“Lost in war but found in peace” is the story of Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine. This Shinto shrine stands within Hiroshima Castle grounds. It is a place of worship for those who died in war.
Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine has a history. It started in 1868 to remember the Hiroshima Han victims of the Boshin War. Seventy-eight souls were first enshrined in the Futabanosato shrine. It was then called Mikureisha.
Over time the enshrined souls increased. It reached 92700. These included soldiers from Aki no kuni. Aki no kuni is now western Hiroshima Prefecture. They died in Japan’s wars. This included the Great East Asian War also known as World War 2 post Pearl Harbor. Around 10000 workers and volunteers also died. They were stationed in Hiroshima. They lost their lives to the A-Bomb.
In 1934 the shrine was moved. It was rebuilt and renamed Kansaishoukonsha. It moved to the west of the military parade ground. The Hiroshima Municipal Baseball Stadium was there until 2008. In 1939 its name changed. The Interior Ministry ordered it to be called Hiroshima Gokokujinja. The atomic bomb destroyed it in 1945. It was rebuilt in 1956. It is now within Hiroshima Castle. Citizens of Hiroshima donated to rebuild it. The main building is more recent. It was rebuilt in 1995. The grand stone slab approach was also added then.
Today Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine is a major shrine. It is one of the largest and most popular shrines in Hiroshima. Many people visit for Hatsumode. Hatsumode is the first shrine visit of the new year. People pray for a good year.
The shrine hosts many festivals throughout the year. These festivals attract many visitors. It is also known for its lucky carp. Hiroshima Castle’s moat has many carp. Hiroshima’s baseball team is called The Carp. The Carp players visit Gokoku Shrine. They pray for a good season. The shrine sells carp trinkets and good luck charms. There are two carp stone statues. They stand at the main structure’s ends. The statue on the right is alone. It symbolizes moving forward independently. The statue on the left has two carp. It symbolizes teamwork. It means overcoming obstacles together.
Once a year you can see a special sight. One hundred shrine maidens dance by lantern light. This happens in the forecourt of Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine. This is part of the Mantou Mitama Festival.
Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine stands as a symbol. It honors those lost in war. It also celebrates the resilience of Hiroshima. Remember this shrine as a place of remembrance and hope.