“Whose loyal companion rests beneath this stone?” I ask, gesturing to the Shinmezuka. This tomb, tucked away in Osaka, holds the remains of Sumiyoshi Taisha’s sacred horse. There are a few tales about why this horse was so important. Let’s explore one together. Sumiyoshi Taisha’s deity, Jingū Kōgō, deeply desired a particular horse owned by a rival king during a military campaign. She requested it, but her request was refused. A loyal subject, Yano Sukune, crafted a decoy horse out of reeds. This clever ruse enabled Jingū Kōgō to obtain the coveted steed.
The Shinmezuka stands as a testament to this legendary horse. The horse served Sumiyoshi Taisha faithfully until its death. Then, the horse was laid to rest here. Both Kita-Tamatsukuri and Minami-Tamatsukuri villages once boasted stables for the divine horse. When a sacred horse died, it was buried in a Shinmezuka, a tomb specifically for these revered animals.
In more recent times, the town holds an annual “Shinme Walk” to commemorate the horse’s journey. Participants follow the path the horse once trod, led by a person pulling a wooden horse. This tradition keeps the story of the sacred horse alive. The annual procession connects Sumiyoshi Taisha to the Shinmezuka, bridging the past and the present. It’s a vibrant, living connection to the story of Jingū Kōgō and her prized steed. So, as you stand before this humble tomb, remember the tale of the reed horse, the loyal subject, and the divine steed that rests within the Shinmezuka.