Could a simple stone truly hold back a raging river? Here at the Hagami-san, also known as Ha Shrine or Tooth Shrine, the line between legend and belief blurs. The Tsunashiki Tenjinsha Matsurugi Shrine, a small shrine nestled under the Hankyu train tracks in Umeda, Osaka, holds a unique place in local lore. The Hagami-san wasn’t always known for teeth. Originally, it was an Inari shrine, dedicated to the gods of agriculture. The story goes that centuries ago, a massive flood threatened the Umeda area. People flocked to the shrine, praying to its enshrined giant stone. They begged it to stop the surging Yoda River. Miraculously, the waters receded, saving the town. From this event, the stone, and subsequently the shrine, became known as “Ha-dome,” meaning “tooth stop.” The belief emerged that the stone’s power to halt the flood also extended to halting toothaches. Now known as the Hagami-san or Tooth Shrine, people come from all over Japan seeking relief from dental pain. They rub the “nade-ishi” stone in front of the main shrine building, believing it to be a piece of the original flood-stopping giant stone. Then, they touch the aching part of their mouth. While the shrine itself is small, barely more than a torii gate and a small shrine building, its story resonates deeply. It embodies the enduring human need for comfort and healing, woven into the very fabric of this bustling city. The shrine’s annual festival, held on June 4th, highlights this connection, celebrating toothbrushes and cavity prevention. So, the next time you’re near Umeda, take a moment to visit the Hagami-san. Reflect on the story of the giant stone and the power of belief. Even if you don’t suffer from a toothache, you’ll carry with you a unique piece of Osaka’s rich tapestry of traditions.
旧守口市立下島小学校
Shimojima Elementary School’s bell echoed one last time in March 2024. This marked the end of its 49-year history. It