2025.04.09

Taira Shomon, the guardian god of Tokyo ~ An unparalleled and powerful "yin" power spot ~ (2)

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In the heart of Tokyo, there is a spot that is known to inspire awe for many. That is Kanda Myojin, which enshrines Heishomon. Shomon is a legendary warlord in Japan history, and it has been said that his spiritual power sometimes brings stability and sometimes causes anxiety. In particular, this shrine is popular as a "yin" power spot and a place that makes visitors feel a special energy.

Surrounded by many urban legends, Kanda Myojin is more than just a historical site. In contrast to the surrounding downtown area, tranquility and ancient power are concentrated here. In a place where the regrets and wishes of Shomon, who was imprisoned in history, swirl, what do many worshippers come for?

In this article, we will delve into the reasons for its mystical powers and the significance of Kanda Myojin in modern times. Read on to experience the charm of this special place.

Article Contents

Shomonzuka, a sanctuary of another dimension sleeping in the center of the economy
- Tranquility and intense power, Shuzuka with two faces
  - Reading from the Shomon Chronicle and Historical Sources, the Magnificent Footprints of Lord Shomon
  - Lord Shomon, who saved the heroes and people of the Kanto region and pursued his ideals

Shomonzuka, a sanctuary of another dimension sleeping in the center of the economy

Otemachi, the center of Tokyo. In this place, which can be said to be the heart of Japan's economy with a forest of skyscrapers, "Shomonzuka" is a space that quietly fills with tranquility. The Yomiuri Shimbun's Tokyo headquarters, the majesty of megabanks, and the Keidanren Kaikan, which represents the business world, are located at the forefront of economic activities, but only one corner of it seems to have been cut out, forming a heterogeneous space surrounded by greenery.

From the outside, it looks like an oasis of temporary tranquility that will make you forget the hustle and bustle of the city. However, Shomonzuka is not just a place of relaxation. Every year on September 22nd, the silence of this place is broken, and executives of large companies based in the surrounding area gather for a solemn memorial service. This is nothing less than proof that Shomonzuka is a place that has been revered by people as a shrine deity since the Heian period.

Tranquility and intense power, Shuzuka with two faces

At first glance, you can feel the depth of history, but there is not the slightest hint of frightening atmosphere. However, the moment you step in, you will feel a distinct change in the atmosphere. It is a space full of pure and delicate qi, and it is truly a sanctuary. Your heart suddenly becomes lighter, and you will be enveloped in a strange sensation, as if your whole body has been cleansed.

There is no shortage of visitors, and many of them are seen quietly joining hands and walking away quickly. From the appearance, it can be seen that there are many regular worshippers who cherish this place on a daily basis. When you stand in front of the neck mound, you will naturally feel your head bow for no reason.

And from the neck mound that sits quietly behind the stone monument that towers in front of you, you can feel a powerful power that cannot be expressed in words. It's like a powerful magnet, full of overwhelming energy, as if you're being strongly drawn to it.

However, it is still said that if you visit Shuzuka with a disrespectful feeling, you will have an unimaginably terrifying experience. Why does this happen in a space with such a pure and serene air? In order to unravel this mystery, let's look back at the history of Taira Shomon and unravel the history of how Shomon Mound was built.

A legendary warlord descended from Emperor Taira Shomon and Emperor Kammu

(Yoshitoshi Tsukioka ≪Yoshitoshi Sagami Jiro Heishomon ≫)

Taira Shomon was a warlord who was active in the middle of the Heian period, and his name was made about 180 years ago, long before Taira Kiyomori, who was active in the Genpei War. Speaking of the Heike family, many people may think of Taira Kiyomori. However, if you trace the bloodline of Prince Shomon, you can see that he comes from a venerable family that draws the blood of the Emperor.

Reading from the Shomon Chronicle and Historical Sources, the Magnificent Footprints of Lord Shomon

One of the valuable historical documents that is indispensable for learning about the Taira Shomon is the "Shomon Ki". Let's carefully decipher this historical document and follow in the footsteps of Lord Shomon.

(50th Emperor Kammu)

In the middle of the Heian period, the "regency politics" in which the Fujiwara clan seized the real power of the imperial court flourished, and a gorgeous national culture flourished around Heian-kyo. However, in the countryside far from the capital, a new power called the "samurai" was emerging, and bloody wars were constantly waging in various places.

