Long ago, a captivating tale began to unfold around Abe Oji Shrine. It involved emperors, epidemics, and a touch of mystical intrigue. Abe Oji Shrine, nestled in Osaka, traces its origins back to Emperor Nintoku. One theory even links its founding to the influential Abe clan, who held sway over the Abeno region. Our story leaps forward to the early Heian period. A devastating epidemic gripped the land. Emperor Junna, desperate for a solution, summoned the revered monk Kobo Daishi Kukai. He tasked him with performing a prayer ritual at Abe Oji Shrine to dispel the plague. The shrine’s importance grew further with the rise of Kumano pilgrimage. It became one of the Kumano Ninety-nine Oji Shrines, spiritual rest stops along the pilgrimage route. It was known then as Abeno Oji. Through turbulent times, including the Nanboku-cho period conflicts, Abe Oji Shrine remained a steadfast symbol of protection for Abeno. During the Edo period, it was honored as Kumano’s Second Oji. The Meiji era brought change. Renamed Oe Shrine, it later merged with Otokoyama Hachiman Shrine and became Oe Hachiman Shrine. Finally, in 1911, it reclaimed its original name, Abe Oji Shrine. The shrine’s present structures, including the pavilion and worship hall, date back to 1970. Remarkably, Abe Oji Shrine stands as the sole Oji shrine in Osaka Prefecture that remains at its original location. This makes it a living testament to centuries of spiritual devotion.
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