hirano was a self-governing town. To protect themselves, villagers built moats around their settlements creating what was known as a “ring-moated village.” Access to the village was controlled by 13 wooden gates. Each gate had its own Jizo hall. The \u6a0b\u5c3b\u53e3 gate was one of these. It connected to the Hachioji Kyushoji Temple.
The \u6a0b\u5c3b\u53e3 gate no longer exists but the Jizo hall and its name help us locate where it once stood.
Legend says that in 1615, during the Summer Siege of Osaka, Sanada Yukimura foresaw Tokugawa Ieyasu passing through the \u6a0b\u5c3b\u53e3 gate. Sanada planted a landmine inside the Jizo hall. Ieyasu did come and rested there. But he moved slightly before the landmine exploded. It is said that the head of the Jizo statue flew off during the explosion and landed at Zenkoji Temple. Today, the headless Jizo is enshrined there. People believe it to be the head of the \u6a0b\u5c3b\u53e3 Jizo.
These gates had another role. In 1879 during a cholera outbreak, the gates were closed. This restricted the movement of people in and out of the village. The gates were removed sometime after this event.
The \u6a0b\u5c3b\u53e3\u5730\u8535 stands as a reminder of Hirano’s past. It symbolizes protection, community and resilience. Next time you pass by this stele, remember the stories it holds. Consider the people who once sought safety within these walls. Think about the legends that have grown around this sacred spot. The \u6a0b\u5c3b\u53e3\u5730\u8535 is more than just a stone. It is a gateway to Osaka’s vibrant past.