This was before the Genji and Taira clans, two forces that would later become famous as the samurai clans, had yet to appear on the front stage of history. There were two lineages of the Genji clan: the "Seiwa Genji" descended from Emperor Seiwa, and the Heike clan had the "Kammu Taira clan" descended from Emperor Kammu.

The Kammu clan is a branch of the family descended from Prince Kazuhara, the third prince of Emperor Kammu, and the son of Prince Kazuhara, King Takabo, lays the foundation for the Kammuhei clan as a samurai. And the grandson of the King of High Hope is none other than Taira Shomon.

In other words, Prince Shomon was a noble person with imperial blood. His father, Taira Yoshimochi, held the highest honorary position for samurai at the time, the Mutsu Chinshufu Shogun.

However, the relationship between his uncle Taira Kane and Shomon gradually deteriorates and eventually develops into a war. In addition, he is lured by Maki Taira and forced to fight against forces such as Hirakunika and Gengo. It is said that the cause of this was that the uncles arbitrarily stole a part of the land inherited from their father.

Lord Shomon is a man of exceptional valor and has won stunning victories in numerous battles. His valiant fighting style quickly became a talking point among the people and made his name widely known.

Lord Shomon, who saved the heroes and people of the Kanto region and pursued his ideals

About 1,000 years ago, when the Fujiwara clan was in power, the Kanto region was called "Azumaebisu" and was despised by the people of the capital. Despite being their own land, they were not allowed to conduct politics and were always under the control of the imperial court.

However, the samurai living in the Kanto region had excellent fighting skills and had strong dissatisfaction with the central government. In the midst of all this, Taira Shomon, a wealthy clan from Shimoso (present-day Chiba Prefecture), finally rises up. With the help of samurai who were dissatisfied with the central government, Shomon succeeded in seizing Hitachi, Ueno, and Shimono and seizing control of the entire eastern province.

It is said that Lord Shomon was a very democratic person. As proof of this, it is said that he sincerely listened to the voices of the people under his control and tried to reflect them in politics.

He also receives an amazing oracle from a priestess. It is said that the messenger of Hachiman Daibodhisattva, the incarnation of Emperor Ōjin, will bestow the title of the new emperor on Shomon, and that title will be given by the intermediary of the spirit of Sugawara Michigen.

Sugawara Michima was a tragic figure who, despite rising to the important position of Right Minister, was transferred to Dazaifu in Kyushu due to the machinations of his political opponents and died in despair. It is said that after his death, he became a ghost and shook the imperial court.

(Michima Sugawara)

In place of Sugawara Michima, in order to clear his grudge against the Imperial Court, he conferred the title of the new emperor on Prince Shomon.

Coincidentally, the year 903, when Lord Shomon was born, was the year that Michishin died. Therefore, he was told that Lord Shomon was the reincarnation of Lord Dōshin. When the court learned of this oracle, they must have been terrified.

However, there is no way that the Imperial Court will silently overlook Prince Shomon, who calls himself the new Emperor "New Emperor" in place of the Emperor.

Therefore, the imperial court will do everything possible to try to suppress the Prince of Shomon. Leading temples and shrines throughout the country, such as Usa Hachimangu Shrine in Kyushu, Todaiji Temple in Nara, Daigoji Temple in Kyoto, Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine in Osaka, and Shinshoji Temple in Chiba, are ordered to pray for the Shomon Prince. He tried to use spiritual methods to subdue Lord Shomon.

The Emperor, as well as officials of the Imperial Court, monks, and priests, prayed to the gods and Buddhas. In addition, they threw a bill with Shomon's name on it into the flames and hung the doll on a tree, a horrific spell to destroy the Prince of Shomon.

At the same time, the Imperial Court assembles a suppression army and gives the order to defeat Shomon. The subjugating army is appointed by samurai from the same eastern country, Taira Sadamori and Fujiwara Hidesato.

In 940, Lord Shomon was finally defeated by Fujiwara Hidesato. An arrow fired by the imperial army pierced one of the eyes of Lord Shomon, and when he fell from his horse, he was beheaded by Fujiwara Hidesato. It was only two months after Taira Shomon had proclaimed himself the new emperor.

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